Elder Mrs. Chinyere Margaret Ukeagu, fondly called Mama Connak, is highly revered to be the inspiration behind the Connak Foundation.
Her acts of service and dedication to the underserved within her local community were the bedrock upon which the organization was built, and her impact resonates deeply in every life the foundation touches.
Until her passing, Mama Connak was a significant part of the Foundation, and also a member of the Board of Trustees; a champion for women empowerment and community development. She remained a steadfast supporter, actively involved in the foundation’s outreaches and continuously inspiring positive social change.
The Connak Foundation’s extensive work across various thematic areas stands as a powerful testament to Mama Connak’s foundational influence. In the area of Human Capital Development, the scholarship program, which began with just nine beneficiaries in 2012, has grown to support over 600 students nationwide, breaking cycles of poverty through access to education and essential resources. The Digital Skills Training Program, launched in 2017, has equipped over 1500 youths, with a significant focus on empowering young women in technology. The Entrepreneurship Development program (COFEI) has trained over 22,000 youths and provided upto $250,000 grants to numerous businesses, igniting entrepreneurial spirit and fostering economic growth.
These initiatives, empowering individuals and communities, are a direct reflection of Mama Connak’s passion for creating opportunities.
The Foundation’s humanitarian action and advocacy efforts has provided basic infrastructures like borehole installations, road rehabilitation, and solar street electrification, projects which underscore a commitment to sustainable development in vulnerable communities.
Mama Connak was actively involved in capacity building at the grassroot level, and ensured that the foundation initiatives addressed pressing needs of vulnerable communities.
The Health Services provided by the Connak Foundation through free medical outreaches are a poignant embodiment of Mama Connak’s compassionate spirit. For eight years, these outreaches have delivered vital medical and surgical services to thousands, particularly women and youth, in rural communities. With over 10,000 beneficiaries of healthcare initiatives, the impact is undeniable, bringing healing, restoring dignity, and improving the quality of life for those most in need.
Mama Connak’s presence and support at these outreaches were invaluable, demonstrating her deep care for the health and well-being of the community.
Mama Connak’s vision and relentless efforts are woven into the very fabric of the Connak Foundation’s mission to provide humanitarian support, build capacity, and improve health outcomes. Her legacy is not just in the programs established or the numbers reached, but in the hope ignited, the lives transformed, and the empowered communities that continue to thrive because of her initial inspiration and continuous dedication.
She was a significant and indispensable part of the Connak Foundation’s journey, and her spirit will forever guide its path.
