Abuja — February 2026
Preparations for the Idoma Centenary Plus Celebration gained momentum in Abuja as the Board of Trustees held its inaugural meeting, laying the groundwork for a year-long programme marking a century of shared history and identity.
The meeting, chaired by Prof. Yakubu Ochefu with Chief Emmanuel Ogbile as co-chair, followed the formal inauguration of the board by the Ochi’Idoma on January 24, 2026.
The celebration commemorates the 1923 establishment of the Idoma Division, a defining administrative milestone for the Idoma, Igede, Ufia, and Akweya peoples of present-day Benue South.
Organisers described the event, themed “Honouring Our Century, Forging Our Future,” as a strategic platform for cultural renewal, policy engagement, youth empowerment, and diaspora mobilisation.
Scheduled to run from March to December 2026, the programme will feature an academic and policy summit, innovation and youth showcases, women-focused initiatives, cultural festivals, and inter-local government sports competitions.
A grand finale will crown the celebration, featuring interfaith prayers, cultural durbar, awards, and the launch of legacy institutions including a digital museum, leadership academy, hall of fame, and scholarship and innovation fund.
The board constituted 10 sub-committees to drive implementation across key sectors and affirmed the participation of traditional institutions, development associations, diaspora groups, professional bodies, and civil society organisations.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Ochefu emphasised the need for timely planning, noting that the centenary-plus celebration must reflect both the historical depth and future aspirations of the Idoma people.
Media Contact:
Media and Publicity Committee
Idoma Centenary Plus Celebration
Email: media@idomacentenary.org
