Chief James Chijioke Ume, the founder of the Unubiko Foundation, is set to receive the African Hero’s Award at a ceremony scheduled for August 21, 2026, at the Kensington Hilton London.

The organisers of the event, The Voice Achievers Award inc, said the ceremony is expected to bring together diplomats, business leaders, public officials, journalists and other prominent personalities from across Africa and beyond.

Coordinator of The Voice Achievers Award, Pastor Elvis Iruh, said Ume’s recognition was largely based on his contributions to humanity through interventions in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and community development.

According to him, Ume’s philanthropic activities demonstrate a commitment to improving people’s lives, particularly those in underserved communities.

He said the award was intended to recognise individuals whose contributions have produced tangible impact beyond personal or corporate interests.

Ume, who is also known by his traditional title, Ike Abam, meaning “The Strength of Abam,” has undertaken several community development initiatives through the Unubiko Foundation.

In education, the foundation has rebuilt and equipped Ovukwu Abam Secondary School in Atan Abam and Onyerubi Comprehensive Secondary School in Ndi Oji Abam.

The foundation has also provided educational materials and computers to support learning in rural communities.

Ume has reportedly sponsored West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination fees for more than 120,000 students across Abia State, while providing scholarships to secondary and tertiary students. His interventions have also extended to healthcare, with the establishment and equipping of the Ndi Okereke Abam Primary Health Center.

The foundation also organises free medical outreaches, providing medical consultations, medications, eye care and surgeries to residents in underserved communities.

In the area of infrastructure, Ume has funded solar-powered boreholes in communities across the region and installed streetlights in the 29 villages that make up the Abam Clan.

He has also built 40 two-bedroom bungalows in Atan Abam for widows and vulnerable residents.

Beyond infrastructure and social welfare, the Unubiko Foundation has implemented youth empowerment programmes in ICT, agriculture and artisanal trades. Beneficiaries receive training, grants and starter packs to enable them to establish small businesses.

The foundation’s activities have also included support for community roads, public spaces and religious infrastructure.

Iruh said the breadth of Ume’s interventions, particularly in areas that directly affect human welfare, was central to the decision to honour him.

He described the award as recognition of a sustained commitment to humanity rather than a reward for political influence or public office.

Ume has also been involved in the revival of the Ekponiboro Cultural Festival, also known as Ugbo Mmirima, in Atan Abam.

The festival, which celebrates the historical and cultural heritage of the Abam people, has been revived as an annual cultural event with support from the Abia State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

The organisers said efforts were also ongoing to promote the festival internationally and pursue recognition for its cultural heritage significance.

The August 21 ceremony is expected to feature other prominent African figures receiving awards in various categories.

Among those listed for recognition are former International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor and Gambian High Commissioner to the UK, Fatou Bensouda; Nigerian High Commissioner Amin Dalhatu; Ghanaian Ambassador to the UK Sabah Zita Benson; Botswana’s Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa; and Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Leone, Walton Ekundayo Gilpin.

Bensouda is expected to receive the African Lifetime Achievers Award 2026, while Dalhatu is billed for the African Diplomatic Award and Benson for the African Ambassador of the Year award.

Motshegwa is expected to receive the African Public Service Award, while Gilpin is billed for the African Banker of the Year 2026 award.

For Ume, the African Hero’s Award will cap years of philanthropic and community-focused interventions carried out alongside his activities in media and business.