The Unubiko Foundation has been nominated to receive the prestigious African Hero Award 2026 at The Voice African Achievers Awards, a testament to its tireless efforts in charity, scholarship, and community development work across Nigeria.
According to the award notification, the foundation’s founder and president, Chief James Ume, will formally receive the honour on August 21, 2026, in London, UK. The organisers praised the foundation’s work, saying it aligns with the 2026 award theme, “Putting Africa in the Right Perspective – Focusing on Mental Empowerment for Economic Inclusion & Growth.”
The foundation was selected after a thorough evaluation by the jury, who recognised its significant investments in education, scholarships, and humanitarian support. The organisers noted that Chief Ume’s personal story and values instilled by his mother have shaped the foundation’s mission to give back to society.
The Unubiko Foundation’s Rachael Ifeoku Ike Scholarship Scheme supports 18 students annually with N400,000 each, totaling over N170m awarded to 170 students. The foundation has also set aside hundreds of millions of naira for scholarships, covering tuition, accommodation, and living stipends for undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The foundation’s community development initiatives include school rehabilitation, access to water, women’s empowerment, and youth development. Notably, it invested N250m in renovating Ovukwu-Abam Secondary School and drilled 49 boreholes in Abam and neighbouring communities.
The organisers also acknowledged the foundation’s support for cultural revival through the Ekponibro Festival and a N500m donation to Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in Aba. These efforts demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to empowering communities and promoting economic growth.
The Voice News Magazine, a pan-African publication based in the Netherlands, organises the awards, which have recognised hundreds of Africans and friends of Africa for their contributions on the continent and in the diaspora.
Past honourees include former presidents, first ladies, diplomats, governors, and other public figures from across Africa. Chief James Ume received The Sun Humanitarian Service Icon Award in 2023, further solidifying his reputation as a champion of community development.
The African Hero Award is a fitting recognition of the Unubiko Foundation’s dedication to transforming lives and communities. We congratulate Chief Ume and the foundation on this well-deserved honour.
The award ceremony promises to be a celebration of African excellence, with esteemed guests and awardees from across the continent and beyond. The Unubiko Foundation’s nomination is a testament to the power of philanthropy and community service in driving positive change.
The upcoming award ceremony is set to be a spectacular celebration of African excellence, with a gathering of esteemed guests and awardees from across the continent and beyond. The event, scheduled to take place at the prestigious Hilton London Kensington, will bring together Africans, friends of Africa, members of the UK community, and global admirers who recognize and appreciate the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations making a positive impact.
The foundation’s dedication to empowering communities, supporting education, and promoting economic growth has not gone unnoticed, and this recognition is a testament to its unwavering commitment to making a difference.
The event promises to be an evening of celebration, inspiration, and recognition of the outstanding contributions of Africans and friends of Africa who are working tirelessly to shape a brighter future for the continent. With its rich history of recognizing excellence, The Voice African Achievers Awards continues to be a platform where heroes are made and legends are born.