The Unubiko Foundation has been selected as the recipient of the African Hero Award 2026 at the upcoming The Voice African Achievers Awards, in recognition of its impact in philanthropy, education, and community development across Nigeria.

The award is scheduled to be presented to the foundation’s founder, James Chijioke Ume, on August 21, 2026, in London, organisers confirmed.

According to the organisers, the foundation emerged after a jury assessment of its investments in social welfare and grassroots initiatives, in line with this year’s theme centred on mental empowerment for economic inclusion and growth.

The foundation’s flagship education initiative, the Rachael Ifeoku Ike Scholarship Scheme, supports 18 students annually with N400,000 each.

To date, over N170 million has been disbursed to about 170 beneficiaries, covering tuition, accommodation and living expenses in tertiary institutions nationwide.

Beyond education, the organisation has implemented several community-focused projects, including school rehabilitation, water supply schemes and programmes targeting women and youth empowerment.

Among its interventions is the N250 million renovation of Ovukwu-Abam Secondary School, alongside the drilling of 49 boreholes in Abam and surrounding communities to improve access to clean water.

The foundation has also provided support for widows and vulnerable groups through the construction and donation of 30 fully furnished two-bedroom houses, while a Women’s Development Centre has been established to equip beneficiaries with vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

In addition, organisers highlighted the foundation’s backing of cultural initiatives such as the Ekponibro Festival, as well as a N500 million donation to Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in Aba.

The Voice African Achievers Awards is organised by The Voice News Magazine, a Netherlands-based publication that honours Africans and supporters of the continent for contributions to development both within Africa and in the diaspora.