The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Chapel, has conferred its highest honorary distinction of Grand Patron on eminent public affairs strategist, entrepreneur and media advocate, Dr. (High Chief) Theodore Okwunicheta Ejikeme Ekechi.
This is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to national development, media advancement, entrepreneurship and humanitarian service.
The union also honoured Dr. Ekechi with the prestigious Most Outstanding Out-of-Home Advertising Icon of the Year 2026 Award during a well-attended ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
The awards acknowledge Dr. Ekechi’s remarkable record of service in public administration, strategic communications, private enterprise and national development, as well as his unwavering support for the Nigerian media and the promotion of democratic ideals.
A distinguished traditional leader and respected statesman, Dr. Ekechi holds the revered titles of Ugo Eji Ejemba of Ngor Okpala, Imo state, and Araba of Temidire, Ekiti state.
His academic accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Nigeria, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Strategic Management and Leadership from the Benjamin Franklin School of Economics and Business, University of America at Curacao, and an Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from the University of Berkley, Michigan, USA.
He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, England, and a Fellow of several distinguished professional bodies, including the Chartered National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, the Institute of Brand Management, the International Research Scholars and Administrators, and the Baptist College of Theology.
Over the years, Dr. Ekechi has served the nation with distinction in several strategic capacities, including as Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Imo State; Director of Planning and Monitoring of the APC Presidential Campaign Council; Coordinator of the APC National Control Centre, Abuja; among other positions.
As chairman and promoter of the Marketing and Media Group, Dr. Ekechi has built one of Nigeria’s respected integrated marketing communications and advertising conglomerates, with interests spanning advertising, media services, branding, commodity brokerage, consultancy and renewable energy solutions.
The NUJ FCTA Chapel observed that Dr. Ekechi has consistently demonstrated uncommon patriotism, exemplary integrity and visionary leadership through his commitment to economic empowerment, community development, responsible public engagement and the advancement of ethical values in governance and business.