Dr. Ubon Udoh Honoured with Civil Society Plaque for Transformational Philanthropy and Development Leadership.
By Raymond Enoch
In a resounding affirmation of visionary leadership and strategic philanthropy, Dr. Ubon Udoh, PhD, Managing Director/CEO of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), has been honoured with the prestigious Civil Society Plaque of Honour for Strategic Philanthropy and Development Impact. The award was conferred by the National Civil Society Coalition on Transparency and Public Accountability (NCSCTPA), under the leadership of the Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa LTD/GTE (CELCE-AFRICA).
The recognition ceremony, which took place at ASR Africa’s headquarters in Abuja, drew key civil society leaders, development advocates, and members of the media, all gathered to celebrate a man whose work has become synonymous with high-impact, people-centered development across Nigeria and the African continent.
Presenting the award, Ambassador Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze, Lead Convener of NCSCTPA and Director General of CELCE-AFRICA, lauded Dr. Udoh as a “development leader whose vision has set a benchmark for impactful philanthropy in Africa.” He cited Udoh’s remarkable ability to translate vision into measurable, life-changing projects as a model for future generations of African leaders.
Under Dr. Udoh’s stewardship, ASR Africa—established by billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu—has launched and executed a portfolio of transformative interventions in healthcare, education, and social development. Notable among them are the multi-billion-naira upgrades of hospitals in Ogun and Edo States, state-of-the-art medical equipment deliveries to healthcare centers in Abuja, and the construction of modern ICT and student facilities in leading Nigerian universities.
“These projects are not only infrastructural,” Nwanze noted, “they are catalysts for long-term capacity-building and social resilience. Dr. Udoh’s work is an inspiration for a new era of socially responsible leadership.”
While Dr. Udoh’s professional achievements at ASR Africa are widely known, his personal initiatives also tell a powerful story of grassroots empowerment. Through ventures such as the Hotcoal Basketball Club and The Cornerstone Foundation, he has promoted youth education, built sports infrastructure, and created platforms for mentorship and talent development.
Holding a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies, Dr. Udoh brings over two decades of international development experience spanning monitoring and evaluation, peacebuilding, and policy strategy—credentials that underpin his holistic approach to development and philanthropy.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Udoh expressed heartfelt gratitude to the civil society community for the honour. “This recognition belongs to the dedicated team at ASR Africa and to our visionary founder, Abdul Samad Rabiu. I am deeply humbled and more committed than ever to building partnerships that deliver lasting community impact.”
The event concluded with an impassioned call by Amb. Nwanze for support towards CELCE-AFRICA’s latest publication, “Rethinking Leadership through Design: A Path for People-Centric Leadership.” He urged stakeholders to contribute financially towards the printing and national dissemination of the book, which he described as a blueprint for cultivating a new generation of African leaders driven by integrity, innovation, and inclusivity.
As the applause faded and the cameras stopped flashing, one message remained clear: through individuals like Dr. Ubon Udoh, a new standard for development leadership is emerging in Africa—one rooted in purpose, guided by strategy, and delivered through compassion.
