‘We’re Proud Of You’ – Abam Monarchs Celebrate James Ume’s London Award
The Abam Onyerubi Council of Ndi Ezeogo has joined other community leaders in congratulating Chief James Ume on his recent conferment with the African Hero Award 2026 at the Voice African Achievers Awards in London.
The monarchs described the recognition as a well-deserved honour for Ume’s leadership, philanthropy, community service and contributions to Abam land and beyond.
Ume, also known by his chieftaincy title ‘Ike Abam’, was honoured for his philanthropic, media and community-focused interventions across Nigeria, while his Unubiko Foundation was recognised for its developmental projects.
The award celebrates individuals, institutions and change-makers recognised for leadership, integrity and community development across Africa.
In a letter dated August 29, 2026, the traditional council said the international recognition fits Ume’s years of humanitarian service, philanthropic work and commitment to grassroots development.
“This prestigious international honor is a testament to your outstanding leadership, philanthropy, community service, and the positive impact you have made not only in Abam land, but across Nigeria and the African continent.
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“Your selfless contributions to the upliftment of our people, your commitment to peace, unity, and human capital development, and your exemplary life of service have continued to make Abam proud on the global stage,” said the council.
The monarchs prayed that the recognition would spur Ume to greater service to God and humanity.
“We, Ndi Ezeogo Abam, celebrate you today and pray that this recognition will spur you to greater heights of service to God and humanity.”
“Once again, congratulations Ike Abam. Abam is proud of you,” read the letter signed by the Chairman, Ndi Eze Ogo Abam, and Eze Ogo Ota Ola Ngwobia of Ndi Ojugwo Abam.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Abia State University (ABSU), Rt. Hon. Agwu Agwu, described the award as a great honour for the Abam community.
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Agwu, a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, congratulated Ume on behalf of his family and the people of Abam Onyerubi in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
“This global recognition speaks eloquently of Ike Abam’s profound philanthropic gestures, exceptional human capital investment and deep rooted community-economic development within Abam and outside Abia State through the Unubiko Foundation, Whisperer and Koos Media platforms,” he said.
Agwu said Ume had impacted thousands of lives through educational scholarships, support for the elderly and vulnerable, partnerships with faith-based organisations through the Unubiko Foundation, as well as his contributions to the media and public relations profession.
“We, the Abam Onyerubi sons and daughters, are proud to identify with our illustrious son, Chief James C. Ume (Ike Abam Onyerubi) on this international prestigious award,” he said.
“We are confident that this award will spur him to more action towards enhancing humanity on a global scale.”
Similarly, the Mayor of Arochukwu LGA, Prof. Okereke Aru, described the African Hero Award as recognition of years of humanitarian service and commitment to grassroots development.
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In a statement issued on behalf of the government and people of Arochukwu LGA, Aru said, “This international accolade stands as a resounding testament to Chief Ume’s visionary leadership, profound philanthropic dedication, and relentless commitment to grassroots human capital development”