The Chijioke Ugwueze Memorial Foundation (CUMEF) has celebrated five years of humanitarian service with a renewed commitment to expanding its life-changing interventions, as the Enugu State Government pledged stronger collaboration to deepen the foundation’s impact on education, youth empowerment and community development.
At the fifth anniversary celebration held on July 31, 2026, in Enugu, the state government commended the foundation for transforming lives through scholarships, vocational training, healthcare support and humanitarian interventions, while urging more individuals and organisations to emulate its example.
Representing Governor Peter Mbah, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described the foundation’s vision as one that aligns with the administration’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive society through human capital development.
He praised the late Hon. Chijioke Ugwueze for leaving behind a legacy that continues to uplift lives through the foundation established in his honour.
“You taught people how to fish instead of merely giving them fish,” Onyia said while commending the Ugwueze family for sustaining the humanitarian vision.
He assured the foundation of continued government partnership, adding that the state would encourage development partners to support its programmes and expand their reach across communities.
Onyia also urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate the foundation’s example, noting that such interventions would accelerate Enugu State’s development.
Chairman of CUMEF’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Samuel Chijioke Ugwu, said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on five years of service, compassion and empowerment inspired by the humanitarian ideals of the late Ugwueze.
According to him, the foundation, established in 2021, has remained committed to preserving the late philanthropist’s legacy by promoting education, economic empowerment, healthcare, social welfare and community development.
“Our programmes are carefully designed to respond to the genuine needs of the communities,” Ugwu said.
“Our scholarship and educational support programmes are guided by a merit-based selection process that is free from political influence or favouritism. We firmly believe that every deserving child should have equal access to opportunities regardless of family background or personal connections.”
Highlighting the foundation’s achievements, Ugwu disclosed that CUMEF has awarded four-year university scholarships to 14 students, empowered 11 widows with business grants, trained and equipped 11 youths with vocational skills, sponsored examination fees for 44 secondary school students, provided mobility support to persons with disabilities, and distributed food, cash and relief materials to more than 260 widows and vulnerable women.
He added that the foundation had also funded medical treatments for indigent persons and organised community football tournaments to promote peace and youth engagement.
“As we celebrate this fifth anniversary, we are delighted to witness the graduation of our pioneer scholarship beneficiaries—a historic milestone that affirms the long-term impact of our investment in education and human capital development.
“This achievement strengthens our conviction that every opportunity given to a deserving child has the potential to transform families, communities and future generations,” he stated.
Ugwu revealed that the foundation plans to expand beyond Isi-Uzo Local Government Area into other parts of Enugu State and the South-East through strategic partnerships and increased investments in education, healthcare, women and youth empowerment.
Founder and President of the foundation, Dr. Mrs. Catherine Amaka Ugwueze, said CUMEF was born out of the family’s determination to ensure that the compassion and generosity of her late husband did not end with his passing.
“Five years ago, we chose to ensure that the compassion of Late Hon. Chief Leonard Chijioke Ugwueze would not end with his passing. Through CUMEF, his belief in education, dignity and opportunity continues to touch lives,” she said.
She disclosed that the Ugwueze family and LEOMAKZ Company have invested over ₦50 million in the foundation’s programmes over the last five years.
“Our current programme records show meaningful progress: more than fifty million naira invested from family resources; fourteen university scholars; forty-four students supported for major examinations; twenty-two young people trained or currently in vocational training; and more than two hundred and sixty widows and vulnerable people reached through recurring support.
“Behind every number is a person, a family and a future,” she said.
While reaffirming education as the foundation’s flagship intervention, Ugwueze noted that CUMEF had also supported vocational training, healthcare assistance, disability inclusion and community peace initiatives.
“For five years, the Ugwueze family and LEOMAKZ have carried the financial responsibility for CUMEF’s programmes. We are proud of that commitment. But if CUMEF is to reach more people sustainably, the next chapter cannot depend on one family alone.
“It must be built through credible systems, transparent reporting and responsible partnerships,” she said.
Calling for broader collaboration, she urged governments, development partners, corporate organisations and philanthropists to join the foundation in expanding opportunities for vulnerable Nigerians.
“We are not asking only for donations. We are asking for relationships that bring resources, knowledge, accountability and opportunity. Together, we can transform more lives than any one family or organisation can reach,” she added.
Chairman of the occasion and former speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, described the late Ugwueze as a humanitarian whose vision continues to flourish through the foundation’s work.
He commended Mrs. Ugwueze for sustaining the initiative, noting that CUMEF has already produced its pioneer graduates while empowering many others with vocational skills.
Ubosi appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to support the foundation financially to enable it to reach more vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Malachy Sopuruchukwu said the scholarship changed the trajectory of his life by enabling him to pursue a university education despite his family’s financial challenges.
“It couldn’t have been easy going through an undergraduate programme without a scholarship. I had always wanted to go to the university, but because of my family’s economic situation, it was difficult. However, CUMEF came through for me, making the journey easier and reducing the burden on both me and my family,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Chukwuoma Goodness Ukamaka, described the foundation as the reason her dream of obtaining a university education became a reality.
“I feel very happy and excited because my university journey became much less stressful through the support of the foundation. They made my dream of getting a university education come true.
“I promise that after I graduate and secure a good job, I will also contribute to the foundation so that it can continue supporting other students, just as it supported me,” she said.
