The 10 most powerful Idoma, Igede people are:
- H.E. Dr. Sam Ode, Mni (Deputy Governor of Benue State)
- Comrade Senator Patrick Abba Moro, PhD (Senate Minority
Leader, Federal Republic of Nigeria) - Amb. Barr. Nicholas Agbo Ella (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of
Petroleum Resources) - Pastor Raymond Omachi, FNIA (Permanent Secretary,
Management Office of the Head of Service of the Federation) …. (Igede) - Dr. Mrs. Mary Ogbe (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid
Mineral Resources) - Arc. Sunny T. Echono, FNIA (Executive Secretary, TetFund)
- Dr. Vincent Isegbe (Director-General, Nigerian Quarantine
Services) - Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche (General Overseer, Dunamis
International Gospel Church) - His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Abah (Prelate of the Methodist Church,
Nigeria). - Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi (Bishop of the Catholic Diocese
of Otukpo).
Other notable Idoma people are:
- Lawrence Onoja, former military governor of Plateau State and Katsina State, Nigeria and Principal Staff Officer
- Monday Riku Morgan, Air Vice Marshal, former Chief of Defense Intelligence
- Moses Ochonu, author, historian
- Audu Ogbeh, former Minister of Communications, former National Chairman of PDP, former Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development
- Daniel Amokachi, former Super Eagles player and coach of Lobi Statrs FC
Idoma People
The Idoma people are the second-largest ethnic group in Benue State, Nigeria. They primarily inhabit seven local government areas in the southwestern region of Benue State and have notable populations in Nassarawa and Cross River States. Known for their rich culture, language, and agricultural contributions, the Idoma people have a longstanding heritage and traditional leadership structure.
They are a significant ethnic group in Benue State, known for their linguistic diversity, agricultural contributions, and strong cultural heritage. With HRH John Elaigwu Odogbo currently leading as Och’Idoma, the Idoma continue to uphold their traditional values and customs across Benue State and beyond.
Geographic Location and Local Government Areas
The Idoma people occupy the following local government areas in western Benue State:
- Ado Local Government Area
- Agatu Local Government Area
- Apa Local Government Area
- Ohimini Local Government Area
- Ogbadibo Local Government Area
- Okpokwu Local Government Area
- Otukpo Local Government Area
Beyond Benue State, Idoma communities are also found in parts of Nassarawa and Cross River States.
The Idoma Language and Dialects
The Idoma people predominantly speak the Idoma language, which has several dialects reflecting their diverse regional spread. These dialects include:
- Western Idoma (Okpokwu and Ogbadibo areas)
- Central Idoma (Otukpo and Ohimini areas)
- Southern Idoma (Ado area)
- Northern Idoma (Agatu and Apa areas)
- Akweya (spoken in the Akpa area of Otukpo)
- Ufia (spoken in Utonkon in Ado)