Anyaso Emerges 2026 Humanitarian of the Year

The Labour Party Candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso (OFUJI), has emerged the 2026 Humanitarian of the Year at the 8th edition of the Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX 2026.

The philanthropist, entrepreneur and community development advocate, was declared winner following the conclusion of the nationwide public voting exercise and the final ratification of the LEEX 2026 Awards Selection Committee on August 10, 2026.

According to an official notification signed by the Chairman of the LEEX 2026 Local Organising Committee, Prof. B. I. Babafemi, Anyaso secured 128,085 votes in the public voting exercise, which was independently monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The organisers said his victory reflected the confidence and support of members of the public for his sustained humanitarian interventions, community development initiatives and efforts to empower vulnerable Nigerians.

They particularly cited the activities of the Chima Anyaso Foundation, which they said had combined emergency relief with long-term interventions in healthcare, education, youth empowerment and economic development.

The foundation’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic was among the interventions highlighted. According to the organisers, it distributed food supplies worth more than ₦1 billion across communities in Abia State over an eight-month period, providing relief to vulnerable households affected by the lockdown and economic disruption.

His contribution to education was also recognised through the Ahuoma Anyaso Education Foundation, which established and supports a tuition-free nursery and primary school for children from underserved families. The initiative provides beneficiaries with access to education without the burden of tuition, uniforms and learning materials.

In healthcare, the organisers cited a recent 10-day medical outreach conducted across communities in Bende Local Government Area, where approximately 2,300 adults reportedly benefited from free medical consultations, diagnosis, medication and referrals.

The foundation’s 2025 free eye-care outreach was also highlighted. The programme reportedly examined 1,148 patients, made 159 referrals for advanced care, and distributed 239 prescription glasses and 525 reading glasses to beneficiaries.

Beyond direct relief, the organisers said the Chima Anyaso Foundation had implemented programmes targeting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), youth empowerment, digital skills development, education and community healthcare.

They described Anyaso’s humanitarian approach as one that goes beyond temporary assistance by investing in human development, healthcare, education, enterprise and community empowerment.

The Leadership Excellence Awards is an African media awards platform established to recognise individuals whose contributions have advanced governance, enterprise, innovation, philanthropy and sustainable development.

Previous recipients of major LEEX honours, according to the organisers, include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON; former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, CON; and businessman Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, CON.

The organisers also stated that the Leadership Excellence Awards is endorsed by the African Union and African Film Institute (AU-AFI).

The award will be formally presented to Anyaso at the 8th Leadership Excellence Awards ceremony scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Banquet Hall, Abuja.

The red-carpet session is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m., while the main ceremony will commence at 7:00 p.m.

In its congratulatory message, the LEEX 2026 Local Organising Committee described Anyaso’s recognition as a reflection of his contributions to humanitarian service, healthcare, education, community development and economic empowerment.

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