By Abubakar Suleman
The Chairman of Idoma Community in Kogi State, Mr. Onehi Friday, has appealed to the Kogi State Government to officially recognize the Idoma people residing in the state.
Speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting held in the state headquarters, Lokoja, Mr. Friday said the Idoma community has lived in Kogi State for several years without government recognition, unlike other tribes.
“We have been in Kogi State for several years without being recognized,” he said.
“Other tribes have been recognized by the state government except the Idoma. So I decided to summon meetings in Koton-Karfe, Itobe and other areas. We agreed to come together and call on the state government to recognize us.”
The Chairman said the community has also embarked on a membership drive to ensure that every Idoma person in Kogi obtains their Permanent Voters Card, PVC.
He noted that the Idoma community has members spread across all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Chief Friday commended the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr. Bashir Abubakar Gegu, for helping to draw government attention to Idoma residents in Gegu, Koton-Karfe and environs.
The community further called on APC stakeholders in the state to help facilitate a courtesy visit to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
According to him, the Idoma people have been loyal to the APC and are ready to mobilize massively for the party.
“Our executive members have been moving from one local government area to another, meeting our people and campaigning for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
“We shall massively vote for President Tinubu and Governor Ododo.”
Chief Friday also raised alarm over what he described as impersonation by some individuals parading themselves as leaders of an “Idoma Association” in Lokoja.
He urged them to stop and join the legitimate group, stressing that the “Idoma Community in Kogi State” is the duly and legally registered body recognized by government.
The Legal Adviser of the community, Ibrahim Salihu, also warned those using the name of the group illegally to desist forthwith.
The Idoma Community said its goal is simple: formal recognition by the Kogi State Government, inclusion in government programs, and continued unity among Idoma people in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
