During a 2013 visit to the United States Michael Ekwo, a retired teacher could not hide his fascination with the effectiveness of policing and law enforcement in that country. In several conversations with his sons, Michael’s comparison with the security situation in his native Nigeria was noticeable, palpable, and aspirational. He told a story of his own father – Ogbuagu- a prominent and courageous hunter famous for killing seven lions in his lifetime. “My father helped to maintain exceptional security in my village,” he said. Michael’s father who died in 1950 fought against the slave trade in his Ebe community of the present Enugu State of Nigeria and notably “saved one captive – Nnude from being sold by her captor – Ebunoha.”

In his different postings as a teacher in Northern and Southern Nigeria, Michael followed the footsteps of his father to promote peace and security among community residents. At the time, teachers had tremendous respect, often doubling as peace advocates and helping in preserving law and order in rural communities.

The 2013 conversation between Michael and his sons – Uchenna and Ikechukwu set the stage for the formation of Michael Ekwo Foundation for Peace and Security – an international nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for deep dialogue and engage a broader audience in a discussion of some of the significant ideas and issues related to peace, security, and culture.

Imagine some of the most inspired and provocative thinkers, writers, law enforcement professionals, business people, teachers, and other leaders drawn from myriad fields and from across Africa and around the world interacting with an audience of thoughtful people to delve deeply into a world of ideas, thought, and discussion on vital peace and security issues of the moment.

This will remain the MEF tradition.