Nigeria’s top-rising entrepreneur, real estate mogul and founder of Lesson360, ESV. Ekweoba Arnold Chukwuebuka, has been honoured with the prestigious 2026 Nelson Mandela Impact Makers Award in recognition of his contributions to real estate, innovation, humanitarian service and sustainable development.
Chukwuebuka received the award on Monday, August 3, 2026, during a private investiture in Abuja, where he was recognised in the Diamond Class of the award as a trailblazer in real estate innovation, humanitarian service and sustainable development.
The ceremony was graced by great personalities, including members of his family, close associates and representatives of the Professional Public Speaking and Leadership Academy (PPSLA Africa) and the African Award Group, which are the organisations behind the award.
The award presentation was preceded by a keynote address delivered by the Director-General of PPSLA Africa, Dr. Lotanna Okoye, who spoke on the importance of impact-driven leadership and the responsibility of African leaders to build people, institutions and lasting legacies.
The recognition, according to the organisers, was informed by Chukwuebuka’s growing contributions to enterprise development, youth empowerment, education and other areas of social impact.
His entrepreneurial journey dates back to 2015 when he founded Arnold & Associates Group as an undergraduate. Since then, the business has continued to expand into several areas, including real estate, construction, dredging, renewable energy and education technology.
Through his real estate ventures, Chukwuebuka has been associated with a number of property developments, particularly in the South-East, including Brownwood Luxury Estate, Presidential Estate, City of David Estate, Texas City, British Court, Heritage Estate and Livingstone Estate, among others.
His interests in renewable energy through the Arnold & Associates Energy have also seen him venture into solar power solutions at a time of increasing concerns over electricity supply in Nigeria.
His activities in the education technology space have equally attracted attention through Lesson360, a digital learning platform designed to make education more accessible while using technology to connect learners with educational resources.
Beyond business, the award also recognises his reported involvement in youth empowerment and humanitarian activities. He has supported young Nigerians through employment, mentorship and business opportunities, while also contributing to scholarships and housing support for widows.
Chukwuebuka has in recent years also ventured into initiatives focused on the preservation and promotion of Igbo language and culture.
Among such efforts are the digital platforms 360 Akụkọ Na Egwu Igbo and Mụta Asụsụ Igbo TV, which were launched to promote Igbo stories, folklore, songs, language and cultural learning, particularly among children and young people.
These platforms are part of his broader interest in using technology to address social and cultural challenges, with the Igbo-focused initiative seeking to encourage younger generations to reconnect with their indigenous language and heritage.
The 2026 Nelson Mandela Impact Makers Award believably adds to the growing list of recognitions for the Anambra-born entrepreneur and inventor, whose activities continued to shape and make impacts across business, education, innovation, culture and humanitarian intervention.