The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; former Senate President David Mark; and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro are among prominent personalities expected at the maiden induction ceremony of the Idoma Hall of Fame in Abuja on Thursday.
The ceremony, which is part of the historic Idoma Centenary Plus Celebrations, will honour more than 80 eminent personalities across various fields, including education, law, medicine, politics, business, entertainment and public service.
Wike is expected to deliver the keynote address and will also be inducted as a “Friend of Idoma” alongside former Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, who is reportedly cutting short an overseas trip to attend the event.
The ceremony will take place at the Peach Event Centre in Wuye, Abuja, bringing together political leaders, cultural icons, professionals and other distinguished personalities to celebrate achievements and contributions to society.
Organised under the leadership of the Central Planning Committee Chairman, Chief Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, and the founder of the Idoma Hall of Fame, Agaba Ikwue, the initiative aims to preserve Idoma heritage, document outstanding achievements and inspire future generations.
The organisers said the inductees would include both living achievers and deserving posthumous honourees whose contributions have made significant impacts in their respective fields.
The event has also attracted support from the wider Kwararafa community, with a delegation from Plateau State expected to attend the ceremony in a show of cultural solidarity.
In a statement issued by Media Officer Wukaska Bako Gowon on behalf of His Majesty, Nde Jika Golit, the Ngolong Ngas and leader of the Kwararafa Rebirth Kingdom in Plateau State, the palace reported considerable interest among descendants eager to participate in the event.
Members of the delegation are expected to assemble at the Grand Ibro Hotel in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, by 10 a.m. on the day of the ceremony for coordinated transportation to the venue.
Meanwhile, the medical community has welcomed the selection of former President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Innocent Achanya Otobo Ujah, for induction under the Academia and Intellectual Achievement category.
Ujah, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research and pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, has received commendations from the NMA Northern Caucus, the Doctors’ Timeout Family and other healthcare leaders.
In a message signed by Caucus Coordinator Dr Idris Omede and Secretary Prof. Abdulfatai B. Olokoba, the NMA Northern Caucus, led by Dr Stephen Churchill Kitchener, praised Ujah’s career and national honours, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and the National Productivity Order of Merit.
Dr Faruk Abubakar, Chief of Staff to the NMA President, also described Ujah as a visionary leader who contributed to the development of the association, including the construction of its national secretariat, the transformation of the Nigerian Medical Journal into a revenue-generating publication, the documentation of the association’s history and the establishment of the NMA Annual Lecture.
The maiden Idoma Hall of Fame induction is expected to celebrate excellence, preserve cultural heritage and recognise the contributions of individuals whose work has influenced communities and the country at large.