Idoma Hall of Fame to honour 14 distinguished Idoma women

The Idoma Hall of Fame is set to honour 14 distinguished women whose achievements in public service, law, medicine, politics, entertainment and cultural preservation have contributed to the history and development of the Idoma nation.

The women are among personalities listed for recognition at the maiden induction ceremony of the Idoma Hall of Fame, scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Peach Vine Event Centre, Wuye, Abuja, as part of the Idoma Centenary Plus celebration.

The initiative is designed to celebrate outstanding Idoma sons and daughters, preserve their legacies and inspire younger generations through their achievements and contributions to society. 

The organisers have also identified the preservation of Idoma history and heritage as a central objective of the project.

The 14 women represent different generations and professional backgrounds, with some recognised for breaking barriers in fields where women were historically underrepresented, while others are celebrated for their contributions to healthcare, public administration, entertainment and traditional culture.

Meet the 14 women

1. Rev. Sister Anne Abah

Rev. Sister Anne Abah is listed among the pioneers whose contributions to the Idoma nation are being recognised under the Pioneers of Noble Feats category. The first reverend sister from Idoma land.

2. Alice Alache Akla Adepe

Alice Alache Akla Adepe is recognised for breaking a significant barrier in the beauty pageant industry. She is identified as the first woman of Idoma extraction to emerge Miss Nigeria, in 1963.

Her achievement marked an important milestone for women from Idoma land, demonstrating their capacity to compete and excel on a national platform at a time when such opportunities were limited.

3. Lady Martha Enikpa Attah

Lady Martha Enikpa Attah, who is being recognised posthumously, is remembered for her pioneering contributions to girls’ education and maternal healthcare.

She is identified as the first Idoma girl to complete secondary education and the first qualified Idoma midwife. Her educational achievement and professional service helped establish an important precedent for women’s advancement in the community.

4. Hon. Justice Patricia Ajuma Mahmoud, MFR

Hon. Justice Patricia Ajuma Mahmoud is recognised for her historic achievements in the Nigerian legal profession and judiciary.

She is identified as the first female lawyer from Idoma land, the first female High Court judge from the area, the first female Acting Chief Judge and the first female Court of Appeal justice from Benue State.

Her career represents a significant milestone in women’s participation in the administration of justice and the advancement of the legal profession.

5. Hon. Ada Mark-Ogbole

Hon. Ada Mark-Ogbole is recognised for making history in legislative representation.

She is identified as the first female member of the House of Representatives of Idoma extraction. Her achievement opened an important chapter in the participation of Idoma women in Nigeria’s federal legislative process.

Her inclusion highlights the contribution of women to political representation and public leadership.

6. Mammy Maria Ochefu

The late Mammy Maria Ochefu, who lived from 1941 to 2025, is being recognised for her pioneering role in establishing the Mammy Market concept.

She is credited with establishing the first Mammy Market at the Enugu military barracks in 1959. The initiative became an important part of the social and commercial life associated with military barracks in Nigeria.

Her recognition celebrates entrepreneurial initiative and a legacy that extended beyond her immediate community. She is also listed for a separate Lifetime Achievement Honour, meaning her recognition spans more than one part of the Hall of Fame programme.

7. Dr. Mary Ada Ogbe

Dr. Mary Ada Ogbe is recognised for her achievement in Nigeria’s public service.

She is identified as the first female Federal Permanent Secretary from Idoma land, a milestone that reflects her place in the history of women’s participation in senior government administration.

Her recognition highlights the importance of professional excellence and the advancement of women into influential positions within the federal civil service.

8. Hon. Chief Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi

Hon. Chief Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi is recognised for her achievement in legislative leadership in Benue State.

She is identified as the first female Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly. Her emergence into the position marked a significant milestone for women’s representation in the state legislature.

Her inclusion celebrates her place in the political history of the state and the growing role of women in legislative decision-making.

9. Hon. Grace Ooja Ogwuche

Hon. Grace Ooja Ogwuche is recognised as the first female Federal Minister of Idoma extraction.

Her appointment represented an important milestone for women from the area in national political leadership and federal administration.

Her inclusion in the Hall of Fame acknowledges the significance of her place in the history of Idoma representation at the federal level.

10. Dr. Omeyi Olokpo

Dr. Omeyi Olokpo is recognised for breaking a barrier in medicine as the first female medical doctor from Idoma land.

Her achievement represents a landmark in the participation of Idoma women in the medical profession and serves as a reminder of the importance of educational opportunity and professional advancement.

Her recognition places her among the women whose accomplishments helped establish precedents for subsequent generations.

11. Dr. Enyantu Ifene, MFR

Dr. Enyantu Ifene is listed among the Hall of Fame’s Peak Career Achievers in medicine and health.

A public health professional, she is associated with primary healthcare, maternal and child health, and development programming. Her work in these areas reflects the importance of healthcare delivery and development initiatives to the wellbeing of communities.

Her recognition highlights professional service in a field that directly affects families, women and children.

12. Ada Ameh

The late Ada Ameh is being recognised for her contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry.

The actress was known for her work in film and television, earning a place among the familiar faces in Nigeria’s screen entertainment. Her inclusion in the Legends in Sports, Entertainment and Culture category recognises her contribution to the creative industry and the visibility she brought to people of Idoma origin.

Her posthumous recognition also preserves her place in the cultural history being documented by the Hall of Fame.

13. Mama Alice Igbe

Mama Alice Igbe is recognised as a legendary Idoma traditional singer.

Her inclusion highlights the importance of indigenous music in preserving language, cultural identity, history and communal values. Traditional musicians have played an important role in passing stories, beliefs and social experiences from one generation to another.

By recognising Mama Alice Igbe, the Hall of Fame acknowledges the contribution of traditional performers to the preservation and transmission of Idoma cultural heritage.

14. Ene Oloja Ene Oloja is being recognised for her pioneering contribution to Nigerian film and television.

She was associated with productions including Cock-Crow at Dawn, Behind the Clouds and Mirror in the Sun. Her career placed her among the personalities who contributed to the development of Nigerian screen entertainment.