The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has urged Idoma people in the diaspora to remain united and channel their knowledge, skills and resources towards the development of the state. Governor Alia made the call on Saturday at the 1st Annual Convention of the Idoma Community in London, United Kingdom.
In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Chief Dr. Benjamin Omale (Ohonyeta Ki Doma), the Governor congratulated the Idoma community on the celebration and commended its members for preserving their cultural heritage and promoting the identity of the Idoma people despite living outside Nigeria. He described the Idoma people as an integral part of the Benue family and reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the contributions of Benue indigènes in the diaspora to the development of the state.
Governor Alia urged the Idoma Community in the UK to sustain its connection with the homeland and contribute meaningfully to peace, unity and development in Benue State. He also encouraged Idoma leaders in the diaspora to pass their cultural values and traditions to younger generations while deploying their experience and expertise to support development initiatives in their communities and across the state.
Speaking in his capacity, Chief Omale thanked the organisers and members of the Idoma community in the United Kingdom for sustaining the culture and traditions of the people. He described the celebration as an important platform for strengthening unity among the Idoma people and preserving the bond between those in the diaspora and their homeland. The APC State Chairman further urged Idoma sons and daughters in the United Kingdom to continue supporting peace, unity and progress in Benue State, stressing that living abroad should not weaken their ties with home. He noted that the knowledge, experience and resources of Idoma indigènes in the diaspora remained valuable to the growth and development of Benue State.
Also speaking, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, commended the Idoma community in the United Kingdom for promoting the culture, unity and identity of the Idoma people. The Monarch urged Idomas in the diaspora to remain united, uphold their cultural values and maintain strong ties with the Idoma Kingdom.
The 2026 Idoma Day celebration brought together members of the Idoma community in London to showcase their rich cultural heritage, strengthen communal bonds and reaffirm their enduring connection to Benue State and Nigeria.
