As Nigeria Marks Independence, Idoma Unveils Hall of Fame to Honour Its Icons
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OTUKPO/ABUJA — While Nigeria marks its Independence Day on October 1, the Idoma people are set to celebrate their own heritage and remarkable sons and daughters with the unveiling of the Idoma Hall of Fame (IHOF).
The Management and Board of the Idoma Hall of Fame, in collaboration with Ochetoha K’Idoma, have announced the nominees for induction into the maiden edition of the Idoma Hall of Fame, scheduled to hold on October 15, 2026, at the Peachvine Events Centre, Wuye, Abuja, FCT.
The landmark initiative forms part of the Idoma Centenary PLUS celebration and is aimed at recognising individuals whose exceptional achievements, leadership, innovation and service have contributed significantly to the history, culture and development of the Idoma people in Nigeria and across the world.
According to the organisers, the Idoma Hall of Fame is envisioned as a foremost heritage institution dedicated to documenting, preserving and celebrating the enduring legacy of the Idoma people.
Beyond the induction ceremony, the initiative is expected to develop a physical and digital museum experience, while promoting education, cultural research, documentation and preservation of Idoma heritage for future generations.
Past Och’Idomas Among Those to Be Honoured
The maiden Hall of Fame will recognise the contributions of past paramount traditional rulers of the Idoma Kingdom.
They include:
1. HRH Agabaidu Ogiri Oko — Och’Idoma I (1948–1959)
2. HRH Agabaidu Abraham Ajene Okpabi — Och’Idoma II (1960–1995)
3. HRH Amb. Dr. Edwin Ogebe Ogbu — Och’Idoma III (1995–1996)
4. HRH Agabaidu Elias Ikoyi Obekpa — Och’Idoma IV (1996–2021)
The incumbent HRM Agabaidu Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John Obagaji, CON, Och’Idoma V, is listed as the Life Patron and Custodian of the Idoma Hall of Fame.
Prominent Idoma Personalities Listed
Under the Pioneers of Noble Feats category, the nominees include prominent figures from different generations and fields of endeavour.
They include Prelate Oliver Aba, Rev. Sister Anne Abah, Chief John Oche Aboh, Chief Jomo Idoko Adapoyi, OON, Distinguished Senator Ameh Ebute, CON, Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Ebije Ikwue (Rtd.), Hon. Justice Patricia Ajuma Mahmoud, MFR, Distinguished Senator Dr. David A. B. Mark, GCON, Senator Dr. Abba Patrick Moro, Chief Godwin Odumu Obla, SAN, Amb. James Abu Obe, CFR, Chief Mike Okibe Onoja, CON, and several others.
Several personalities are being honoured posthumously for their contributions and legacies.
Recognition Across Professional Fields
The Hall of Fame has also created categories covering theology and spiritual leadership, academia, science and technology, medicine, governance, military and security, diplomacy, journalism, sports, entertainment and culture.
In theology and spiritual leadership, nominees include Bishop Benjamin Abraham Achigili, OON, Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche, and late Pastor Inalegwu Omokwu.
The academia and intellectual achievement category includes Professor Shamsudeen Onyilokwu Onche Amali, OFR, Professor Isawa Elaigwu and late Professor John Odo Ibu.
In medicine, health and public health leadership, nominees include Dr. (Mrs.) Enyantu Ifene, MFR, Professor John Alechenu Idoko, Professor Icha Onche and Professor Innocent Achanya Ujah, mni, MFR.
The public administration, governance and political leadership category features personalities including Engr. Benson Abounu, Arc. Dr. Sonny S. T. Echono, FNIA, OON, Chief Steven Lawani, OFR, Barr. Dr. Samuel Ode, mni, and Professor Ode Ojowu, OFR.
Military, Media and Diplomacy
The military, defence, security and uniformed services category includes senior officers such as Major General Geoffrey Obiaje Ede Ejiga, OFR (Rtd.), Major General Chris Abutu Garba, CFR (Rtd.), and Major General Lawrence Anebi Onoja, CFR (Rtd.), among others.
The diplomacy and international service category features Ambassador Eineje EgbadekwU Onobu, CFR.
Meanwhile, the journalism, media and public communication category includes the late Enenche Akogwu, late Chief David Attah, and Peter Ogbu Okwoche.
Sports, Entertainment and Cultural Legends
The Legends in Sports, Entertainment and Culture category features some of the most recognisable names associated with Idoma entertainment, music, sports and cultural heritage.
They include gospel musician Owie Abutu (Owoicho Abutu), late indigenous music legend Joe Akatu, late actress Ada Ameh, football legend Daniel Amokachi, MON, OON, music icon Innocent “2Face” Ujah Idibia, MON, Mama Alice Igbe, Dr. Bongos Igoche Ikwue, gospel musician Chris Morgan, footballer Moses Simon, MON, late jazz musician Ray Stephen Oche, basketball coach Ogoh Odaudu, late folk musician Edigwu Okplefu, and late film and television personality Ene Oloja.
Friends of Idoma Also Recognised
The Friends of Idoma category recognises individuals outside the Idoma community for their association with and contributions to the people.
Those listed include Mallam Adamu Adamu, CON, late Chief Wantaregh Paul Iyorpuu Unongo, OFR, H.E. Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, and Dr. Adamu Zakari.
Four Named for Lifetime Achievement Honours
Four personalities have also been selected for Lifetime Achievement Honours:
* Mammy Maria Ochefu (1941–2025) — Posthumous
* Arc. Dr. Sonny S. T. Echono, FNIA, OON
* Chief Godwin Odumu Obla, SAN
* HRH Amb. Dr. Edwin Ogebe Ogbu — Posthumous
The announcement was signed by Engr. Agaba Ikwue, FNSE, Founder/Executive Director of the Idoma Hall of Fame, and Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, FHSN, FNAL, President-General of Ochetoha K’Idoma, for the Idoma Centenary Plus.
The maiden induction ceremony, scheduled for October 15, 2026, is expected to bring together traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, professionals, cultural icons, entertainers, athletes and members of the Idoma community from Nigeria and the diaspora.
The Idoma Hall of Fame Secretariat is located at 20 Anthony Enahoro Street, Utako, Abuja, FCT.
The organisers said the initiative represents an effort to ensure that the achievements and contributions of notable Idoma personalities are properly documented and preserved for present and future generations.
