Tom Okpe, Abuja
The Orokam Development Forum, Abuja widely known as Okam Forum on Thursday held its 2025 Annual Awards and Gala Night at Chida International Hotel, Utako, Abuja, where it honoured distinguished Nigerians and raised over N60 million for education and health projects in Orokam community.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Forum, Chief Emmanuel Owoicho Ameh, FCA, said the Gala was designed to strengthen partnerships with individuals and institutions committed to philanthropy and community upliftment.
He noted that the ceremony also recognised persons, whose contributions, advanced the Orokam community and national development.
Chief Ameh highlighted the Forum’s remarkable growth from 11 founding members in 2001 to about 80 respected professionals, including business leaders, academics, and senior public servants.
Despite the resilience and productivity of Orokam people, Ameh, lamented the community’s long-standing infrastructural neglect, emphasizing the need for self-driven development initiatives.
A total of 26 personalities were celebrated under four categories of Community Service and Philanthropy:
Arc. Anthony Ejeh Obekpa (Chairman of the Day); Dr. Regina Agwuda Ochube; Hon. Aida Nath Ogwuche; Hon. Sunday Ameh Ajunwa; Hon. David Olofu; Hon. Philip Agbese; Chief Danjuma Saleh; Chief Chris Aakpa Diga; Dr. Peter Adejoh; Mr. Anthony Ujah; Maj.-Gen. Chris A. Garuba (rtd); Chief Stephen Lawani; and Hon. Prince Samuel Onuh and many others.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and APC governorship aspirant for Benue 2027 election, Arc. Tony Ejeh Obekpa, applauded the Forum’s development-driven initiatives. He stressed that communities must not rely solely on government, noting that Zone C has witnessed minimal government presence since the return of democracy.
“We must deepen community-led development models like those championed by Okam Forum,” he said, describing Orokam as the most united among the three major communities in Ogbadibo LGA.
Special Guest of Honour and father of the day, Gen. Chris Abutu Garba (rtd), CON, encouraged more people to support the Forum, praising Orokam for its unity and commitment to community growth.
The Mother of the Day, Chief Regina Agwuda Ochube, who attended with her children, expressed pride in her strong ties to Orokam, describing herself as “a mother, member, aunty and daughter of the community.”
The Forum however, realised over N60 million, surpassing its target for the rehabilitation of St. Joseph’s Primary School, Orokam, and the revitalisation of the Okam Mutual Health Assurance Scheme, both estimated at N60 million.
Chief Ameh thanked donors, friends, and members for their generosity, urging sustained support for the community’s progress.
He also praised the Executive Committee and Central Planning Committee for their dedication, expressing confidence in the long-term impact of their efforts.
