Discover Idoma

Idoma is the second largest ethnic group in Benue State. Idoma is spoken by about 3.5 million people, primarily in Benue State in central Nigeria, with smaller communities in Nasarawa, Cross River, and Enugu States. It is part of the Volta-Niger branch of the Niger-Congo language family.

Main Communities

Benue State: Otukpo, Apa, Okpokwu, Ado, Agatu, Ogbadibo and Ohimini.
Nasarawa state: Nasarawa and Awe LGA.
Cross River: Iyala (Yala) LGA.
Enugu State: Etteh Uno (Igbo Eze North LGA).

Common Idoma names:

  • Oche: King or leader
  • Ojobo: God is great
  • Omale: Wisdom
  • Akor: war leader
  • Oyife: A child is greater than wealth

Staple Food

Okoho Soup with Pounded Yam - is the most famous dish among the Idoma people. It is made from the slimy "Okoho" stick (from the Cissus populnea plant). The soup is often very light and slippery and is eaten with pounded yam, their main carbohydrate. The soup usually includes bush meat, goat meat, or smoked fish, and is seasoned with local spices. Okoho is essential during festivals, marriages, and burial ceremonies.

Culture and Traditions

  • Alekwu Ancestral Worship - The Idoma people strongly believe in the spirits of their ancestors, known as Alekwu. The Alekwu spirit watches over the family, maintains justice, and punishes wrongdoing. During important ceremonies, people call on Alekwu to guide and bless them.

  • The Agila Carnival - The Agila Social and Economic Carnival is a colorful festival celebrated mostly in Otukpo. It showcases traditional Idoma dances, music, masquerades, and wrestling. Participants wear red and black (the traditional Idoma colors) and perform to preserve and celebrate Idoma culture and unity.

Notable figures:

David Mark: A retired Army General and former Senate President (2007–2015), David Mark is an influential Idoma leader from Otukpo who has long championed Idoma interests and remains a respected national statesman.

Professor Jerry Agada: A distinguished academic and writer who served as Minister of State for Education and contributed significantly to education and literature in Nigeria.

Chief Audu Ogbeh: A prominent politician and former Minister of Agriculture known for his advocacy for agricultural development and food security in Nigeria.

2Baba (Innocent Ujah Idibia): An iconic and globally recognized Afrobeat musician, songwriter, and producer with significant influence and international acclaim.

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