Unubiko Foundation has been nominated for the African Hero Award 2026 at The Voice African Achievers Awards, in recognition of its contributions to charity, education, and community development in Nigeria.
According to an official notification dated April 6, 2026, the award will be presented to the foundation’s founder and president, James Ume, on August 21, 2026, in London, United Kingdom.
The organisers stated that the foundation was selected after a rigorous evaluation process, noting that its work aligns with the 2026 theme: “Putting Africa in the Right Perspective, Focusing on Mental Empowerment for Economic Inclusion & Growth.” Its sustained investment in education, scholarships, and humanitarian initiatives was highlighted as central to the nomination.
They also linked the foundation’s vision to Chief Ume’s personal journey and the values instilled by his, mother’s experience, shaped by resilience, dignity, and a commitment to service. This, they noted, has grown into a structured mission focused on improving lives and strengthening communities.
Among its key initiatives is the Rachael Ifeoku Ike Scholarship Scheme, which supports 18 students annually with N400,000 each. The foundation has so far disbursed over N170 million in scholarships to 170 students, with a larger fund dedicated to expanding access to higher education. The scheme covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for beneficiaries in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Beyond education, the foundation has executed several community-focused projects, including the renovation of Ovukwu-Abam Secondary School with an investment of N250 million, the drilling of 49 boreholes across Abam and neighbouring communities, the rebuilding of a church, and the establishment of a women’s development centre.
Additional interventions include support for communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, youth training through the #Code Camp Youth Empowerment Programme, cultural promotion via the Ekponibro Festival, and a N500 million donation to Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in Aba. These efforts collectively reflect the foundation’s broad commitment to social impact and sustainable development.
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