Destination Peace Ambassador receives presidential-style welcome in Nigeria: Extraordinary, diplomatic reception signals powerful alliance.

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A Warm Welcome at Akanu Ibiam Airport

When my wife and I, representing Destination Peace, arrived at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Nigeria, we were met with an extraordinary display of honor and unity, a reflection of the deep bonds and shared aspirations that define our work.

Red Carpet Unity: A Symbol of Shared Purpose

The “red carpet treatment” we received was not merely ceremonial but a powerful testament to the mutual commitment between Destination Peace and the visionary leadership of our adopted son, Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa, whose transformative work as an anti-corruption advocate and social entrepreneur amplifies our collective mission.

Cultural Harmony: Music and Dance Bridge Nations

Greeted warmly by Chukwuma, his radiant wife, and their vibrant children, we felt the embrace of family and purpose. The air resonated with the stirring notes of The Star-Spangled Banner, performed evocatively by an extraordinary saxophonist with other skilled instrumentalists, signaling a bridge between cultures united in the pursuit of peace. Children from the seventh and eighth grade of the Queens Model School greeted us with a traditional dance.

A Family of Purpose: Bonds Beyond Borders

A receiving line, nearly thirty deep, composed of community leaders, extended heartfelt handshakes, each one symbolizing the collaborative spirit fostered by Destination Peace and LEAD Network Africa, the organization Chukwuma founded in January 2020.

LEAD Network Africa: Empowering a New Generation

Chukwuma, fondly known as CEO due to his initials, is the Executive Director of LEAD Network Africa, a forward-thinking organization dedicated to fostering leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy among young Nigerians and Africans. LEAD Network Africa empowers communities through initiatives like the Mentoring Session for Emerging Leaders, the Employability and Entrepreneurship Summit, and the Basic Course in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Advocacy. These programs align seamlessly with Destination Peace’s mission to inspire hope, unity, and sustainable development across borders.

Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa: A Visionary Leader

As a social entrepreneur, school administrator, and public affairs analyst, Chukwuma’s credentials are remarkable. He holds a postgraduate diploma in multilateral diplomacy from the United Nations Institute of Training and Research and a Master’s in Anti-Corruption and Diplomacy from the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Laxenburg, Austria. His commitment to integrity has earned him recognition as a two-time YALI Network influencer in Nigeria (Young African Leadership Initiative of the U.S. Department of State), a fellow of the Leadership Course in Criminal Intelligence and Security Management at the Defence Intelligence College in Abuja, and a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. Notably, Chukwuma was one of thirty inaugural cohorts of the Geneva Science Diplomacy Anticipator, the only representative from West Africa, and served as a board member of the Enugu State Post Primary Schools Management Board, overseeing 296 public high schools.

A Partnership for Peace and Integrity

This shared dedication to ethical leadership and societal transformation forms the cornerstone of the partnership between Destination Peace and LEAD Network Africa. Chukwuma’s anti-corruption advocacy complements our initiative’s vision of fostering peace through transparency, accountability, and community empowerment. Our bond as an adopted family deepens this collaboration, rooted in mutual respect and a shared dream of a world where integrity and compassion prevail.

A Presidential Escort: Honoring a Global Mission

The military procession that escorted us from the airport, in vans akin to those used by U.S. Presidents, underscored the significance of this visit. Two officers with AK-47’s sat behind us, with another in the front, their presence a symbol of the protection afforded to this moment of unity. Chukwuma had notified us in advance that the welcome would rival that of a U.S. Presidential state visit, a humbling acknowledgment of the global impact of our collective efforts.

The Ambassador Suite: A Touch of Thoughtful Hospitality

At the Carlton Swiss Hotel, we were ushered into the Ambassador Suite, where personalized touches, pillows embroidered with our images and pens and pads bearing the Destination Peace emblem reflected the warmth and intentionality of this partnership. Outside, military personnel stood watch, their presence a visible reminder of the commitment to safeguarding our shared vision.

Building a Just Future: A Shared Vision

This diplomatic welcome in Enugu was more than a ceremonial gesture; it was a celebration of the synergy between Destination Peace and Chukwuma’s leadership in anti-corruption and community development. Together, we are empowering a generation of visionary leaders, innovative entrepreneurs, and passionate advocates to transform communities, drive sustainable growth, and foster a culture of excellence, integrity, and social responsibility. As we settled into the suite, we carried the weight and privilege of this moment, renewed in our resolve to build a more peaceful and just world, hand in hand with our remarkable adopted son.