2026 Idoma Day: Abuja Hosts Grand Celebration of Idoma Culture, Unity and Heritage

By Iyojo Ameh

The Federal Capital Territory came alive on Saturday as thousands of Idoma sons and daughters converged on the Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja, for the 2026 Idoma Day celebration, a colourful festival showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Benue South ethnic nationality.

The annual event brought together traditional leaders, professionals, youth groups, community associations and families from the nine local government areas of Idoma land, who celebrated their shared identity through music, dance, traditional cuisine and cultural exhibitions.

The celebration transformed the venue into a vibrant cultural arena, with participants adorned in colourful Idoma attire while cultural troupes entertained guests with performances depicting the history, traditions and communal life of the Idoma people.

This year’s edition placed culture at the heart of the festivities, with organisers focusing on promoting indigenous traditions and fostering unity among Idoma people living within and outside their ancestral homeland.

Speaking at the event, the Global President of Ochetoha K’Idoma, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Idoma people, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, stressed the importance of preserving the Idoma language, customs and cultural values.

He said protecting the people’s cultural identity remains essential to strengthening community development and ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots.

Also addressing participants, the President of Ofu K’Idoma, Rear Admiral Andy Onoja Odeh (Rtd.), called on Idoma communities across Nigeria and the diaspora to remain united and work collectively towards the development of the ethnic nationality.

According to him, socio-cultural organisations have a critical role to play in promoting peace, strengthening social bonds and advancing the interests of the Idoma people.

A major highlight of the celebration was the exhibition of indigenous cuisine, with the famous Okoho soup, served with pounded yam, attracting large numbers of guests alongside other traditional delicacies synonymous with Idoma culture.

For many young people raised outside Benue State, the event provided a rare opportunity to reconnect with their heritage through interaction with elders, traditional music, dance and local cuisine.

The organisers also welcomed non-Idoma guests, who participated in the festivities and experienced the hospitality and cultural richness of the Idoma people.

Beyond the colourful displays, speakers described Idoma Day as an important platform for preserving indigenous language and traditions, strengthening community ties and promoting cultural identity among Idoma people scattered across Nigeria and abroad.

They noted that as rapid urbanisation and globalisation continue to reshape traditional societies, cultural festivals such as Idoma Day remain vital in preserving indigenous heritage and promoting intergenerational continuity.

The celebration ended with renewed calls for unity, cultural preservation and collective commitment to sustaining the traditions and values that define the Idoma people.