ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our Parents, Barr and Mrs JUNI Menakaya . We will remember them forever.

April 17, 2022
April 17, 2022
The Center for SDG Global Education USA, the Bar JUNI and Irene Menakaya Foundation Intl, MACBAN Arts and other partners aim to bring this call to a global discussion and international attention, through a day conference and gala dinner, titled “Think Tank for Rebranding Education in Community Classroom for the New Normal”, with a focus on the following themes:
Community Education and Curriculum in Post COVID19 era
Teachers’ conscience and the Decade of Action on SDG 4 and Targets
Digital Education and Technology
Infrastructure for quality education in community schools
Funding for sustainable quality and inclusive community education

As the global community remains uncertain about the full prognosis of the COVID19 pandemic, the emerging challenge becomes how to produce quality and inclusive education, embracing cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning in the growing trend of the New Normal in schools. And, increasingly, stakeholders in education across the world have continued to draw attention to the immense value of education in families and communities, in national development; and, in particular, in the United Nations Decade of Action.

Given the above, this conference is intended to serve as a wake-up call aimed at making global education systems more resilient to crises, and more inclusive, flexible, and sustainable to innovation, and to expansion of new frontiers and learning possibilities. The conference specifically aims to explore how teachers may bring willingness to ensure learning steadiness. The conference will also champion lifelong learning across community classroom to bridge the gap between teaching, learning and knowledge, thus accelerating the implementation of SDG-4 and Target's progress in community classrooms.

The Gala Dinner will bring stakeholders in education to recognition and to sharing forum on “Inclusive Solution for Sustainable Education in Community”. The shared forum will be supported with launch of RURAL+ and “My Child is My Pride” book signing.
June 9, 2020
June 9, 2020
COVID: 19 CONFERENCES
Theme: AFTER LOCKDOWN PREPAREDNESS
As governments around the world take urgent action to save lives, protect livelihoods from the COVID-19 pandemic, and plan to call off the Lock Down, our organizations and partners have stepped up to this challenge by planning a free online conference education on "COVID-19:After Lock-Down Preparedness". The conference aim is to enact action on setting the pace for community sustainability and healthy living preparedness on after COVID-19 Lock-Down.

The purpose is to create content for community education, erase emerging self-stigma or negative emotional health and build healthy confidence in the minds of people while strengthening economic and human healthy living. The goal is to ensure that as the world leaders call off the global Lock-Down, efforts could be made to ensure adequate measures are taken through education and public knowledge that things are in place for personal, family, community and societal sustainability.

The Objective is to prepare people on;
Overall education about COVID-19
Strategy to overcome impending psychology and emotional health
Knowledge about "After Lock-down preparedness and Sustainability
Adjusting to economic growth and development
Management and prevention of COVID-19
Women and Children Carefulness
Role of community stakeholders and civil Society Organizations

The outcome will provide guidance to continued work by community service organizations on their mission to healthy humanity with respect to COVID-19 control, prevention and management. The outcome will further help our organizations to devise more responsive and resilient health management, care and prevention interventions to maintain the current health crisis and mitigate the long-term health and economic impact on humanity

Program:
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE EDUCATION

Panel Discussion: AFTER LOCKDOWN PREPAREDNESS
ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT
Adjustment to ECONOMIC Priorities
Education Adjustment

MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION:
Outreach and Communication
Psychological Issues and Mental Health

WOMEN AND CHILDREN CAREFULNESS
Migrant women and children
Expectant and nursing mothers
Rural Women and Girls
Women and Girls

ROLE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS: Best Practices for Nonprofit Workplace
Cultural Best Practices
Community Practices
October 21, 2019
October 21, 2019
Aunty and Uncle,
I have missed you for 20 years. I still remember the days of your life - you were very fond of my Parents Dr. and Mrs. E.O. Nwankwo - the advise you gave us (their children) were second to none. Aunty, I remembered back in the days when I was in All Saints Nursery School Onitsha, where the foundation of my education was laid- You were the Head mistress then and the school was a subject of envy to every other school in the defunct East Central state and the first of it's kind in Onitsha region (that was when Education was at it's climax in our country Nigeria). You made sure I got the needed foundation - I will not forget you. I always remember the song we sang those days -

Roses of the Nursery, Roses of the Nursery
Are there Mrs. Menakaya , are there Mrs. Menakaya,
Your Children are Calling , Your children are singing
Our love for you shall never ever die (Twice)

As I sang it now tears rolled down my cheek. There is no service to humanity that ever goes unrewarded. That's why your Children are the Subject matter experts in all there discipline today. They shall continue to excel beyond all your imaginations.

Barr. JUNI was a seasoned disciplinarian that the Nigerian Society at large never appreciated. Outside his Legal practice, he served as the Chairman of then old Anambra Local Government Area (Anambra East and west, Oyi , etc. LGAs) . He tried to make the people appreciate their native culture which was fast eroding but they did not understand. I remember him telling me how he visited some of the Traditional rulers and the discussion he had with them then. The traditional rulers of the LGA understood that he meant well but not the average Nigerian politician then.

August 8, 2019
August 8, 2019

It's 20 years now our lovely parents passed away, as the last child I remember vividly how my Dad and Mum worked tirelessly to give us a good future despite the challenges they faced. Today out of 7 children you gave future to 1 academic doctor, 1 lawyer, 3 medical doctors, 2 engineers. I always remember your saying WHATEVER YOU DO KEEP YOUR HANDS STRAIGHT AND PUT OTHERS INTO CONSIDERATION. It is painful and saddening that you are not around to see the fruit of your labor. Dad, Mum we know you are above looking and you are proud of us.
Thank you for all your works in us.
WE MISS YOU DAD, MUM, FOREVER YOU WILL REMAIN WITH US AND YOU ARE RESTING PEACEFULLY AT THE BOSOM OF ALMIGHTY GOD
August 5, 2019
August 5, 2019
Tribute to Late Bar & MRS. JUNI Menakaya

Growing up, we kind of took it for granted the wise counsel of our parents. They always insisted we did things excellently and never gave us room to be comfortable with mediocrity. They already knew where we were good so their focus was on polishing the rough side of us to make us shine brighter.

With my sister and friend Chinelo who happened to be the last daughter of JUNI Menakaya, we usually discussed how strict our parents were with us. They were too demanding, we thought. Notwithstanding, Chinelo would keep her visit to my place at Onitsha very brief, just to get home early before ‘the old man’ begin dey hala. Such was the character of late Bar. YUNI Menakaya. Principled, strict and focused on family.

Today we look back with mixed feelings but great appreciation to you Mum & Dad for the great lessons and discipline imbibed in us. Of course we are more polished and better formed for it.

Thanks to Mrs Menakaya; who truly knew how to harness the strong character of her husband. With a dint of hardwork and optimism, she combined the home and ran her school with the passion of an excellent educationist in spite of every challenge, thereby leaving such great impression not only on her children but upon us too who constituted her adopted children while she was alive.

Indeed your death was a big blow, yet left my friend Chinelo with courage to grow up fast and move on. And surely, your light must be authentic that it shone even brighter in your absence thus radiating through your children to build for the world some of the finest professionals of our time.

Adieu Bar. JUNI and Mummy Menakaya the great educationist. I pray we meet again to beautiful smiles and hugs.
July 23, 2019
July 23, 2019
"Your memory is my keepsake
with which I’ll never part
God has you in His keeping
I have you in my heart."

Sleep on, Chioma
July 4, 2019
July 4, 2019
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. May your soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Chief/Chief Mrs. Ashamole
June 30, 2019
June 30, 2019
I join my friend and sister Chinelo Emodoh in celebration and remembrance of her parents who joined the Lord many years ago. May they continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
June 19, 2019
June 19, 2019
I am happy this opportunity to remember both of you is happening in my life time. Where do I start from...Even as a little baby that I was,I still remember how caring & hospitable both of you were.. we lived a step away from yours but your home was my home...Aunty Irene was my second mom, I rode to&fro everyday with her to International Nursery School (her own school) till I graduated... I had extra lunch packed from her....my after school hours were spent at her house because my parents were both in medical field& usually closed late...I could go on&on..... you both were so disciplined to the core. I will NEVER forget you both. my gratitude can NEVER be enough.. I thankGo d for the existence of you but hoped you were still here today.. Continue to Rest In Peace. Gentle souls.
June 18, 2019
June 18, 2019
Barr and Mrs Juni Menakaya continue to rest in the Lord where we will all be at the appointed time. Your Legacy lives on in the lives of all those you touched directly or indirectly especially your Children .To my dear Sister In love,Nelo I see the family values your parents instilled in you all the time and how you live by them, caring for your family,in-laws,friends, colleagues and anyone
that crosses your path.Be rest assured that your wonderful parents are smiling down on you and your siblings as you continue to carry on their legacy.
Rest on Barr and Mrs Menakaya
From Mr&Mrs Ihedioha
June 14, 2019
June 14, 2019
Salute to the world’s most loving parents. You were our greatest assets and treasures growing up because you gave what no other could. You taught us patience, sacrifice and peace even for those of us at a distance as we watched from the outside looking in. Most of all, you demonstrated your love for us all your birthed and adopted children not by what you said – but by what you showed. I'm honored to pay this tribute to you, great parents for your wisdom, guidance and all the good steps you have left behind for us to follow.
June 11, 2019
June 11, 2019
Ada nnam, Ada Ilozue,Ada ejiejemba,Ada Ogbunike, Okwulu oka,Nekwu Ada, My father's favorite baby sister, my favorite Auntie Irene. You were an epitome of what a sister should be. You were there for us all and loved with your whole heart.
I still remember the day we got the message of your death. Papa cried like I have never seen him cry before. That night I saw you in my dream, dressed in elegant royal blue dress, going somewhere. No cane, no limp, walking along a part ,just beautiful and perfect. We rejoice that you are pain free. Perfected with your glorified body and resting with christ your savior.
Auntie and Uncle your love is memorable. You loved so much that one can not leave without the other. What a wonderful example of true love and true marriage. Thanks for all the wonderful memories. Rest in peace till we meet again on the last day.
Love you always.
Ebele Ilozue Unachukwu
June 2, 2019
June 2, 2019
You will always be remembered because there will never be another to replace you in our hearts and the love we always have for both of you. Continue to rest on Barr and Mrs Menakaya.
May 31, 2019
May 31, 2019
TRIBUTE TO BARR. AND MRS. JUNI MENAKAYA
Daddy Juni and mummy Irene, your death is a story that we don't want to talk about. But I know you two are resting in the lord.                        
The children you raised and taught are doing well in the society today. Your zeal made people to become what they are.

Farewell mummy and daddy.
                                   Okosi Grace. A.
                                   Beautiful class
May 31, 2019
May 31, 2019
TRIBUTE TO THE PROPRIETOR OF IRENE MENAKAYA BARR/MRS JUNI     MENAKAYA
You were a generous and kind hearted couple that never allowed anyone close to you carry a cross alone. You taught the importance of one drawing close to GOD and holding unto Him which gave many pillars to stand.
YOU lived a good life worthy of emulation while on earth. Many children and adult that pass through Irene Menakaya school are still enjoying your inner thought of raising world changers and nation builders.
We will never forget you. We really miss you, especially, the wisdom in your advice.
  Live on,Barr. AND MRS. JUNI MENAKAYA.
  Fare well
  Wonderful Couple
                                   AYITU MARIA
                                    EAGLE CLASS
May 31, 2019
May 31, 2019
TRIBUTE TO LATE PROPRIETOR OF IRENE MENAKAYA SCHOOLS ONITSHA.
   Late Barr. and Mrs. Juni Menakaya's death never seizes to put people into hopeless situation.Your death was like a dream to the family and the school children too.You built a name that we cannot put out from our hearts which is Irene Menakaya School. Before you opened the primary school, your Nursery pupils were sent to ALL SAINTS PRIMARY SCHOOL to take their first school Leaving certificate examination.
    When you were supposed to enjoy the school,death struck.What a pity! How ever, I believe that the Almighty GOD wants you to have rest for good work done for the services of God and humanity.
TO THE WORLD, YOU ARE A MOTHER BUT TO YOUR SCHOOL YOU ARE THE WORLD
    ADIEU !
    ADIEU !!
    ADIEU !!! MOTHER
    MARY CHUDE
    School Executive Officer
May 26, 2019
May 26, 2019
You were wonderful couple who as parents cared for both young and old. keep resting and pray for us down here. Amen
May 21, 2019
May 21, 2019
Your memories and good works live on. Your daughter Dr. Ada has carried on the torch and touching more lives around the globe. May you continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen
May 21, 2019
May 21, 2019
I remembered both transitions as vividly as if it was yesterday. Wow, how time flies! Dearest Nelo, we had only just been together as friends for about a year then - having met at the University Hall of Residence where you resided, while finalising your Law degree at Manchester Metropolitan University. In January 1999, my first baby, in which you played a role of a dear sister, arrived. But the whole story changed in April of that same year. You rang to inform us about the sudden passing away of your mum and shockingly, a few months later, your dad followed. It was indeed a very challenging period for you, your siblings and all of us in Manchester as a whole. However, we are consoled in Romans 14:7-9. May their blessèd souls rest in perfect peace, amen.
I am certain that your mum and dad, from heaven, would be so proud over what their talented and beautiful daughter has accomplished over the space of twenty years; from an intelligent undergraduate Law student and contented single, young lady, to a dignified, married mum of three high achieving children, to an industrious and phenomenal happy lady.
Sleep peacefully with God almighty. Thank you for the great legacy you both have left behind. "Death is not the greatest loss in life - the greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live" - Norman Cousins.
May 21, 2019
May 21, 2019
Our parents knew both of you well while at Residency Drive GRA Onitsha. You were truly ideal model of couple and parenthood, in addition to your community known skill on early childhood education. My younger siblings passed through you and I can strongly testify the impact of your training in their early years on them even till today. To tell you frankly, both of you are forever missed even today as early child education has derailed from what you sacrifices for. For me and your Daughter ,Dr. Ada Menakaya, we are determined to bring back early childhood education to the standard you planted in our community. Your footsteps on sand on time did a lot of harm to early childhood education. Keep Resting and let your good spirit on Igbo children be our watch tower.
Deaconess Dr. Rosemary Uche Chukwuma Nwosu
May 20, 2019
May 20, 2019
It is evidence that your parents left a great legacy just from observing you and your siblings. A life of duty, fear of God and a greater purpose of touching other peoples lives. I know that they are smiling down on you from heaven with great gladness of a job well done. May their souls continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty!
May 18, 2019
May 18, 2019
We thank God for their fruitful life may their souls rest in peace forever.
May 17, 2019
May 17, 2019
Oh, my able inlays. I wish I new you before you depart no more, you will forever be remembered. May your souls rest in the bosom of our Almighty God Amen
May 17, 2019
May 17, 2019
Remembering mom and dad is easy because I do it everyday; and do my best to live your legacy. But missing you
is a heartache that never goes away.
Always and forever in my heart ❤️.
May 17, 2019
May 17, 2019
For twenty years , you left a path for generations to come. I have seen the path that remains today a guiding philosophy for our life existence. Keep resting for you are great both in death and on earth.
Ambassador Daboya Djisso
May 8, 2019
May 8, 2019
Oh my goodness! time do fly!!! It is already 20years since you both departed from us? I am sure that the angels are thrilled to have you as one of them. You both showed me love like one of your own. 
Continue to rest in the bosom of God and thank you for being our guiding angels.
Will forever remember you.
Chinasa Ujuagu Ifeajekwu
May 7, 2019
May 7, 2019
Death is mysterious and inevitable, yet we mortals seem not to be prepared for it whenever death comes calling.

The demise of Barr. and Mrs Juni Menakaya can never be treated with a wave of the hand.

I remember that as a staff of the Ministry of Education, Anambra State Nigeria; that they were among the first, if not the first that took a bold step to open a prestigious private school which was approved by my Ministry.

The foundation they laid and handed over to their daughter, an efficient educationist - Dr Ada C. Okika (Nee Menakaya) as the head and to their other children, speaks for itself.

Today, there are many private schools East of the Niger who have followed their footsteps in opening private schools.

We will miss your evergreen legacies and your stand for education, justice, equity, love and peace. You will always be remembered by all who have come across you both in life.

Adieu courageous ones, Adieu educationists; your works speak for you.

Mrs Christy Chukwukelu
Deputy Director of Education (Rtd)
Ministry of Education
Anambra State, Nigeria.
May 6, 2019
May 6, 2019
The Center for SDG Global Education USA joins our Executive Director to remember her parents who we are aware left no stone unturned to ensure education was made quality in communities. They lived on "My child is My Pride".
We will continue to tread on your footprints as we strive on SDG 4 And Targets for quality and inclusive education in classroom communities. Keep resting!.
May 6, 2019
May 6, 2019
It was Maya Angelou once wrote: “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies; it brings us together again and again”.
For parents who devoted so much time caring for their family, the church and associates, there is no doubt that the light of love and warmth of their presence will always be precious memories in all our hearts. They were symbol of togetherness as the church preaches:  They met, married, laughed together, lived together and eventually died together!
We believe that those who gave our lives beauty live forever in our hearts. So much missed by those left behind!!  
Professor May Nwoye (Agulue)
May I Nwoye Ph.D
Professor of Business Administration
+234 803 715 4844
May 6, 2019
May 6, 2019
Oh my goodness! time do fly!!! It is already 20years since you both departed from us? I am sure that the angels are thrilled to have you as one of them. You both showed me love like one of your own.
Continue to rest in the bosom of God and thank you for being our guiding angels.
Will forever remember you.
Chinasa Ujuagu Ifeajekwu
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
Dad and Mom,
You were mocked because of us. You laid the foundation for us and paid the prize.You will forever be remembered

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Recent Tributes
April 17, 2022
April 17, 2022
The Center for SDG Global Education USA, the Bar JUNI and Irene Menakaya Foundation Intl, MACBAN Arts and other partners aim to bring this call to a global discussion and international attention, through a day conference and gala dinner, titled “Think Tank for Rebranding Education in Community Classroom for the New Normal”, with a focus on the following themes:
Community Education and Curriculum in Post COVID19 era
Teachers’ conscience and the Decade of Action on SDG 4 and Targets
Digital Education and Technology
Infrastructure for quality education in community schools
Funding for sustainable quality and inclusive community education

As the global community remains uncertain about the full prognosis of the COVID19 pandemic, the emerging challenge becomes how to produce quality and inclusive education, embracing cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning in the growing trend of the New Normal in schools. And, increasingly, stakeholders in education across the world have continued to draw attention to the immense value of education in families and communities, in national development; and, in particular, in the United Nations Decade of Action.

Given the above, this conference is intended to serve as a wake-up call aimed at making global education systems more resilient to crises, and more inclusive, flexible, and sustainable to innovation, and to expansion of new frontiers and learning possibilities. The conference specifically aims to explore how teachers may bring willingness to ensure learning steadiness. The conference will also champion lifelong learning across community classroom to bridge the gap between teaching, learning and knowledge, thus accelerating the implementation of SDG-4 and Target's progress in community classrooms.

The Gala Dinner will bring stakeholders in education to recognition and to sharing forum on “Inclusive Solution for Sustainable Education in Community”. The shared forum will be supported with launch of RURAL+ and “My Child is My Pride” book signing.
June 9, 2020
June 9, 2020
COVID: 19 CONFERENCES
Theme: AFTER LOCKDOWN PREPAREDNESS
As governments around the world take urgent action to save lives, protect livelihoods from the COVID-19 pandemic, and plan to call off the Lock Down, our organizations and partners have stepped up to this challenge by planning a free online conference education on "COVID-19:After Lock-Down Preparedness". The conference aim is to enact action on setting the pace for community sustainability and healthy living preparedness on after COVID-19 Lock-Down.

The purpose is to create content for community education, erase emerging self-stigma or negative emotional health and build healthy confidence in the minds of people while strengthening economic and human healthy living. The goal is to ensure that as the world leaders call off the global Lock-Down, efforts could be made to ensure adequate measures are taken through education and public knowledge that things are in place for personal, family, community and societal sustainability.

The Objective is to prepare people on;
Overall education about COVID-19
Strategy to overcome impending psychology and emotional health
Knowledge about "After Lock-down preparedness and Sustainability
Adjusting to economic growth and development
Management and prevention of COVID-19
Women and Children Carefulness
Role of community stakeholders and civil Society Organizations

The outcome will provide guidance to continued work by community service organizations on their mission to healthy humanity with respect to COVID-19 control, prevention and management. The outcome will further help our organizations to devise more responsive and resilient health management, care and prevention interventions to maintain the current health crisis and mitigate the long-term health and economic impact on humanity

Program:
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE EDUCATION

Panel Discussion: AFTER LOCKDOWN PREPAREDNESS
ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT
Adjustment to ECONOMIC Priorities
Education Adjustment

MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION:
Outreach and Communication
Psychological Issues and Mental Health

WOMEN AND CHILDREN CAREFULNESS
Migrant women and children
Expectant and nursing mothers
Rural Women and Girls
Women and Girls

ROLE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS: Best Practices for Nonprofit Workplace
Cultural Best Practices
Community Practices
October 21, 2019
October 21, 2019
Aunty and Uncle,
I have missed you for 20 years. I still remember the days of your life - you were very fond of my Parents Dr. and Mrs. E.O. Nwankwo - the advise you gave us (their children) were second to none. Aunty, I remembered back in the days when I was in All Saints Nursery School Onitsha, where the foundation of my education was laid- You were the Head mistress then and the school was a subject of envy to every other school in the defunct East Central state and the first of it's kind in Onitsha region (that was when Education was at it's climax in our country Nigeria). You made sure I got the needed foundation - I will not forget you. I always remember the song we sang those days -

Roses of the Nursery, Roses of the Nursery
Are there Mrs. Menakaya , are there Mrs. Menakaya,
Your Children are Calling , Your children are singing
Our love for you shall never ever die (Twice)

As I sang it now tears rolled down my cheek. There is no service to humanity that ever goes unrewarded. That's why your Children are the Subject matter experts in all there discipline today. They shall continue to excel beyond all your imaginations.

Barr. JUNI was a seasoned disciplinarian that the Nigerian Society at large never appreciated. Outside his Legal practice, he served as the Chairman of then old Anambra Local Government Area (Anambra East and west, Oyi , etc. LGAs) . He tried to make the people appreciate their native culture which was fast eroding but they did not understand. I remember him telling me how he visited some of the Traditional rulers and the discussion he had with them then. The traditional rulers of the LGA understood that he meant well but not the average Nigerian politician then.

Her Life

The Journey to 20th Year Memorial Anniversary

August 14, 2019
Mom and Dad started their life’s journey as a couple on the 26th of December 1961 and lived together for 38 years. As devout Christians, they were inseparable and journeyed through life as one, believing firmly in the biblical principle of “for better for worse” as husband and wife. They lived a life of trust and shared the same life philosophies, principles and values. They believed in the principles of hard work and honest living. Their strength was derived from God and each other and they were committed to their promise to each other and to their children. Mom and Dad were from devout Christian families.
Mom was the second daughter of one of the first Christian itinerant evangelists. She grew up observing her mother epitomize the virtues of a dedicated worker in the Lords Vineyard, supporting her husband’s evangelical work, organizing and empowering the women within the fledgling Christian communities in Eastern Nigeria. Dad was the first son of an early Christian convert and evangelist at the turn of the twentieth century whose wealth and business acumen were instrumental to the spread of the Christian message in his community.
Mom and Dad continued in the service of God and humanity through various leadership roles within the church and community. They had full professional careers; both trained in United Kingdom Mom trained as a teacher who found her vocation and calling as a teacher of pre-primary school children. For her expertise in this field, her peers nicknamed her ‘Oyi-umuaka’ (Childrens’ friend). She was also a visionary women’s leader that empowered women to complete significant building projects or contribute to community development programs.
Dad was a pharmacist, lawyer and politician. On their return to Nigeria from United Kingdom in 1972, Dad became the first ever Chairman of Anambra Local Government Area a role that he used to facilitate business investments to isolated communities in our community. As a lawyer he enabled expert counsel often pro bono to ensure clients had access to appropriate legal representation in our law courts. He offered his legal mind to the service of his community in costly land disputes so that estates belonging to his community were retained in perpetuity
They both believed in the value of education as a tool of empowerment. They were the first to understand the value of pre-primary education in Eastern Nigeria and together built and pioneered the first early childhood education center east of the River Niger for the sole purpose of increasing access to quality education for members of their community.
As educationists, Mom and Dad together with the local university developed new curricula for high quality pre-primary education some which are still being used to this day. They mentored many aspiring young women as teachers and teaching assistants, providing employment to many women and mentorship as many went on to develop successful professional careers as pre-primary and primary school teachers. Many pupils that passed through the school have become successful professional, business and community leaders in many areas of the world today not just in Nigeria. The impact of their life’s work is truly global.
Their marriage was blessed with seven children, an academic doctor, an attorney, three medical doctors and two engineers. With God’s guidance and blessings, their small family has now grown to twenty-seven members with in-laws and grandchildren;
Dr Adaeze Chinwe JUNI Menakaya
Engr. Emeka Modilim and Mrs. Nkechi Menakaya
Dr. Nnamdi Chijindu and Dr Ifeoma Menakaya
Dr. Jideofor Obidinma and Mrs. Thelma Menakaya
Dr. Uchefuna Amaeze and Dr Adaeze Menakaya
Barr Chinelo Ifeatu and Mr. Richard Emedoh
Engr Chukwuma Ikechukwu and Mrs. Stephanie Menakaya
The continuity of their life’s passion, their values, principles and philosophies of life and their commitment to the development of community are important legacies they left in the lives of their children, impacted into the growing family and the community at large.
These legacies continue to be shared by their children and they are remembered today for the services they have rendered in their local community and the wider Christian community. To this end, their pioneering school founded in 1979 has been renamed Irene Menakaya Schools. The School now has Special Consultative status with the Economic and Social Council at the United Nations. Their children have also established the Bar. JUNI and Irene Menakaya Endowment Trust in two higher institutions in Anambra state for the best graduating academic student in education each year. This Trust will contribute to the SDG-4 Targets of the United Nations 2030 Development Agenda. A formal global launch of the endowment fund will take place on August 22, 2019 at the United Nations Headquarters as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations.
On their footprints in time, we can rightly inscribe our father’s favorite saying “we came, we saw, and we conquered”. After twenty years of their sojourn to the world beyond, we continue to marvel at the strength of their exemplary dedication to each other, the warmth of their loving sacrifice to their children and their community, and will do our utmost take to forward the lessons of their life together to the service of our community, and in our continued global services through;
Irene Menakaya Schools Onitsha, Nigeria
Barr JUNI and IRENE Menakaya Endowment Trust
JUNIC Group, Australia
Center for SDG Global Education USA and NGO Consulting Services at the UN
Moor Park Pediatric Practice LLC, UK
Riches Enterprise, LLC, Brookhaven, PA
Majesty Consultancy, New York USA
Evangelist Maureen Brown Philips Foundation for Teachers
F.C Ilozue SDG Children Academy Club and Community Education
The 3-M Teaching Hospital
Menax Electricals Limited
The twenty years of our parents’ demise had been challenging but being strengthened by their vision, values, principles and philosophies have brought us this far.
Today, we are not only remembering their 20 years of passing but joining our hearts with you to celebrate God Almighty who had been with us all through these years, extend our heart of gratitude to the Menakaya Family Clan of Umunya, the wider kinsmen community, our hometown Umunya, the St. James Anglican Church Umunya, our maternal home, the Ilozue family of Amawa Ogbunike, our in-laws and families who received us into their families in spite of our orphan-hood,our global friends, families and partners for all their prayers and support. We thank you for joining us to remember the twentieth anniversary of their passing.
From Children and Grandchildren JUNI and Irene Menakaya Family, Umunya
August 2019


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