Thousands Storm Abuja as 2026 Idoma Day Showcases Rich Culture, Unity and Heritage

Thousands of Idoma sons and daughters from across Nigeria gathered at the Old Parade Ground in Garki, Abuja, on Saturday for the 2026 Idoma Day celebration, transforming the nation’s capital into a vibrant display of the cultural heritage, traditions and unity of the Benue South ethnic nationality.

The annual festival attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, youth organisations and families from the nine local government areas of Idoma land, who celebrated their identity through colourful cultural performances, traditional music, dance and indigenous cuisine.

The venue was filled with participants dressed in colourful Idoma attire as cultural troupes performed dances depicting the history, customs and communal life of the people, while community associations showcased the unique traditions of their respective communities.

Unlike previous editions that featured lengthy speeches, this year’s celebration focused largely on cultural exhibitions and social interaction, creating an atmosphere of festivity and reconnecting Idoma people living outside their ancestral homeland with their roots.

Addressing the gathering, 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 safeguarding the people’s cultural identity is essential for community development and for ensuring that future generations remain connected to their heritage.

Also speaking, President of Ofu K’Idoma, Rear Admiral Andy Onoja Odeh (Rtd.), called for greater unity among Idoma communities across Nigeria and in the diaspora, urging them to continue working together to advance the interests of the ethnic nationality.

He noted that cultural organisations remain critical platforms for promoting peace, preserving traditions and fostering development.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the exhibition of traditional cuisine, with the famous Okoho soup, served with pounded yam, drawing long queues of guests eager to savour one of the most celebrated delicacies of Idoma land. Other indigenous dishes also featured prominently throughout the event.

For many young Idoma people born and raised outside Benue State, the festival provided an opportunity to reconnect with their heritage through interaction with elders, traditional music, dance and local cuisine. Non-Idoma guests were equally welcomed into the celebration, experiencing the warmth and hospitality for which the Idoma people are renowned.

Beyond the colourful festivities, organisers described Idoma Day as a vital platform for preserving indigenous language, strengthening cultural identity and reinforcing social ties among Idoma communities scattered across Nigeria and the diaspora.

They stressed that as urbanisation and globalisation continue to influence traditional societies, cultural festivals such as Idoma Day remain essential for preserving indigenous heritage and passing cherished values from one generation to another.

The celebration concluded with renewed calls for unity, cultural preservation and sustained efforts to ensure that the rich traditions of the Idoma people continue to thrive for generations to come.