Ichie Akubudike Named 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year as Council Marks 35 Years

By Uzo Ugwunze

High Chief Martin Nwabueze, the entrepreneur, philanthropist and community development advocate popularly known as Ichie Akubudike, has emerged as the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Man of the Year.

The prestigious honour comes as the NUJ Anambra Council prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary, marking more than three decades of journalism, professional service, resilience and institutional growth.

High Chief Nwabueze, Chairman and Founder of the Ichie Akubudike Foundation and a native of Umudioka in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, succeeds the Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, who received the 2025 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year Award.

The announcement was made in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD; the Council Secretary, Comrade Okechukwu Onuegbu, PhD; and the Chairman of the 2026 Man of the Year Awards and Coral Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee, Comrade Ekpone Francis Emeka.

The grand finale of the 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards and the Council’s Coral Anniversary Celebration is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Anabelle Event Centre, Awka, Anambra State.

The celebration, which forms part of the annual NUJ Press Week and Man of the Year Awards, will provide an opportunity for the journalists’ union to reflect on its journey, assess its achievements and recommit itself to the future of journalism and service to society.

The theme of the anniversary is:

“NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service.”

According to the statement, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice O. M. Anyachebelu; and the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, are expected at the event alongside national and zonal officers of the union, journalists and other distinguished guests.

A Recognition of Enterprise, Service and Philanthropy

High Chief Martin Nwabueze, also known by the traditional titles Ichie Akubudike, Agubuzo na Dunukofia and Ozoma Ndi Ichie, has built a reputation as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, traditional leader, sports enthusiast and advocate for community development.

His business interests span construction, business development and the oil and gas sector, while his philanthropic activities have continued to touch lives across Anambra State and beyond.

The 2026 NUJ Man of the Year recognition is expected to further spotlight his contributions to business development, humanitarian service, youth empowerment, community transformation and human capital development.

Through the Ichie Akubudike Foundation, High Chief Nwabueze has supported a range of humanitarian interventions, including free medical outreaches, the settlement of hospital bills for indigent patients, food support and financial assistance for vulnerable households.

The Foundation has also invested in vocational training, mentorship and employment opportunities aimed at empowering young people and promoting self-reliance.

His interventions have also extended to women empowerment. Among such initiatives is the Nkwado Afia Table Project, undertaken in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo.

Investing in Sports and Young Talents

Beyond philanthropy and business, Ichie Akubudike has demonstrated a strong commitment to sports development and youth engagement.

He is currently sponsoring the Akubudike Anambra State Football League for the second consecutive year, with the 2026 edition officially kicked off on Sunday, August 30, at the Awka City Stadium.

The initiative is part of his broader commitment to discovering talents, engaging young people positively and using sports as a platform for unity, opportunity and development.

As a respected traditional title holder and member of the Igwe’s Cabinet in Dunukofia Kingdom, High Chief Nwabueze has also continued to champion peace, cultural preservation, socio-economic advancement and community development.

Over the years, his contributions to humanity and community transformation have earned him recognition and admiration within and outside Nigeria.

An Award That Continues to Grow

The NUJ Anambra Man of the Year Award has continued to grow in stature and prestige, recognising individuals whose contributions have made significant impacts in their professions, communities and society.

Previous recipients include Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, MD/CEO of Zenith Bank, who received the award in 2022; HRM Igwe Pharm. Alex Onyido Ezechuamagha, the Traditional Ruler of Ogidi Kingdom, in 2023; Dr. Chinedu Umeadi, Agunechemba Abagana and Founder of the Chinedu Umeadi Foundation, in 2024; and Arc. Okey Ezeobi, Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, in 2025.

With the selection of High Chief Martin Nwabueze as the 2026 recipient, the award continues its tradition of celebrating individuals whose leadership, philanthropy and commitment to societal development stand out.

As the NUJ Anambra Council marks 35 years of professional journalism and institutional service, the honouring of Ichie Akubudike is expected to be one of the major highlights of the anniversary celebration.

For High Chief Nwabueze, the recognition represents another significant milestone in a journey defined by enterprise, philanthropy, community service and a sustained commitment to empowering people.

The spotlight will therefore turn to Awka on September 10, 2026, as journalists, public officials, traditional rulers, business leaders and other guests gather to celebrate both the 35-year journey of NUJ Anambra and the emergence of Ichie Akubudike as its 2026 Man of the Year.

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