HC Martin Nwabueze emerges 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year - ITREALMS

The Chairman and Founder of the Ichie Akubudike Foundation, High Chief Martin Nwabueze, has emerged as the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Man of the Year, reports ITREALMS.

Popularly known as Ichie Akubudike, the Umudioka-born business leader and traditional titleholder from Dunukofia Local Government Area succeeds Arc. Okey Ezeobi, the Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, who held the title in 2025.

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

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 the Anabelle Event Centre in Awka, Anambra State.

This year’s honor coincides with the NUJ Anambra State Council’s 35th anniversary, marking three and a half decades of professional journalism, resilience, and institutional growth. Held as part of the annual NUJ Press Week, the milestone celebration operates under the theme: “NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service.”

Distinguished dignitaries expected at the event include the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice O. M. Anyachebelu; and the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya.

High Chief Nwabueze, who also holds the traditional titles of Agubuzo na Dunukofia and Ozoma Ndi Ichie; has built a distinguished record across energy, construction, and commercial enterprise. Beyond his corporate footprint, he is widely recognized for his grass-root philanthropy and community development across Anambra State.

A staunch sports enthusiast, Nwabueze is currently sponsoring the Akubudike Anambra State Football League for its second consecutive season. The 2026 tournament officially flagged off on August 30 at the Awka City Stadium.

Through the Ichie Akubudike Foundation, he has driven sustained humanitarian interventions, including:

Medical outreach programs and hospital bill coverage for indigent patients.

Food security initiatives and direct financial grants for vulnerable households.

Youth mentorship, vocational training, and employment generation.

Women empowerment initiatives, including the Nkwado Afia Table Project in partnership with the Office of the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo.

By winning the 2026 accolade, High Chief Nwabueze joins an elite roster of past NUJ Anambra Man of the Year laureates, incl

2024: Dr. Chinedu Umeadi (Agunechemba Abagana), Founder, Chinedu Umeadi Foundation

2025: Arc. Okey Ezeobi, Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure

As the NUJ Anambra State Council celebrates 35 years of institutional service, the 2026 award highlights High Chief Nwabueze’s contributions to human capital development, business excellence, and community transformation.