You’ve Put Abam On Global Stage, ABSU Pro-Chancellor Hails James Ume’s London Award

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Abia State University (ABSU), Rt. Hon. Agwu Agwu has congratulated Chief James Ume, on his conferment with the African Hero Award 2026 at the Voice African Achievers Awards held in London.

Ume, also known by his chieftaincy title ‘Ike Abam’, was honoured for extensive philanthropic, media, and community-focused interventions across Nigeria.

The award celebrates outstanding individuals, institutions, and change-makers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, and community development across Africa.

Ume’s Unubiko Foundation was also recognised for impactful developmental projects.

Agwu, a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, said the award had brought honour to the Abam community.

In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of his family and the people of Abam Onyerubi in Arochukwu Local Government of Abia State, the ABSU Pro-Chancellor described the recognition as a landmark achievement for the community.

“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, The Whistler and Channel Koos Media platforms,” he said.

Agwu, who described the award as a first for Abam, noted that Ume received the honour alongside African diplomats, leaders and entrepreneurs.

He 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.

In a statement issued on behalf of the government and people of Arochukwu LGA, the mayor said the award reflected Ume’s leadership and philanthropic efforts.

“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,” the statement read.

It added that the foundation’s interventions in education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic empowerment had continued to improve lives across Abia and beyond.

According to the mayor, the award has brought pride to Arochukwu, Abia State and Nigeria. He prayed for greater wisdom, strength and success for Ume to continue his humanitarian work.