Emma Elekwa
A Nigerian female professor, Adaeze JUNI Menakaya has been conferred with prestigious United Nations initiativeon peace award for the second time.
Menakaya was singled out for the recognition as part of activities marking the 59th session of the United Nations commission on population and development in the United Nations headquarters, New York.
She is celebrated globally for her numerous achievements and contributions to the promotion of peace, social justice and the empowerment of women.
She is also a recipient of the 2025 United Nations Global champion of gender for world peace merit award.
Menakaya earned, two PHDs on women and Christian education and the other, a background on educational psychology and women studies.
She is also a front bencher in the campaign and advocacy for women’s rights, education in underserved communities and faith-based empowerment leader.
Her work with the UN is on diverse projects, coordinator of friends of mission of Grenada to the UN.
As a woman, Menakaya is concerned about domestic violence survivors and has been rendering help through programs, counselling and mentorship to these victims of violence.
Many global recognitions
Her present role at global level has attracted her many recognitions and awards, including the two from the United Nations.
The prestigious Relevant Achievers impacting Nations Award (leadership category) was during the annual predecessors event in Georgia, Atlanta in 2024.
Menakaya derives great fulfillment working with the United Nations and grassroot organizations, using the international women’s day as an outreach to launch global campaign on hunger solutions, encourage women to return to agricultural self sufficiency.
According to the Ambassador, her ultimate vision is for a sustainable world where women are empowered, children are educated and communities try their best to make life better for the people.
Her greatest achievement is running a private school in onitsha, Anambra state, Nigeria where quality education is provided for children.
The United Nations initiative on peace award bestowed on her at the ongoing 59th session of the United Nations commission on population and development is an honour benefitting to a woman, who over the years has contributed more than her quota in the strengthening of international collaboration within the united Nations, a global champion for world peace.
