Tom Okpe – Abuja
The Orokam Development Forum, popularity known as Okam Forum, on Tuesday, held a pre-event press briefing at Chida International Hotels, Utako, Abuja, ahead of its 2025 Okam Forum Awards and Gala Night, scheduled for Thursday, 11 December 2025.
Speaking during the briefing, Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee, Pastor Jacob Onogwu, said the event is designed to recognise outstanding contributors to the growth and development of the Orokam community, while also, drawing national and international attention to the Forum’s ongoing development initiatives.
Onogwu highlighted the history and milestones of the Orokam Development Forum, describing it as a non-profit organisation committed to the socio-economic upliftment of Orokam in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Formed in 2001 with just 11 members, the Forum now boasts about 80 prominent professionals, business leaders and public servants based in Abuja.
“Over the years, the Forum has executed several key projects, including the rehabilitation of the Orokam Preparatory School, scholarship awards to exceptional students, distribution of learning materials to schools in Orokam and Unyi-Ogugu, and establishment of one of Nigeria’s few community-based health insurance schemes, the Okam Forum Mutual Health Insurance Scheme, OFMHA.
“The Gala Night will feature awards to distinguished personalities who have supported the development of the Orokam community and the Idoma nation, as well as members of the Forum who have excelled in their professional callings.
Awardees include: Architect Anthony Ejeh Obekpa, Dr Regina Agwuda Ochube, Barr Aida Nath Ogwuche, Sunday Ameh Ajunwa, Dr David Olofu, Dr Philip Agbese, Chief Danjuma Saleh, Chief Chris Ben Aakpa and Dr Peter Adejoh.
“Others are Anthony Ujah, Major-Gen. Chris A. Garba, MNI, CON, CFR, Okeno K’Idoma, Chief Stephen Lawani, OFR, Ochagwu K’Idoma, Chief Dr Paul Edeh, Ojela K’Idoma and Sir John Onojah.”
Others will also be honoured for exceptional community service, meritorious national service, professionalism and contributions to the Orokam Development Forum.
Onogwu raised concerns over the persistent neglect of Orokam, despite its vibrant agrarian economy and strategic geographic location, revealing that the community currently, records over 8,000 out-of-school children and faces high rates of infectious diseases.
Two critical intervention areas highlighted were; Rehabilitation of St. Joseph’s Primary School, Orokam Once a model school, St. Joseph’s now lies in ruins, with two classroom blocks completely collapsed and the remaining structures in severe disrepair.
“The Forum is seeking N49.5 million for reconstruction and basic rehabilitation.
Revitalisation of the Okam Forum Mutual Health Insurance Scheme.
The community-based health scheme, established in 2016, has struggled financially following the withdrawal of subsidies from the National Health Insurance Authority.
“To sustain operations for the next two years, the Forum is seeking N10.5 million, bringing the total fundraising target to N60 million,” pastor Onogwu said..
According to the Publicity Chairman, the 2025 Awards and Gala Night will not only celebrate excellence but also serve as a platform to mobilise support for the Forum’s education and health initiatives.
He commended the Executive Committee of the Forum for their dedication to community development, appreciating the media for honouring the organisation’s invitation.
“Your coverage will help shine light on the challenges facing our people and open doors for the support we urgently need,” he said.
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