A Call for Cultural Revival and Identity Preservation
The Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, has raised concerns about the growing cultural shame and identity avoidance among the Idoma people. He emphasized the need for a deliberate effort to revive the nation’s language, values, and traditions. This warning came during an address delivered at the Idoma Cultural Day celebration, which was held in collaboration with the Idoma International Carnival in Otukpo, Benue State.
The monarch expressed deep concern over the increasing distance many young Idoma people are maintaining from their cultural roots. According to him, this trend is driven by a search for misplaced validation. He highlighted that when people become ashamed of their language, accent, and traditional practices, a culture begins to decline.
“Culture dies when its people apologise for it. We must never be ashamed of our culture or our accent. Our accent is our identity, and we should be able to speak our language and sing our songs anywhere we find ourselves,” he stated.
Threats to Idoma Culture
The royal father identified several factors that threaten the survival of Idoma culture. These include insecurity and displacement, the erosion of language use in homes, cultural shame, leadership fragmentation, poor documentation of heritage, and ridicule on social media. He pointed out that public ridicule of Idoma people, leaders, and institutions, especially on social media, has contributed to declining respect for the culture. Such attacks, he noted, are often fueled by ignorance and a lack of patriotism.
He called on Idoma sons and daughters to act as “gatekeepers” of their identity. The Och’Idoma urged responsible use of digital platforms, accurate storytelling, and dignified engagement in defending the image of the Idoma nation. “We must respond to falsehood with facts, dignity, and love. We shall not hand over our image to mockery,” he said.
Unity and Collective Strength
The monarch stressed the importance of unity among Idoma cultural organizations. He warned that rivalry and fragmentation weaken collective strength and cultural direction. “Where leadership is fragmented, direction becomes confused. Culture cannot survive in the midst of ego-driven rivalry,” he said. He urged alignment of structures, programs, and messaging so the Idoma people can speak with one voice.
He also called on Idoma youths, cultural groups, corporate bodies, and friends of the Idoma nation to work together in unity. “We are many expressions, but one Idoma soul,” the monarch said.
Celebrating Idoma Heritage
In addition to these calls for action, the Och’Idoma announced that December 23 has been designated as Idoma Cultural Day. This day will be observed annually in celebration of Idoma heritage, language, and values. He added that the grand finale of the annual celebration will henceforth be held at the Och’Idoma Palace. Plans are underway to upgrade and rebrand the Palace Square to international standards in a bid to promote cultural tourism.
Conclusion
The Och’Idoma’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural identity. By addressing the challenges facing the Idoma community and calling for unity, he has set a clear path forward. The emphasis on language, tradition, and collective effort highlights the need for active participation from all members of the Idoma nation. As the community moves forward, the preservation of their rich heritage remains a shared responsibility.
