Unubiko Foundation Founder, Chief James Ume, Using Philanthropy To Empower Multitudes

The founder of Unubiko Foundation, Chief James Ume may not be among the billionaire philanthropists on the Forbes or Bloomberg lists. But he compares to them in passion and commitment to making life better for the majority.

Chief Ume believes citizens’ philanthropy is a tool to help the government achieve its goal of social security as well as achieving United Nations Development Goals.

The 44-year-old who founded a media empire, Channelkoos Media Consult Ltd, consisting of THE WHISTLER Communication Limited and others, appeared to have familiarised himself with the ordinary people and understood their needs. He has developed a unique model for charity work which seems to be a hobby for him.

Chief Ume has strategically aligned his philanthropic goals with the challenges identified by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SSG) review and the results of the 2022 Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI), published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which includes poor access to drinking water, healthcare and education.

In 2020, Ume, through Unubiko Foundation, delivered over twenty boreholes to provide portable water for rural communities in Abia State. By 2023 ending, the number rose to over 30, all scattered around Atan Abam, Ozu Abam, Ndi Okereke Abam, Ndi Okorie Abam and Idima Abma among others.

Ume also targeted the health sector by funding 830 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) and over 12,000 hand sanitizers to the Federal Medical Centre Isolation Centre, Umuahia at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through his foundation, Ume has contributed towards cures for diseases. In October, 2023 his foundation earmarked over N100m for payments of hospital bills at the Federal Medical Centre Isolation Centre, Umuahia, including treatment for cancer patients.

The foundation has also ensured the renovation and equipping of healthcare centres across rural communities in Abia.

In line with SDG4-Education, Ume targeted rebuilding and funding of educational projects across Nigeria. The Unubiko Foundation announced payment of 2020 West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for Abia students.

One of his major projects was to rebuild the Ovukwu-Abam Secondary School, Atan Abam in Abia State, which cost over N250m in 2021. He also rebuilt the Onyereubi Comprehensive Secondary School, in Abia State among others.

By December 2023, the philanthropist flagged off a N300m scholarship grants for Abia Students. The scholarship covers from primary education to tertiary education for all beneficiaries, irrespective of their state of origin.

Also a feminist at heart, Chief Ume has been supporting female education through a special project called ‘Ada/Ogbodiya Foundation’. The project is jointly sponsored by Ume and Professor Kenneth Kalu.

Chief Ume’s charity heart did not overlook the justice system. In December 2022, he handed over the newly reconstructed Magistrate Courts in 26 communities in Abam, Arochukwu LGA of Abia State to the state government to improve the Justice system in the state.

Unlike many who see philanthropy as investment for personal gain, Chief Ume sees charity as giving back to God. “I believe we are serving humanity, we are serving God, we don’t need any self-seeking attention. When you give to people, you are giving back to God,” he told THE WHISTLER.

His charity work has fetched him local and global awards including the prestigious Gani Fawehinmi Award for Outstanding Impact.

In 2022, Ume bagged the United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation (UTA) International Peace Award. He also recently received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Philanthropy and Human Investment from the Weldios University of Management and Technology, Benin Republic.

The All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU), an association of students from different African countries, while speaking on Chief Ume’s role in driving development, captured his essence as a philanthropist in a citation that reads:

“Information available to the Presidency of AASU Office in Addis Ababa reveals that Chief James Ume has touched the lives of the less privileged without making noise as he has perfected the act of giving to become one of the shining and inspirational lights in humanitarian spaces in Nigeria; humanitarian feat is legendary as all the 27 Abam villages bear imprimatur of his benevolence and charity. He handed over a Customary Court he rebuilt at the cost of over N150m.

“He also handed over the Presbyterian Church he rebuilt, a women development centre, and Ovukwu-Abam Secondary School, Atan-Abam, which he rebuilt, valued at N500m.”

Ukpe Philip Writes From Abuja