Nigerian Business Icon, Ambassador Joel Udoka, Inducted into Global Diplomacy Hall of Fame in Berlin
By Everest Ezihe, Berlin, Germany
A distinguished Nigerian diplomat, entrepreneur, philanthropist and United Nations Global Ambassador of Peace, His Excellency, Ambassador Joel Kenneth Udoka, GDHF, popularly known as Oji Udo Akpa Aku 1 of Ogbaland has been inducted into the prestigious Global Diplomacy Hall of Fame of the International Society of Diplomats (ISD) in Berlin, Germany.
The colourful ceremony, which attracted distinguished personalities from different parts of the world, was the climax of a week-long programme leading to the ISD 2026 World Summit on Economic Diplomacy for Peace and Global Stability, held at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Dessauer Straße, Berlin, Germany.
According to the golden certificate presented to the inductee under the seal of the ISD World Governing Council, the honour recognizes his outstanding services to humanity and contributions to global diplomacy, peace and sustainable development.
The certificate, signed by Her Excellency, Ambassador Christina Amal Abbas Saad, President of the ISD World Summit 2026, and His Excellency, Ambassador Manuel Fernandez, Secretary-General, stated:
”High Chief Amb. Joel Kenneth Udoka GDHF,PJ,KSC, is inducted into the Hall of Fame, given golden GLOBAL DIPLOMACY plaque and hereby presented with this accolade, during the ISD 2026 World Summit held in Berlin – Germany, as a testament for your outstanding services to humanity and overall contributions to the sustenance of Global Diplomacy, Peace and Sustainable Development.”
The recognition further highlights Ambassador Udoka’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian service, business development, social responsibility and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
Before the commencement of the international summit, the Nigerian delegation to the event, led by Professor Archibong of Abuja University, paid a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Germany, where the delegation met with Senator Ita Enang, Nigeria’s Ambassador in Germany, at Nigeria House.
The visit provided an opportunity for members of the delegation to strengthen diplomatic relations and engage in discussions concerning Nigeria’s participation in international diplomacy and development initiatives.
Ambassador Udoka, whose traditional titles include Oji Udo Akpa Aku and Onweghi Ihe Kariri Chukwu, is an illustrious son of Duruojije in Umueze Abazu Ogwa Autonomous Community, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
He is widely recognized for his impressive professional credentials, entrepreneurial achievements, leadership experiences and commitments to the development of his community and humanity at large.
A Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC) of the Anglican Church, Udoka is a seasoned entrepreneur and corporate executive with more than 40 years of experience in business development, industrial operations, engineering services and executive management.
Known in the corporate world as Udoka Bestman, he possesses extensive experience across civil engineering, marine dredging, environmental engineering, oil and gas services, water engineering and related industrial operations.
Beyond his business accomplishments, he is a strong advocate of cultural preservation and the promotion of traditional heritages.
He is the immediate past Traditional Prime Minister (TPM) of his revered autonomous community,which he single Handedly paid for the authonomus status today,which is named and called Umueze Abazu ogwa authonomus community.and he is regarded as a visionary leader whose optimism and determination enable him to identify opportunities even in challenging circumstances.
Ambassador Udoka is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Udoka Bestman International Limited, a company he has led since 1996.
The company undertakes projects across several sectors, including civil construction, dredging, marine services, water and environmental engineering, waste management, oil and gas services, procurement and supply, and equipments hiring.
Under his leadership, the company has pursued corporate development, foreign technical partnerships and project delivery for government institutions, multilateral agencies and major players in the energy sector.
His professional career also includes service as General Manager, Operations, at Real Engineering Nigeria Limited, where he oversaw operational administrations, field engineering logistics, contract executions and client services delivery across industrial and civil engineering projects.
His entrepreneurial journey dates back to 1987, when he established a small-scale commercial enterprise in Omoku, Rivers State. That venture laid the foundation for his subsequent growth into an experienced business leader with a career spanning several years.
Udoka’s professional engagements and business interests have extended to Nigeria’s oil & gas energy industries, with experience associated with major industry players, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), Oando Energy Services Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), ExxonMobil, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Total Exploration and Production Nigeria,
His professional portfolio has attracted so many multinational companys into Nigerian business space,he is a the chairman of Global helicopter service of Germany GHS which he successfully brought into the country through the United Nation world food programme ( UNWFP) Liebher crane of Germany a world class heavy oil and gas equipment/ harbour manufacturers, the biggest in Germany,XCMG of China another heavy equipment manufacturers ,also encompasses engagements involving government institutions and development agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Regional development,The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
His experience across these sectors has contributed to his reputation as a versatile entrepreneur with interests spanning in engineering, infrastructure development, energy services and international business cooperation.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Ambassador Udoka is a Global Ambassador and International Parliamentarian associated with the International Parliament for Safety, Peace and Justice under the United Nations designation (IPSPJ-UN), according to his professional profile.
His public service credentials also include his recognition as a Knight of Saint Christopher, reflecting his commitment to service, social responsibility and humanitarian causes.
Over the years, communities, government institutions and organizations have recognized his contributions to supporting vulnerable people, including less-privileged individuals and internally displaced persons.
His philanthropic activities, which include support for community development and humanitarian interventions, have remained important aspects of his public life.
For Udoka, philanthropy extends beyond charitable giving; it represents a practical expression of humanity, peaceful coexistence and shared responsibility. These values are also central to the broader objectives of economic diplomacy, which seeks to build relationships, promote cooperation and advance sustainable development across national boundaries.
His induction into the Global Diplomacy Hall of Fame in Berlin is therefore a significant milestone in his longstanding journey through entrepreneurship, community leadership and humanitarian services.
The recognition further places a spotlight on the contributions of Nigerians who combine business excellence with philanthropy and international engagement in advancing peace, development and the welfare of humanity.
