BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Makurdi
Ochetoha K’Idoma, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Idoma Nation worldwide, has congratulated the government and people of Benue State on the occasion of the state’s Golden Jubilee, urging leaders to embrace equity and inclusive governance as the foundation for sustainable unity and progress.
In a comprehensive statement issued to commemorate Benue’s 50th anniversary on February 3, 2026, and signed by its President-General, Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, the body described the milestone as both a celebration of shared history and a moment for sincere reflection on the journey so far.
The organisation extended warm felicitations to Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Deputy Governor Dr. Samuel Ode, members of the State Executive Council, the Benue State House of Assembly, traditional rulers and citizens across the state.
It prayed for divine wisdom and strength for the governor as he pilots the affairs of the state at what it called a “historic juncture.”
Historical Roots, Enduring Contributions
Tracing the creation of Benue State to February 3, 1976, from the defunct Benue-Plateau State under the late General Murtala Muhammed, Ochetoha K’Idoma noted that the Idoma people have occupied the fertile Benue Valley for millennia, predating colonial and post-colonial administrative arrangements.
It recalled the transitions from the Northern Region to Benue-Plateau State in 1967 and eventually to Benue State in 1976 as progressive steps toward greater self-determination, stressing that the Idoma people have consistently demonstrated resilience, patriotism and commitment to unity.
Highlighting contributions at the national level, the group cited the roles of Jacob Obande, who served as Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and later as Federal Minister, and Abutu Obekpa, a Regional Minister in the First Republic.
It also referenced Dr. Edwin Ogbu as the first indigene of Benue State to become a Federal Permanent Secretary in 1966, and Abu Obe as the first to serve as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in 1999.
In the legislative arm, it noted that Benue South produced two Presidents of the Senate , Ameh Ebute and Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark, GCON describing Mark’s eight-year tenure as Senate President as the longest in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Military, Academic and Professional Milestones
In the military and security sector, the statement traced Idoma participation from the Second World War through the Nigerian Civil War to contemporary national defence institutions.
It mentioned Brigadier Ebije Ikwue, Chief of Air Staff (1967–1975); Colonel Anthony Ochefu, the first indigene of the state to serve as Military Governor; and former Military Governors including David Mark, Abutu Garba, Lawrence Onoja, Kizito Attah and Ernest Enonche Attah.
Other notable officers listed were AVM Monday Monday; Major General John Enenche; Major General Gabriel Ochigbano; Major General J.O. Ochai; and Major General Idu Ode.
In the academic sphere, the organisation recalled that the first university graduate from present-day Benue State in 1954 was an Idoma son, Edwin Ogbu. It listed eminent scholars such as Prof. Ochapa Onazi, Prof.
Michael Adikwu, Prof. Samsudeen Amali, Prof. Godwin Owoicho Akpa, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Prof. Isawa Elaigwu, Prof. Sunday Ochoche and Prof. Stephen Onah, noting that the League of Idoma and Igede Professors now boasts over 300 members.
In medicine, it honoured pioneers including Dr. Edwin Idoko Obe, founder of Salem Hospital, Otukpo; Prof. John Alechenu Idoko, former Director-General of NACA; Prof. Innocent Ujah, former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research; and Prof. Icha Inalegwu Onche, Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos. It also pointed to the establishment of Nigeria’s first Federal University of Health Sciences in Idoma land as a landmark achievement.
The group further acknowledged excellence in journalism, arts, sports and faith, citing Chief Daniel Ochima Agbese, co-founder of Newswatch; music icons Bongos Ikwue and Innocent Idibia (2Baba); and sports personalities including Daniel Amokachi, Anthony Ujah, Moses Simon, Igoh Ogbu and Akor Adams. It also recognised leading Christian clerics and noted the religious diversity within Idoma land.
Call for Fairness and Development
While celebrating these milestones, Ochetoha K’Idoma raised concerns over what it described as a persistent pattern of exclusion in the political leadership structure of Benue State.
According to the statement, in the 50 years of the state’s existence, no indigene of Benue South Senatorial District has served as Governor or Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly. It added that only one has served as Chief Judge, and none has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of Benue State University.
“These realities,” the group stated, “underscore the need for deliberate efforts to ensure fairness and equity in leadership positions, as true unity must be built on justice and equal opportunity.”
The organisation called for accelerated development in Benue South through strategic investment in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and solid minerals, including limestone, coal, oil and gas, to be harnessed through transparent public-private partnerships.
It also urged stronger security measures and full enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition Law to protect lives and livelihoods, stressing that peace and safety are prerequisites for economic growth.
Particular emphasis was placed on youth empowerment, with the group asserting that the future of Benue State will largely depend on how effectively the energy and creativity of young people are harnessed.
Ochetoha K’Idoma expressed hope that the Golden Jubilee would serve as a turning point toward genuine renewal, where merit guides leadership, opportunities are equitably distributed and every segment of the state enjoys a sense of belonging.
