Governor Soludo, Speaker, Others To Grace 2026 NUJ Man Of The Year Award Ceremony

 

By Tobias Ekirika Onitsha 

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; the Hon. Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice O. M. Anyachebelu; the Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor; other Commissioners and government functionaries are expected at the grand finale of the NUJ Man of the Year Award ceremony taking place on Thursday, September 10, 2026 in Awka, the state capital.

Chairman of the 2026 Press Week and Coral Anniversary celebrations, Comrade Ekpone Francis Emeka, made the disclosure on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a press conference held at Godwin Ezeemo Press Center, Awka. 

The chairman revealed that some Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their areas of specialization shall be honoured, including Anambra-based journalists who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of journalism practice in Nigeria.  

He disclosed that the 2026 NUJ Anambra Man Of The Year is High Chief Martin Nwabueze (Ichie Akubudike Umudioka), a man who has distinguished himself in businesses and construction, as well as oil and gas internationally.  

Ekpone said that Ichie Akubudike Umudioka will take over the mantle from Arch. Okey Ezeobi, who is presently the Honourable Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Anambra State.

According to him, there is a special addition to this year's award called 2026 NUJ Anambra Lifetime Man of the Year awardee, which he said will be bestowed on Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, who has distinguished himself in the past 35 years. 

"We also have Hon. Obby Nwankwo (Okwuego), who served in about four ministries as Commissioner. He will be recognised as the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Public Service Award recipient and  Mr. Mmaduabuchi Sylvester Nwosu, the MD/CEO, Bunvy Agency Ltd, who clinched the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Philanthropist of the Decade.

"As well, we have Chief Romanus Chika (Juju Ugbenu), a renowned Philanthropist, community leader and international businessman, as the 2026 NUJ Anambra Most Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year, with Chief Arinze Onwuzuruike (Aridon), Regent, Umunze Traditional Council, as the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Humanitarian of the Year awardee, whereas an ex international banker, and investment consultant Engr. Raphael Ezeike, MD/CEO, Poly Concepts & Consultancy Ltd, is the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Community Development Icon of the Year. And a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Innocent Affusim, CEO, Regina Caeli Specialist Hospital, Awka, emerged the 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Medical Professional Service Award recipient.

"On Journalists side, we have Comrade Victor Agusiobo, a two-term chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, who will be recognised by the union as the 2026 NUJ Anambra Long-Term Outstanding Professional Service Award recipient, Comrade Chinyere Fessy-Okoye as 2026 NUJ Anambra Outstanding Professional Service awardee and Chukwudi Chukwuenyem, who shall be honoured as 2026 NUJ Anambra Professional Service Awardee among other awardees which we shall unveil on Thursday, September 10, 2026," he said.

While reeling out other activities lined up for the NUJ Press Week, Comrade Ekpone said that the event will also feature humanitarian visits to correctional centres, children's homes, homes for the destitute and old people's homes.

According to him, Monday, 7 September, 2026, will feature indoor games and recreational activities, including Ludo, Chess, Draft, Whot, Skipping and other indoor games at the Press Center in Awka, the state capital.

He said that 3:00 p.m. on the same day, there will be a novelty football match between the NUJ team and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) team. The match, according to him, will kick-off by 4:00 pm at Paul University field, Awka.

According to him, Tuesday, 8 September, 2026 will be dedicated to a