Biography Of Elder Mrs Chinyere Margaret Ukeagu(Mama Connak)April 25, 1948 – March 3, 2025 (Aged 76)

Elder Mrs. Chinyere Margaret Ukeagu, née Onyemutara, passed on peacefully to eternal glory on the 3rd of March 2025, at the age of 76. Her life was marked by dedication, service, empathy, and a commitment to helping others- a testament to an undying selfless spirit.

She was born on April 25, 1948, to the family of Late Mr. Obed and Mrs. Elizabeth Onyemutara in Umunkaru Alike, a serene community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. She was one of five children and spent part of her early years in Bukuru, Jos Plateau State, where her parents had relocated in the 1960s for work and community engagement. Her childhood was marked by warmth, resilience, and a close bond with her siblings, particularly her immediate younger brother, Young Onyemutara, with whom she later returned to their hometown.

Her academic journey started at Orieamaenyi Primary School. Here, even at a young age she excelled, depicting uncommon brilliance and dedication that set her apart from others. She would later marry Elder Samuel Odikenmere Ukeagu and relocate to Takoradi, Ghana, where she pursued higher education with exceptional focus. Graduating with flying colours was a true reflection of her academic excellence and determination
While in Ghana, she had her first child, Dr. Kenneth Nnamdi Ukeagu, who serves as the INEC National Commissioner representing the South East Geo political zone and is also the Founder of CONNAK FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through entrepreneurship, education, and social impact initiatives.

Elder Chinyere Margaret returned to Nigeria and joined the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), one of Nigeria’s newly established parastatals at the time. She served diligently, rising in ranks until her retirement in 2011. Her work ethic, humility, and motherly nature earned her respect from colleagues and superiors.

She had more children, each of whom continues her values and vision:

❖ Mrs. Carole Emeka-Sunday, her only daughter, is the CEO of CONNAK FOUNDATION and the Executive Director of Sailors Pride School in Port Harcourt.

❖ Barrister Temple Chidiebere Ukeagu, the second son, is a legal practitioner and an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

❖ Mr. Charles Ifeanyichukwu Ukeagu, her last son, is a Maritime specialist serving with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

After her retirement, Elder Chinyere Margaret devoted herself wholly to God and humanity. She confided to many close to her that it was during prayer that she received divine instruction to invest her entire gratuity towards supporting the lives of widows in her community. With some guidance from His Royal Majesty Late Eze Odizuru Utah (the king of Egwu-Ukwu Afugiri autonomous community at the time) and the women leadership of the community, she began a yearly interest-free loan scheme for widows. The funds were rotated among new groups annually. This was indeed the vision that would later inspire the establishment of CONNAK FOUNDATION.

The Foundation provides full scholarships to over 600 students (in secondary and tertiary institutions) nationwide, has trained over 22,000 people in entrepreneurship, and has offered supportive and empowering grants to many trainees as seed money for new businesses or boosting existing business ventures. Partnering with international organizations and Nigerian hospitals, the foundation`s medical outreaches have benefited over 10,000 individuals, including about 500 surgeries like restorative eye care, and provision of prescription glasses, wheelchairs, crutches, and general medicine for common ailments and disease conditions
The Foundation, through its 9-month ICT training program, has equipped over 1,500 youths with relevant digital skills in areas such as Product Design, Web and Mobile App Development, Data Science, and other emerging software and hardware technologies.

Beneficiaries of the ICT program have also received several valuable start-up kits, including laptops, printers, and essential tools all geared towards assuring a sense of empowerment.
Connak Foundation, spurred on by the simple vision of Elder Chinyere Ukeagu’s gratuity, has provided infrastructure like boreholes and solar streetlights for community development. Today the foundation is on an international pedestal with non-profit registration status in the USA and Canada and further expansive plans for Germany and United Kingdom. These significant milestones remain a true reflection of Mama Connak`s vision.

The tireless advocate for humanity that she was, Elder Chinyere spent over a decade distributing food items, clothing and other essentials to widows, orphans, and the less privileged in her community. Her generosity and benevolence were extended to Living Faith Church, Port Harcourt, where she was loved for her service and kindness. She anticipated and met several needs without being asked.

Her heart was as vast as the ocean. Her strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith shaped not only her children but everyone who had the blessing of encountering her.
Mama, Nneoma, Matriarch, Giver, Encourager, Intercessor.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, humility, faith, and radical generosity. Her memory is deeply cherished by her children, grandchildren, in-laws, her two remaining Sisters (Mrs Oluchi Emmanuel-Diala and Mgbechi Obasi- Ndukwe), extended family, church family, and countless friends and well-wishers.

Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life well-lived—a life poured out in service to God and mankind.
Adieu, Nneoma m.

Till we meet at the feet of Jesus.

Dr. Kenneth Nnamdi Ukeagu
On behalf of the family