Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso(OFUJI), philanthropist, entrepreneur, community development advocate and the Labour Party’s Candidate for 2027 Bende Federal Constituency House of Representatives election , has emerged as the 2026 Humanitarian of the Year at the 8th edition of the Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX 2026).
Anyaso was declared winner following the conclusion of the nationwide public voting exercise and the final ratification of the Awards Selection Committee on August 10, 2026.
According to the official notification signed by the Chairman of the LEEX 2026 Local Organising Committee, Prof. B. I. Babafemi, Dr. Anyaso polled an impressive 128,085 votes in the public voting exercise, which was independently monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The organisers said his emergence reflected the strong confidence expressed by members of the public in his sustained commitment to humanitarian service, community welfare and the empowerment of vulnerable Nigerians.
They specifically highlighted his interventions through the Chima Anyaso Foundation, describing his humanitarian record as one that combines emergency relief with long-term investments in healthcare, education and economic empowerment.
According to the organisers, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chima Anyaso Foundation distributed food supplies valued at more than ₦1 billion across communities in Abia State over an eight-month period, providing relief to vulnerable households whose livelihoods were severely affected by the lockdown and economic disruption.
His intervention in education was also highlighted, particularly through the Ahuoma Anyaso Education Foundation, which established and supports a tuition-free nursery and primary school providing children from underserved families with access to education without the burden of tuition fees, uniforms and learning materials.
The organisers further cited his healthcare interventions, including a recent 10-day medical outreach across communities in Bende Local Government Area, during which approximately 2,300 adults reportedly received free medical consultations, diagnosis, medications and referrals.
Beyond emergency assistance, the award organisers noted that the Chima Anyaso Foundation has developed programmes focused on MSME support, youth empowerment, digital skills, education and community healthcare, reflecting what they described as a commitment to promoting dignity, opportunity and self-reliance.
Another intervention highlighted was the Foundation’s 2025 free eye-care outreach, which recorded 1,148 patients examined, 159 referrals for advanced care, 239 prescription glasses and 525 reading glasses distributed to beneficiaries.
The organisers said these interventions demonstrate a humanitarian philosophy that goes beyond temporary relief by combining emergency assistance with investments in human development, healthcare, education, enterprise and community empowerment.
The Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX) described itself as 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 listed by the organisers include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON; former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, CON; and 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 Dr. 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 is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., while the main event will commence at 7:00 p.m.
In its congratulatory message, the Local Organising Committee described Anyaso’s recognition as a reflection of his contributions to humanitarian service, healthcare, education, community development and economic empowerment, expressing its expectation of celebrating the achievement with him and other distinguished guests at the Abuja ceremony.
