By Okoye Chioma

As part of the Idoma Centenary Plus celebrations, the organisers of the Idoma Hall of Fame have unveiled a distinguished list of eminent sons and daughters of Idoma land selected for recognition in honour of their exceptional contributions to nation-building, leadership, education, religion, entertainment, law, healthcare, public service and community development.

The organisers clarified that the list represents only the first approved batch of inductees, noting that nominations remain open until July 15, 2026.

Following the close of nominations, additional nominees will be screened and considered, after which the final list of inductees will be published as part of efforts to ensure broad recognition of outstanding contributions across generations and sectors.

Among those billed for induction are former Nigerian Senate President, Senator David Mark; Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc Sonny Echono; legendary musician, Dr Bongos Ikwue; and global music icon, Innocent “2Baba” Idibia.

Others on the prestigious list include the founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche; legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Godwin Obla; renowned economist, Professor Ode Ojowu; former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice James Ogenyi Ogebe; and former Head of Service of the Federation, Dr James Abu Obe.

The Hall of Fame will also recognise BBC journalist, Peter Okwoche; Mama Maria Ochefu, founder of the popular Mammy Market (posthumously); Brigadier Emmanuel Ebije Ikwue,; former Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Jomo Idoko Adapoyi; former Director of the Nigerian Prisons Service (now the Nigerian Correctional Service), renowned actress Ada Ameh (posthumously); Dr Enyantu Ifene; Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan (rtd); Dr Edwin Idoko Obe (posthumously); Pastor Inalegwu Omakwu (posthumously); and His Eminence Dr Oliver Ali Aba, Prelate and Primate of the Methodist Church Nigeria.

Founder of the initiative, Engr. Agaba Ikwue, said the Hall of Fame was established to celebrate excellence and preserve the legacies of accomplished Idoma personalities whose achievements have brought honour and visibility to the Idoma nation both within Nigeria and internationally.

According to him, the honourees were carefully selected based on their contributions to society, leadership records, professional accomplishments and commitment to the advancement of humanity.

He noted that the awardees represent the very best of the Idoma nation and have, through their individual and collective efforts, projected the values of hard work, integrity, service and excellence.

“The Idoma Hall of Fame was established to celebrate excellence, preserve legacies, and inspire future generations of Idoma sons and daughters to pursue greatness.”

“The personalities selected for induction represent the very best of the Idoma nation. Through their achievements, they have brought honour, dignity and recognition to our people.”

“A people who fail to celebrate their heroes risk losing their history. This Hall of Fame is our way of preserving the stories and accomplishments of those who paved the way.”

“We want young Idoma men and women to see these icons as proof that excellence knows no boundaries and that greatness is achievable through hard work, discipline and service.”

“These distinguished sons and daughters have carried the Idoma identity with pride and projected our values on national and global platforms.”

“This recognition is not merely about celebrating success; it is about acknowledging service, sacrifice, leadership and impact on humanity.”

The event is expected to attract political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, religious leaders, academics and members of the diplomatic community from across Nigeria.

They urged stakeholders, community leaders and members of the Idoma nation at home and in the Diaspora to participate in the process to ensure that deserving individuals who have made significant contributions to society are recognised.