HIGH CHIEF MARTIN NWABUEZE EMERGES 2026 NUJ ANAMBRA MAN OF THE YEAR
By Ebuka Oguocha
The Chairman and Founder of Ichie Akubudike Foundation, High Chief Martin Nwabueze, popularly known as Ichie Akubudike, from Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, has emerged as the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Man of the Year.
Ichie Akubudike will succeed the Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, who was honoured as the 2025 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year.
The announcement was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, Secretary of Anambra NUJ Council, 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.
According to the statement, the grand finale of the 2026 NUJ Man of the Year Awards and Coral Anniversary celebration will take place on September 10, 2026, by 10:00 a.m. at Anabelle Event Centre, Awka, Anambra State.
The award to Chief Martin Nwabueze comes as the NUJ, Anambra State Council, celebrates its 35th anniversary, marking three and a half decades of journalism, service, resilience and professional achievements.
The anniversary celebration, which forms part of the annual NUJ Press Week and Man of the Year Awards, provides an opportunity for the union to honour its past, assess its present achievements and renew its commitment to the future of journalism and society.
The theme of the 2026 NUJ Anambra 35th Anniversary is: “NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service.”
According to the press 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; the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya; other national and zonal officers of the union; as well as other NUJ members and guests are expected at the event.
The 2026 NUJ Man of the Year, Chief Martin Nwabueze, has distinguished himself in business, construction and the oil and gas sector. He is expected to share the occasion with other distinguished award recipients.
High Chief Martin Nwabueze, also known as Ichie Akubudike, Agubuzo na Dunukofia and Ozoma Ndi Ichie, is a distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur, philanthropist, traditional leader, sports enthusiast and community development advocate.
He is currently sponsoring the Akubudike Anambra State football league for the second year. The 2026 league’s flag off was on Sunday 30th August at the Awka City Stadium.
Ichie Akubudike is widely recognised for his commitment to humanitarian service, youth empowerment, business development and community transformation, and has established himself as one of the prominent indigenous business leaders and philanthropists in Anambra State and Nigeria.
Over the years, High Chief Nwabueze has demonstrated strong leadership qualities and inspired many through his entrepreneurial achievements and philanthropic interventions.
As a respected traditional title holder and member of the Igwe’s Cabinet in Dunukofia Kingdom, he has consistently championed peace, cultural preservation, community development and socio-economic advancement.
His contributions to humanity have earned him recognition, accolades and admiration within and outside Nigeria.
Through the Ichie Akubudike Foundation, he has been involved in a range of humanitarian initiatives, including free medical outreaches, settlement of hospital bills for indigent patients, provision 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.
Former recipients of the NUJ Anambra Man Of The Year Awards are men and women of integrity and Philanthropists par excellence which included recently in 2022, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, MD/CEO Zenith Bank
In 2023
HRM Igwe Pharm Alex Onyido Ezechuamagha of Ogidi,
Traditional Ruler of Ogidi Kingdom and
2024
Dr. Chinedu Umeadi, Agunechemba Abagana
Founder, Chinedu Umeadi Foundation while in
2025
Arc. Okey Ezeobi,
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Anambra State.
Needless mentioning previous winners but it’s important to note that the award has grown from. strength to strength in all ramifications.
The 2026 NUJ Man of the Year honour is therefore expected to further recognise High Chief Martin Nwabueze’s contributions to business development, philanthropy, community service and human capital development, as the NUJ Anambra Council marks 35 years of professional service and institutional growth.
