As Benue State marked its Golden Jubilee on 3 February 2026, Ochetoha K’Idoma, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Idoma Nation worldwide, extended warm felicitations to Governor Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Deputy Governor Dr Samuel Ode, members of the State Executive Council, the Benue State House of Assembly, traditional rulers and the entire people of the state.
In a detailed press statement signed by its President-General, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, the organisation described the milestone as both an occasion for celebration and a moment that demands honest reflection on the state’s journey and future direction. It congratulated the governor on the privilege of leading Benue at this historic point and prayed for continued divine wisdom in steering the affairs of the state.
The statement recalled that Benue State was created on 3 February 1976 from the defunct Benue-Plateau State under the military administration of the late General Murtala Muhammed. It emphasised, however, that the Idoma people have occupied the fertile plains of the Benue Valley for millennia, long before colonial or post-colonial boundaries were drawn. The transitions from the Northern Region to Benue-Plateau State in 1967 and finally to Benue State in 1976, it said, represented gradual steps toward greater self-determination. Throughout these changes the Idoma people have remained resilient, peace-loving and committed to unity and progress.
Ochetoha K’Idoma highlighted the consistent presence of Idoma sons and daughters at the highest levels of national service since the First Republic. It cited 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 during the same era. The organisation noted 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 Service of the Federation in 1999. It also paid tribute to the legislative record of Benue South, which produced two Presidents of the Senate, Ameh Ebute and Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark GCON, whose eight-year tenure as Senate President remains the longest in Nigeria’s democratic history.
In the military and security domain the statement traced Idoma contributions from the Second World War through the Nigerian Civil War to present-day institutions. It named Brigadier Ebije Ikwue, Chief of Air Staff from 1967 to 1975, Colonel Anthony Ochefu, the first indigene of the state to serve as Military Governor, and subsequent Military Governors David Mark, Abutu Garba, Lawrence Onoja, Kizito Attah and Ernest Enonche Attah. Other figures mentioned include AVM Monday Monday, former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General John Enenche, former Director of Defence Information and Commandant of the Nigerian Army War College, Major General Gabriel Ochigbano, former Military Secretary of the Nigerian Army and Chief of Defence Logistics, Major General J O Ochai, former Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, and Major General Idu Ode, an award-winning military engineer.
The organisation recalled that Benue State’s first university graduate in 1954 was an Idoma son, Edwin Ogbu. It listed distinguished academics including Professor Ochapa Onazi, Professor Michael Adikwu, Professor Samsudeen Amali, Professor Godwin Owoicho Akpa, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, Professor Isawa Elaigwu, Professor Sunday Ochoche and Professor Stephen Onah, noting that the League of Idoma and Igede Professors now exceeds 300 members. In medicine it honoured pioneers such as Dr Edwin Idoko Obe OON, founder of Salem Hospital Otukpo, and leading figures including Professor John Alechenu Idoko, former Director-General of NACA, Professor Innocent Ujah, former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, and Professor Icha Inalegwu Onche, Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital Jos. It pointed out that Idoma land now hosts Nigeria’s first Federal University of Health Sciences.
The statement also acknowledged excellence in journalism, commerce, arts, sports and faith. It cited Chief Daniel Ochima Agbese, co-founder of Newswatch, cultural icons Bongos Ikwue and Innocent Idibia (2Baba), and sports personalities Daniel Amokachi, Anthony Ujah, Simon Moses, Igoh Ogbu and Akor Adams. On faith it observed that Christianity has become the dominant spiritual force in Idoma land, complemented by modest adherence to Islam in areas such as Agatu and Apa, and recognised clerics including Archbishop Benjamin Achigili, Bishop Fidelis Ogah, Bishop Dr Apochi and Dr Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.
While rejoicing in these achievements Ochetoha K’Idoma said the Golden Jubilee must compel serious reflection on equity within Benue governance. It observed that in fifty years no indigene of Benue South Senatorial District has served as Governor or Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, only one has served as Chief Judge, and none has served as Vice-Chancellor of Benue State University. These facts, it stated, represent a pattern of exclusion that cannot be ignored and that true unity must be supported by fairness in the distribution of opportunities and leadership positions.
The organisation called for accelerated development in Benue South through investment in roads, agriculture, education, healthcare, dams and the commercial exploitation of limestone, coal and oil and gas deposits via transparent public-private partnerships. It urged stronger security measures and full enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition Law to safeguard lives and livelihoods. Particular emphasis was placed on youth empowerment, with the statement asserting that the next fifty years of Benue State will depend on how effectively the energy, creativity and ambition of young people are harnessed.
Ochetoha K’Idoma urged leaders and citizens to view the Golden Jubilee as a turning point toward genuine renewal. It expressed hope for a Benue State in which leadership is guided by merit, opportunities are equitably shared and every zone enjoys a true sense of belonging. The statement closed with prayers for continued peace, progress and stability in Benue State, the Idoma Nation and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
