NUJ HONOURS DR. CELESTINE CHIJIOKE UGWUOKE AS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2026

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, Correspondents’ Chapel, has honoured renowned medical practitioner and business executive, Dr. Celestine Chijioke Ugwuoke, popularly known as Dr. Niceman, with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to entrepreneurship, healthcare development and business innovation.

The award was presented during the grand finale of the 2026 Correspondents’ Chapel Press Week on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre, Rangers Avenue, Enugu.

Dr. Ugwuoke was among the distinguished personalities recognised at the event, which brought together prominent figures from government, business, healthcare, security and other sectors to celebrate excellence and discuss the role of responsible journalism in strengthening democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The occasion was chaired by Chief Anthony Ani, SAN, former Attorney-General of Enugu State, while the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, served as the guest lecturer. The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, was identified as the keynote speaker.

Dr. Celestine Chijioke Ugwuoke hails from Isamani, Akpa Edem, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. His professional journey reflects a combination of medical excellence, strategic leadership and entrepreneurial vision.

He graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), in 2006 and subsequently specialised in Radiology in 2015.

As the Chief Executive Officer of Nice Diagnostic Clinics, Dr. Ugwuoke has played a significant role in expanding access to specialist diagnostic services across parts of Enugu State.

Under his leadership, Nice Diagnostic Clinics established its presence in Nkanu West in 2011, Nsukka in 2016 and Enugu-Ezike in 2020, extending diagnostic healthcare services to communities beyond the state's major urban centres.

His entrepreneurial interests also extend to the hospitality industry, where he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Sharpbend Hotel, Nsukka.

His investments across healthcare and hospitality demonstrate an approach to entrepreneurship centred on identifying opportunities, building sustainable businesses and delivering services that respond to people's needs.

Beyond his achievements in business and healthcare, Dr. Ugwuoke has built an impressive record of professional leadership within the Nigerian medical community.

His leadership journey began with service as Hall Governor of Kenneth Dike Hall at UNEC before progressing to the presidency of the Association of Resident Doctors, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH).

He subsequently served as Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Enugu North Zone; Chairman of NMA Enugu State; and Chairman of the NMA South-East Region.

He also served as the immediate past National Treasurer of the Nigerian Medical Association, a position that placed him among the professionals entrusted with responsibilities within the association's national leadership structure.

These experiences reflect his sustained involvement in professional administration, medical advocacy and the advancement of healthcare practice.

Entrepreneurship Driven by Innovation and Value 

Dr. Ugwuoke's entrepreneurial philosophy is rooted in disruptive innovation, strategic thinking and the pursuit of sustainable value creation.

He believes in challenging conventional approaches, identifying opportunities where others may see limitations and developing enterprises capable of delivering meaningful economic and social benefits.

This philosophy is reflected in his involvement in healthcare diagnostics and hospitality, two sectors that play important roles in community development, service delivery and employment generation.

His career illustrates how professional expertise can extend beyond conventional practice into business development, institutional leadership and investment in services that address societal needs

Beyond his professional and business accomplishments, Dr. Ugwuoke is passionate about humanitarian service and improving the living conditions of less-privileged members of society.

His commitment to helping others complements his work in medicine, where the central objective is to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life.

His professional journey combines medical expertise, association leadership, entrepreneurial courage and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of ordinary people.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award places Dr. Ugwuoke among the personalities recognised during the 2026 NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel Press Week for their contributions across different sectors.

Other reported award recipients included Senator David Umahi, Barrister Ben Nwoye, Dr. Peter Okwudilichukwu Ogbobe, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, Hon. Peter Ogbonna Eze and Rangers International Football Club General Manager, Mr. Amobi Ezeaku.

The event also provided an opportunity to reflect on the media's responsibility to promote accountability, combat corruption and strengthen democratic institutions as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle.

For Dr. Ugwuoke, the recognition represents an important milestone in a career that spans medicine, entrepreneurship, professional leadership and humanitarian service.

His journey reinforces the idea that professional success can become more meaningful when combined with innovation, investment in essential services and a commitment to improving the welfare of society.

As Dr. Celestine Chijioke Ugwuoke continues to build on his achievements in healthcare and business, the NUJ's recognition celebrates a professional whose journey demonstrates the potential of combining medical excellence with entrepreneurial vision and service to humanity.