By PHILIP IKPONGKO, Abuja –
All is now set for the grand celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Club De Pals Abuja, the foremost socio-cultural association of Tiv professionals resident and working in the federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.
The grand celebration, scheduled to hold on Saturday, 6th December 2025 at the Royal Choice Inn Hotel located within the National Christian Centre – behind the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) headquarters in the Central Business Centre, Abuja, has as its theme, “30 Unbroken Years of Sustained Unity in Friendship.”
Highlights of the event, according to the Chairman, Central Planning Committee of the 30th Anniversary celebration, Dr Cletus Akwaya, include the unveiling of the revised Club De Pals Constitution, inauguration of the newly constituted Board of Trustees, special recognition of deceased Members and, Fund Raising for the construction of a Permanent Club House Secretariat.
Other activities include a keynote address by a former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia and current Federal Commissioner at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Professor Steve Ugbah, cutting of the Anniversary Cake and, presentation of Awards to past presidents of the Club and other deserving Nigerians.
Among the award recipients are: Chief Chia Waya (Business Excellence), Prof Oliver Agundu (Excellence in Public Service), Senator Dr Col Joseph Akaagerger (Rtd) (Post Homuous for Community Development and Excellence in Public Service), Late Major General Emmanuel Inienge(Rtd)- Post Humous (Excellence in Community Service), Dr Mrs Victoria Pillah- Public Service Excellence), Engr Livinus Tsar (Philanthropy and Community Service) and, Prof Steve Torkuma Ugbah (Excellence in Public Service).
The past presidents of the club to be honoured include Elder Arc Felix Terver Gbem, Elder Sylvester Kwen, Elder Innocent Ugbaa Iyornyagh (late), Elder Mike Tyowua and, Elder Tom Chiahemen.
Others are Elder Dr Chris Ashiekaa, Pal Dr Cletus Akwaya, Pal Terfa Agor, Pal Peter Anande, Pal Bernard Ordams and, Pal Cephas Kange
Formed and registered in 1995 as a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) of Tiv young professionals in the Nation’s capital, Club De Pals has since emerged as the single most formidable umbrella body that articulates the views and interests of the Tiv people of Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Cross River and Plateau states, as well as the FCT.
From its initial membership of 10 young professionals, the Club has today grown with well over 100 members, just as the association has produced, within the 30 years of its existence, university professors, directors in the federal civil service, state commissioners, publishers and media owners, senior legal practitioners, engineers, medical doctors, pharmacists, architects and school proprietors.
Within the 30 years of its existence, Club De Pals has contributed immensely to community development, philanthropy, humanitarian services and other good causes, including interventions in the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), victims of ecological disasters, communal conflicts and terrorism and other individuals and groups with health and educational challenges.
