The Idoma Community in Kogi State has appealed to the state government to accord it official recognition, saying its members have lived and contributed to the state for decades without being formally acknowledged.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of the community, Mr. Onehi Friday, after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lokoja.
According to him, while several ethnic groups in the state enjoy official recognition, the Idoma people have remained excluded despite their long-standing presence across Kogi.
“We have been in Kogi State for many years, yet we have not received the recognition accorded to other tribes. Following consultations in Koton-Karfe, Itobe and other communities, we resolved to unite and formally seek recognition from the state government,” he said.
Friday disclosed that the community has commenced a membership registration exercise aimed at strengthening its structure and encouraging all eligible members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He noted that Idoma people are resident in all the 21 local government areas of the state and remain committed to contributing to Kogi’s development.
The chairman commended the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr. Bashir Abubakar Gegu, for his efforts in bringing the concerns of Idoma communities in Gegu, Koton-Karfe and surrounding areas to the attention of the government.
He also appealed to stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to facilitate a courtesy visit by the community’s leadership to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Reaffirming the group’s political support, Friday said members of the community have been mobilising across the state in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our executives have been visiting various local government areas to engage our people and canvass support for the re-election of President Tinubu. We remain committed to delivering massive votes for both President Tinubu and Governor Ododo,” he stated.
The chairman further condemned the activities of individuals allegedly presenting themselves as leaders of an “Idoma Association” in Lokoja, describing them as impostors.
He maintained that the “Idoma Community in Kogi State” is the legally registered body representing the interests of Idoma people in the state and urged those involved to discontinue such activities and join the recognized organization.
Supporting the position, the community’s Legal Adviser, Ibrahim Salihu, warned against the unauthorised use of the group’s name, stressing that appropriate legal action could be taken against offenders.
The community reiterated that its primary demands are official recognition by the Kogi State Government, inclusion in government programmes, and sustained unity among Idoma people living in the state.