Stakeholders have called for sustained investment in human capital, innovation and entrepreneurship as critical drivers of Nigeria’s socio-economic development and global competitiveness at the 2026 Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards in Awka.
The call came as outstanding professionals, business leaders, academics, public officials and institutions were honoured for their contributions to human capital development, enterprise, education and national development at the fifth edition of the annual awards.
The event, with the theme; “Unstoppable Anambra: Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact,” brought together government officials, captains of industry, academics, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders.
Delivering the keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Professor Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, said; “Anambra was well positioned to emerge as one of Africa’s leading centres of innovation, enterprise and knowledge-driven development if it continued to invest strategically in human capital.”
He identified innovation-driven industrialisation, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, diaspora investment, vocational skills development, business incubation and stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry and development partners as essential to sustaining economic growth and enhancing global competitiveness.
Professor Anyaehie said; “universities must evolve beyond their traditional role of awarding degrees to become centres of innovation, research, wealth creation and economic transformation.”
He noted that Nnamdi Azikiwe University was advancing that vision through research, industry partnerships, entrepreneurship and the production of highly skilled graduates.
The Chairman of Zobis Electrical Cables and Wires Ltd, Ezeobi John, also called for policies that would encourage domestic production, industrial expansion and reduced dependence on imports.
John said that his “company was developing a new industrial city in Anambra State expected to create more than 22,000 jobs while boosting local manufacturing of electrical products.”
Founder of the awards and Managing Director of TourNigeria Communications, Chikezie Chiedu said the initiative was established to promote merit, responsible leadership and excellence while encouraging accomplished Anambra indigenes to invest their expertise, experience and resources in the development of the state.
According to him, “the awards have continued to earn public confidence through a transparent and merit-based selection process despite the challenges of sustaining an integrity-driven recognition platform.”
He added that one of the initiative’s core objectives was to inspire business leaders to establish industries capable of creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the inaugural Anambra Person of the Decade Award to the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, in recognition of his decades of service in evangelisation, education, healthcare, humanitarian work, youth empowerment and human capital development.
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Joe Ezigbo, described Archbishop Okeke as an “exceptional leader whose impact transcends generations,” noting that the honour was unprecedented.
Archbishop Okeke expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the recognition as “a tribute to his lifelong commitment to the welfare of young people, prisoners, women, children and other vulnerable members of society.”
He dedicated the honour to the youth of Anambra State and Nigeria and pledged to intensify his humanitarian and developmental efforts.
“My prayer is for the welfare of our people, especially the young ones. Things are difficult and challenging, but God has not abandoned us. I will continue to pray and work until we see a better tomorrow,” he said.
The organisers also cited Archbishop Okeke’s establishment of Shanahan University, Onitsha, as a significant contribution to expanding access to quality education and developing future leaders.
Among other recipients, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, was recognised for her contributions to education, journalism and mentorship, while Mrs Amaka Onwughalu, Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, received the Woman of the Year Award.
High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd, was named Anambra Business Icon of the Year for his contributions to enterprise and infrastructure development, while Professor Obiageli Lilian Orogbu, representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, received the Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award.
Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji, and St John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu, emerged as the state’s best public and private secondary schools respectively, while Rev. Fr Gabriel Ositadimma Anochilionye received the School Administrator of the Year Award.
The 2026 AMTY Awards concluded with renewed calls for sustained investment in education, innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital, with participants expressing confidence that Nigeria has the capacity to produce globally competitive leaders capable of driving inclusive economic growth and national development.
