A distinguished lineup of Nigerians, including top government officials, sports icons, security experts, and professionals across various sectors, are set to be honoured at the maiden edition of the National Development Hall of Fame scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Nigeria National Merit Award Secretariat in Abuja.
Prominent among those to be inducted are Maj. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State; Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League Board; and ACG HK Ejibunu, Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Operation Whirlwind.
The prestigious event, organized by Elation Communications Limited in partnership with Elation Magazine, Royal International Magazine, and news.elationcoms.com, has been described as one of the most celebrated honour platforms in the West African sub-region, designed to recognize Nigerians—at home and abroad—who have made significant contributions to the nation’s growth and unity.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the Director of Honours, High Chief Darlinghtyn Momoh Umoru, a seasoned security consultant, said the honourees were carefully selected from across the socio-economic, security, political, and religious sectors, and from both the public and private spheres of national life.
“These honours are for a few outstanding individuals who have excelled or are currently excelling in their careers, with verifiable contributions to Nigeria’s development, peace, and cohesion,” he said.
Also listed for induction are legendary boxer Bash Ali (OON), Hajji Gafar Liameed, Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association; veteran journalist Paul Ejime; Pastor Dr. Victoria Ben Shimfe; Captain Raymond Bitanis (Rtd.); Chief Dr. Matthias Okuma; Onyekachukwu Davidson Ogbu, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Community in Côte D’Ivoire; Amb. Abigail Jerry; John Ocholi; AC Dinya Sabo; Hon. Dr. Oluwasegun Musa, former Lagos gubernatorial candidate; and CSC Lauretta Utubor.
Others include Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, President of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control and President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club; Chief Calistus Elozieuwa; and Dr. Martins Okay Justice.
In a special category, Dr. Chioma Amajoh will be inducted not into the National Development Hall of Fame, but into the highly revered Mother Africa Hall of Fame, in recognition of her continental contributions.
The event is expected to attract high-profile guests, stakeholders, and well-wishers from various walks of life, as the organisers aim to institutionalize an annual tradition of rewarding merit, patriotism, and developmental impact across Nigeria and the diaspora.