The Idoma Association USA has a new President-General. He is Prince Edwin Ochai. Prince Ochai is said to bring with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving the Idoma community in the United States to the job. “With a strong background in leadership and a passion for the advancement of Idoma culture, he is poised to lead the association in a direction that will promote unity, growth, and prosperity for all Idoma people residing in the USA”, said an ideologue of the association.
An emergent cabinet
The President General oversees the activities and initiatives of the Idoma Association, USA. He is understood to be aiming high with respect to building bridges within the Idoma community, foster collaboration with other ethnic associations, and create opportunities for socio-cultural development and integration among members.
Ochayi has said he is deeply honored to have been elected as the President General of the Idoma Association, USA and that it is his utmost priority to represent the interests and aspirations of the community residing in the United States. “Together, we will work towards preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Idoma people, fostering unity, and making a positive impact in the lives of our members.”, he has been quoted as saying.
As if already operationalising the commitment to multi-culturalism, the governor of Benue State was represented at the occasion by Prof Steve Ugba who went with Senator Abba Moro as a Special Guest. Prof Ugba is a scholar – politician of Tiv extraction based in the United States of America.
Even children were part of the show
The Idoma Association is, of course, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Idoma people living in the United States and beyond. The association declares its aims to include fostering unity, the welfare and socio-cultural development among Idoma community members residing in the USA and their cultural brothers and sisters in the Idoma nation back in Nigeria and beyond. Key amongst its goal is assisting and supporting members during crisis, identifying and executing projects to help communities back home as well as help children in the diaspora to learn and experience the culture first hand rather than be lost to the convergence of cultures.
As part of its spread, a yearly national convention is held which rotates among various State chapters in the US with the aim of showcasing Idoma culture.
Although it was an election event, these modern versions of Igbanonmaje Idoma women were there in full force, joining others to take to the floor and dance their hearts out to the lure of Israel Ekere’s Gw’molo l’Owoicho. Only those who have forgotten Joe Akatu, the legendary lyricist’s metaphor of Igbanonmaje can fail to appreciate this colourful outing. Akatu said it could be an overwhelming performance when young girls in Igbanonmaje take the floor. He used Igbanonmaje is a metaphor for sociality.
