High Chief Martin Nwabueze, Chairman and Founder of the Ichie Akubudike Foundation, has emerged as the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Man of the Year.
Nwabueze, who hails from Umudioka in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, will succeed the Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, who received the honour in 2025.
The announcement was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD; the Council Secretary, Dr. Okechukwu Onuegbu; and the Chairman of the 2026 Man of the Year Awards and Coral Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee, Comrade Ekpone Francis Emeka.
According to the statement, the grand finale of the 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards and Coral Anniversary celebration is scheduled for September 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Anabelle Event Centre, Awka.
Nwabueze, popularly known as Ichie Akubudike, Agubuzo na Dunukofia and Ozoma Ndi Ichie, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, traditional leader, sports enthusiast and community development advocate with interests spanning business, construction and the oil and gas sector.
He is currently sponsoring the Akubudike Anambra State Football League for the second consecutive year. The 2026 edition of the competition was flagged off on Sunday, August 30, at the Awka City Stadium.
Through his philanthropic activities, particularly under the Ichie Akubudike Foundation, Nwabueze has supported a range of humanitarian and community development initiatives, including free medical outreaches, payment of hospital bills for indigent patients, distribution of food items and financial assistance to vulnerable households, vocational training, mentorship and employment opportunities for youths.
He has also supported women empowerment initiatives, including the Nkwado Afia Table Project, undertaken in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo.
As a traditional title holder and member of the Igwe’s Cabinet in Dunukofia Kingdom, Nwabueze has also been involved in promoting peace, cultural preservation, community development and socio-economic advancement.
His contributions to business development, philanthropy, youth empowerment and community transformation have earned him recognition both within and outside Anambra State.
The 2026 NUJ Anambra 35th Anniversary celebration has as its theme, “NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service.”
The award ceremony is part of activities marking the 35th anniversary of the NUJ Anambra State Council, which represents three and a half decades of journalism, professional service, resilience and institutional development.
The anniversary celebration will also provide an opportunity for the union to reflect on its achievements, honour individuals who have contributed to society and reaffirm its commitment to responsible journalism and service to humanity.
According to the statement, Governor 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; the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya; other national and zonal officers of the union, as well as NUJ members and invited guests, are expected at the event.
Previous recipients of the NUJ Anambra Man of the Year Award include Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, MD/CEO of Zenith Bank, who received the honour in 2022; HRM Igwe Pharm. Alex Onyido Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom in 2023; Dr. Chinedu Umeadi, Founder of the Chinedu Umeadi Foundation, in 2024; and Arc. Okey Ezeobi, Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, in 2025.
The NUJ Anambra Man of the Year Award has continued to grow in stature, recognising individuals whose contributions to business, philanthropy, leadership, community development and humanity have made significant impact in the society.
The 2026 recognition of High Chief Martin Nwabueze is therefore expected to further reinforce the award’s reputation for celebrating distinguished individuals who have demonstrated commitment to service, development and the advancement of society.
