Idoma People: Ancient Warriors, Skillful Hunters Too I Of The Close Artistic Ethnic Grouping Inward Nigeria
The Idoma are ancient skillful warriors too hunters too peace-loving Idomoid ethno-linguistic grouping of the larger Niger-Congo linguistic communication theatre unit of measurement residing at the lower too western areas of Benue State inwards Nigeria. Other Idoma groups tin live found inwards Cross Rivers too Nasarawa States inwards Nigeria. The Idoma people are considered to live i of the most artistic ethnic grouping inwards Nigeria with their sons too daughters enjoying massive successes inwards the Nigerian amusement industry.
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Within the overall painting of the Nigerian amusement industry, it is neither preposterous nor farfetched to assert that the Idomas are i of the most gifted too productive people around. The myriads of stars of Idoma rootage inwards damage of character too quantity, too their the contribution to the Nigerian showbiz sector is indeed immeasurable.
Behold the coil telephone telephone of Idoma entertainers.
INNOCENT UJAH IDIBIA (2FACE)
Tuface Idibia is non a Disney creation but a self-styled pop sensation, a music falling star who made the global recognition too artistic success via a defining vocal entitled: African Queen, a beloved vocal eulogizing beauty of the African woman.
Tuface Idibia
That tender moxie stormed the showbiz podium amongst his kinsman, Blackface too Faze of the defunct Planthsun Boiz over a decade ago. He went platinum inside ii years. Since then, the Implication crooner has non looked back. And he remains yet i of the biggest music artistes to emerge from Nigeria.
He’s from Okpokwu LGA.
GABRIEL OCHE AMANYI (TERRY G)
He started out inwards the theatre of God, but later pitched his tent with the House of Ginja.
Terry G took the nation’s showbiz manufacture past times stormed a few years dorsum with his Love You Sexy single.
Born Gabriel Oche Amanyi to the theatre unit of measurement of Deacon too Deaconess Amanyi of Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State.
Each stage of his music career comes with a squall –ranging from Mr Bling Bling to Swagger Master, Ginja Ginja too straight off he calls himself Akpako Master, a name, which only him could explain.
The cerebral music producer-cum-singer has carved a niche for himself too his burgeoning career inwards the music sector, having produced for top artistes inwards Nigeria too beyond. Prolific Oche has continued to win plaudits too encomiums from music buffs due to his inventiveness too sparkling attitude.
The chap has effectively distinguished himself from every other artiste inwards Nigeria with his sort of music, outlandish costumes, style too stagemanship.
He’s the encephalon behind hitting songs such as: Pass me Your Love (Ay.com) Naka (Ortise Femi), Aye Po Gan (Ill Bliss) Incase You Never (2Shotz) too amongst others.
Gabriel Oche Amanyi, Idoma native
The Free Madness crooner has sure established himself as a strength to reckon with inwards the country’s music habitation front.
Ask him why he left gospel - which was his foremost beloved - for secular too he would tell you lot “For me, I would receive got been doing gospel but nosotros just receive got to create a living. That is why I went secular.
“God understands that it is just for me to create a living otherwise, I silent receive got a soft spot for Him inwards my heart”.
The caput honcho of House of Ginjah is no uncertainty a homo of his ain style.
Terry G, Idoma man
GARUBA AUSTINE AHMEDU (BLACKFACE NAIJA)
Following the divide of the defunct Planthshun boyz, footling or naught was heard from Blackface, the tertiary vox of the trio. Augustine Ahmedu was born inwards Obalende Area of Lagos inwards 1974. The instrumentalist who hailed from Akpa has been away to re-organize himself.
His hitting tracks include: Hard Life, Eneme.
Augustine Ahmedu aka Blackface Naija is an Idoma man
BONGOS IKWUE
He’s the acclaimed manly individual parent of the Idoma amusement industry.
Groovies music exponent, Bongos Ikwue is no uncertainty the successor of the musical tradition initiated past times veteran forbears inwards Idomaland.
Born inwards Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria, on June 6, 1942. In 1956, he attended St, Paul’s Secondary schoolhouse inwards Zaria, Nigeria, where his friends called him “Forge” because he was ever making upwards (forging) too singing his ain songs. In 1962, While at Okene Comprehensive Secondary School, he formed a grouping called Cubana Boys with ii other immature boys, after which he headed off to the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), also inwards Zaria, Kaduna State, where he studied Business Administration.
While inwards ABU, he created his ain band, called UniBello Brothers too also sang inwards a folk group, which was made upwards of academy lecturers during which time, a chemical scientific discipline lecturer, Mrs. Harmony taught him some Irish Gaelic songs. In 1967 he founded too headed the Groovies Band, which became extremely pop inwards the 1970’s through to the 80’s.
Many beloved him for his soulful, folksy songs, the most pop of which includes: Cockcrow At Dawn, Still Searching, Amen, Otachikpokpo too a host of others. His dedication to his music was obvious due to the high character of the albums he churned out, too due to the sheer elegance too the electrifying release energy of his alive performances, where the band was ever on key, too the instrumentalist himself was ever truthful to every note. His might to remain on the right annotation is an indicator of his hard piece of work as a musician.
He started to focus to a greater extent than on the habitation front, where has a lovely wife, Josephine; too v children, 4 girls too i man child named, Oyankeke, Elamei (Omei), Jessica, Onyewu too Igoche, inwards that order. He is a devoted manly individual parent too enjoys singing inwards the companionship of his children. Bongos would ofttimes telephone telephone ii of his daughters, Omei too Jessica, to sing inwards the presence of guests.
He lately clocked lxx years.
Bongos Ikwue, the Godfather of Idoma music
JOEL
Joe El got signed on Kennis music label some few months dorsum too it’s so interesting to know he is fast becoming a household name.
His foremost unmarried title I no take away heed is currently rocking the airwaves both on radio too TV stations across the country, but what would baffle i most is the similarities this fresh talent shares with African King of Pop, 2face Idibia.
Joe El is Idoma music star from Nigeria
According to findings, Joel discovered that apart from the fact that he has a facial await just precisely similar 2face, they receive got almost the same vox texture, hail from the Idoma ethnic grouping inwards the Southern component of Benue State inwards key Nigeria. And lastly, His beingness signed on 2face’s old tape label (Kennis Music) inwards which i would think all this is far beyond mere coincidence.
With all the features Joel shares with 2Baba, He’s also capable of shaking the world, similar him.
ENE LAWANI
Former beauty queen, Ene Maya Lawani hitting the global limelight inwards 2004 when she was crowned Miss Nigeria. The longest serving beauty queen inwards the country.
Before straight off the ex-queen kept a depression profile for years, until she bounced dorsum with the launch of her exquisite headgear called ‘Ene Maya’.
The Ene Maya Collection is a combination of caput wraps, scarves too accessories And ever since her profile has been on the rise. She has continued to dazzle everyone with her stunning look, flawless peel too powerful wearing apparel sense. Not only that, she has also locomote the living promotion of her brand. No affair what Ene adorns, she volition ever compliment it with her turban headgear, which stands her out.
ENENCHE PETER OBONYILO (ENENCHE COMEDIAN)
Enenche Obonyilo is an outstanding comedian, MC, motivational speaker too social activist who has performed at several shows too other high profile social functions such as Nigeria National Comedy programme, Nite of a chiliad Laughs, Weddings, birthdays, church building programmes, Radio too Tv shows.
The Chemistry graduate of Benue State University, Makurdi is fast becoming the darling of the comedy sector.
His natural sense of sense of humour is mixed with the season of a learned intellectual who observes daily human struggles too lifestyles too convert them into tummy fierce jokes that leaves his fans inwards the province of euphoria too sense of joy too hope.
His major influence is the belatedly Martin Luther King Jnr who was an advocate of social judge too equality. He tin recite from A-Z Martin Luther King Jnr’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
Born inwards Dec at Yaba Military Hospital, Lagos after the civil, Enenche attended St. Francis College, Otukpo too Benue State University, Makurdi.
On how he found himself inwards the comedy sector, he said: “I truly started performing right from my foremost twelvemonth inwards secondary school. When I left secondary school, I truly wanted to study Medicine. I said so that I would non study whatsoever other class fifty-fifty when I was offered Bio Chemistry inwards UNIMAID. Benue province academy gave me Biology spell Ilorin offered me Anatomy. All these I rejected. I eventually took upwards an offering at Benue province academy but I was silent pained that I could non acquire the class I wanted. So on the nighttime of the matriculation, I refused to article of apparel the gown. On the nighttime of the matriculation at that topographic point was an lawsuit on campus too I was invited to practise a joke on stage. That was the starting point. From there, other fellowship presidents on campus would invite me for programmes too I would attend. I ended upwards putting smiles on their faces. I found passion too a platform of appear inwards comedy spell I was inwards the university. My comedy started on the streets of Makurdi especially at church building organised programmes. Enenche became a household squall inwards Makurdi. Like a joke, I found myself inwards the Night of a chiliad laughs inwards 2004. This was because of a programme I performed inwards at Abuja where I impressed Klint the Drunk who thereafter linked me upwards with Opa Williams who picked involvement inwards me. Since then, it has been glorious only that with every platform at that topographic point are ever unique challenges.”
He hails from Okpoga inwards Okpokwu Local Government Area.
CHRIS MORGAN
Chris Morgan is a multi-talented gospel singer, songwriter, composer, too performer with a telephone telephone from God to embark on the journeying of restoring truthful worship to the torso of Christ.
He is the encephalon behind “WORSHIP ON THE HILLS OF AFRICA” a vision that is dedicated to raising people to worship God inwards spirit too inwards truth.
The Orokam-Born Benue State vocalist is no uncertainty an accomplished music minister, whose songs are filled with the divine presence of God, with neat lyrical depth too inspiration too a neat message of promise for our generation. Morgan has also ministered on the same platform with neat international gospel Singers like: Ron Kenoly, Lionel Peterson, Dr Panam Percy Paul too Donnie McClurkin. Since stepping into the gospel podium, the Ifeoma crooner has locomote along to carve a niche for himself inwards past times mark the kickoff of a novel worship tendency inwards Africa.
His pop tracks include: I do, Often As I Breath, Adakole, Ifeoma, Arabaribiti too amongst others.
The Abuja-based gospel artiste is happily married to Queen Eunice.
Idoma homo Chris Morgan too his Abuja-based gospel artiste is happily married to Queen Eunice.
MONICA OGAH
After a long wait, emerging songstress too winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa Season 4, Monica Ogah lately launched herself into the music marketplace past times releasing 3 singles entitled, ‘Below’, ‘Tomorrow’ too ‘If to Say’.
Idoma star, Monica Ogah
The singles from the stables of Goretti, her official management receive got been receiving, volume airplay on many radio station across the country. Below, techno-laced, bass-thumping release was produced past times J Sleek, spell If To Say was produced past times veteran producer, Tha Suspect.
In Tomorrow, the magnificent vocalist inwards her linguistic communication (Idoma) says ‘come rain, come upwards shine, it is good with her.’ The track, which was produced past times Tee-Y Mix strikes a resemblance with past times Project Fame West Africa winner Chidinma.
Idoma lady. Monica Ogah
SUSAN PETERS
Delectable actress, Susan Peters is fast becoming the darling of painting buffs inwards the Nigerian displace painting manufacture globally known as Nollywood. Since her emergence inwards 2002, the slim-built thespian has dazzled inwards several chart-busting flicks.
Idoma-born Nollywood star Susan Peters
Although, born too raised inwards Kano, the Ado-born Idoma trouble concern woman-turned-entertainer has continued to opened upwards novel vistas for herself too budding career, since her relocation from the due north to south, inwards pursuit of her dream.
The self-acclaimed Duchess of Idoma is as a scriptwriter too interior decorator with several high profile jobs to her credit.
The tertiary kid of a theatre unit of measurement of 8 children was brought upwards nether strict surveillance of her parents. Her manly individual parent was inwards the armed forces too her woman parent owns a shop. Due to her armed forces background, Susan grew upwards inwards many parts of the province too speaks the 3 major Nigerian languages (Hausa, Ibo too Yoruba) fluently.
She attended Airforce Nursery too Primary Schools too FGGC Wuse Abuja. She also studied Computer Science at Asman English linguistic communication School too graduated inwards 1998; so farther studied Tv too Film at Video Waves And Camera Film School too graduated inwards 2002. At school, she came out as Best Overall Female inwards her class. After an excursion with her classmates, she began auditioning for acting jobs amongst other Nollywood projects too started acting inwards 2002, the same twelvemonth that she graduated.
She started modelling as good inwards 2003 too has appeared inwards many advertisements. From billboards to TV commercials, Press ads, Handbills too many more, including BAT (British America Tobacco) For West Africa Billboard, Fidelity Bank Billboard, Bank P.H.B billboard, Golden Penny Pasta Billboard, U.H.F Long life Milk Billboard, Haemeron Blood tonic Billboard, Airport Branding, Finbank TVC too Press, amongst others.
JOHNSON AGADA (MANEX)
Ace painting producer/director, Johnson Agada is i of the few painting practitioners that has helped projection Nollywood, peculiarly the Idomawwod painting sector inwards a positive agency to the populace through every of his production.
Idoma man, Johnson Agada
He has over the years been responsible for a long listing of blockbuster movies such as, Ugboga K’ole, Imlanyi K’Ole, Ina Gajuche, Ohe Kole Owoicho, amongst others.
He’s from Agabha, Otukpa inwards Ogbadbio LGA.
ENE MILITEX OGIRI
Fair-complexioned Nollywood covert goddess, Eneh Militex Ogiri is a strength to reckon with inwards the painting industry, globally known as Nollywood.
Idoma native too Nollywood actress Ene Miltex Ogiri
She’s been the encephalon behind some chartbusting flicks such as, Sound of poverty (1 too 2), Bloody Tussle, My Last Enemy, Before the Rain, et al.
PAMELA PETERS
Omada, Eneh or Ihotu are the probably appellations that would come upwards to one’s take away heed in i lawsuit her squall is mentioned. Fast rising Nollywood actress, Pamela Ochanya Peters is fast becoming a household squall inwards the painting sector, subsequent on her debut inwards Izu Ojokwu’s directed Iva nearly a decade ago. The budding actress has beingness able to proved to painting buffs too pundits that she’s on class as far as amusement inwards Nigeria is concerned. Since stepping into the showbiz, Pamela has continued to dazzle her teeming fans inwards both English linguistic communication too indigenous trail-blazing flicks, which enrolled her inwards the category of Best Idoma Actress inwards the Idoma Artistes Award Nite (IDAAN).
The Olahimu-born-Otukpo Benue State effervescent too charming actress who is also vice president of the African Oasis Entertainment believes that it is meliorate to neglect at what you lot beloved doing than the other agency round.
He hitting movies include: Adah, Ihotu, Ochanya, Ole, Iva etc.
Idoma girl, Pamela peters too Nkem Owoh on set
ALICE AYEGBA
Scrumptious too charming Nollywood actress-cum-model, Alice Ayegba foremost warmed her agency into hearts of many painting lovers inwards 2007, when she foremost starred inwards a lather opera entitled, Out of Control inwards Jos.
Idoma girl, model, author too actress Alice Ayegba
Ever since, the sparkling weeping thespian cum author has continued to thrill painting buffs, especially her teeming fans inwards many char-bursting flicks –both English linguistic communication too indigenous with over twenty hitting movies to her credit.
With a shapely torso that many would croak for, the fast rising ebony from Orokam sure has an border over most of her contemporaries inwards the make-believe industry.
Interestingly, her most challenging role so far is the monster hit, Agaba Konya, (Female Warrior) a painting directed past times award-wining Nollywood director, Moses J. Okpe.
Her hitting movies are: Agaba K’Onya, Ochanya, Ole, Ondu Aje, amongst others.
JANE ODOH
Down-to-earth painting star, Janet Ameh Odoh is an actress to sentinel out for inwards the painting industry. The thespian who hailed from Owukpa, a suburb of Benue has carved a niche for herself too burgeoning career.
Idoma girl, Jane Ameh Odoh
The role interpreter became a household squall after her wonderful role inwards St. Godwin Ochola’s directed Ada (The Helpless Orphan) some a few years back. She is the initiator of the Miss Idoma beauty pageant.
ADA AMEH
Ada Ameh, is an inspirational lady, who refused against all odds to live relegated to the dorsum topographic point or plough into a recluse after having her kid - Gift Ameh - at the tender historic current of 14.
Undeterred past times the pains of unmarried parenthood at that age, Ada never gave upwards promise despite the fact that she was non privileged to receive got formal education.
Inspirational Nollywood actress Ada Ameh is Idoma womwn
This has given her the zeal to select upwards the challenge too assist ladies too guys, who receive got fallen victim of the social club too been driven out of schoolhouse into prostitution amongst other ills. Interestingly, the Idoma, Benue State indigene, who was born too bred on the streets of Ajegunle, has embarked on a mission to assist those who require her assist urgently too more.
Her hitting movies include: Aki Na Ukwa, Domitila, I Belong, Witches, Phone Swap, Chop Money, Adah, Ihotu etc.
DIRECTOR ABEL SUCCESS EREBE
After recording box business office hitting with his trail-blazing flick, Black Night inwards South America, Nollywood ace producer too director, Success Abel Erebe, is laid to tempest the painting marketplace with yet an other painting entitled: Osuofia inwards Brazil.
World-class moviemaker too Apostle of the Most High started out with the likes of Chris Morgan too Godshiled Orokpo. His hitting movies include: Black Night is South America, Brazilian Deal, Osuofia inwards Brazil (in view)
Abel Success Erebe too his cinema crews at Brazil during the filming of Osuofia In Brazil
Godwin Ochola
Call him the “Golden Boy” of the Idoma painting manufacture too you lot wont live wrong. Workaholic filmmaker-cum-actor, Godwin Ochola otherwise known as De Black remains a grade as far as the Idoma amusement manufacture is concerned.
Ochola who is head-honcho of the Otukpo-based St. Godwin Productions has stared too directed chart-bursting movies such as Ada, Ihotu, Ofu, Ochanya too Ondu Aje et al deserved the accolade due to his perfect interpretation on roles too characters.
His movie, Ada was crowned the Best Idoma Movie of the twelvemonth 2011
Godwin Ochola too some Idoma actress
PETER OTULU
Evang. Peter Owoicho Otulu as an accomplished Christian singer, songwriter, instructor too cleric. His mission is "to create an environs for the manifest presence of God". His sort of music style is i of jubilant praise too private excellence on local musical instruments. He is i of the fathers of Idoma amusement industry.
Idoma icon Peter Otulu an accomplished Christian singer, songwriter, instructor too cleric.
GODSHIELD OROKPO
Known for his pop album, Ahama no checho released a few years back, ace gospel vocalist too cleric, Godshield Orokpo is a talented vocalist whose mission is to restore battered destiny is currently working circular the clock to launch himself dorsum into the music ministry.
SUNNY OKWORI
Ace Nollywood director, Sunny Okwori is i of the few directors that knows his onions inwards the Nigeria’s displace painting industry; otherwise known as Nollywood.
The Efekwo-born Orokam Beneu State painting manager is no uncertainty a strength to reckon with inwards the make-believe industry. He is a skilled producer, manager too cinematography who has amusement running inwards his blood. His contribution to the manufacture stands him out as a i of the grand masters of the painting sector.
With over twenty movies to his credit, the workaholic director-cum producer has as made a grade on the painting platform, having spent over ii decades as a moviemaker, Okwori has been an instrumental to major productions such as Sound of poverty, Shackles of Death, Ghetto Language, Ehi (Idoma) Ofu (Idoma) starring Ogboji Abraham Ogboji, St Godwin Ochola, Janet Odo too amongst several others. As head-honcho of Eftown production too president of the Idomawood, a platform created for all Idoma moviemakers, the success of Nollywood today cannot live mentioned without calling his name, he would also live remembered as i of those who enacted the alliance betwixt the Republic of Ghana painting industry, Ghollywood too the Nollywood.
ALEX VERA
Alex Vera is a immature too talented fast rising gospel artiste too i of Nigeria’s top emerging songstresses.
The fair-complexioned vocalist has been gaining a lot of plaudits too applauds from music buffs ever since she released her latest singles, Kocho too Beat Again.
Idoma lady Alex Vera
Born too raised inwards Kano, the crooner no uncertainty has so much to offering the music world.
Amazingly, her foray into the music manufacture is already giving critics the vapors as i of the most exciting too original woman individual singers-cum-songwriters on the scene.
IMELDA ADA OKWORI IMELDA J
Award-wining dancehall queen, Imelda Ada Okwori otherwise known as Imelda J inwards her was lately unveiled to the populace past times her outfit..
Her foremost unmarried was My Love For You produced past times OJB Jezreel, who also featured on it. The vocal won her an accolade inwards 2010.
She followed it upwards with Show Me on which she featured One By One crooner, Side 1.
Show Me increased the visibility of her create too encouraged her to practise more. Now, determined to ascent to the top, she has dropped the video of Fosoke, her song, which has been making a buzz on radio too the inter-net. She also released 3 novel singles, Love Magic, Go Ahead too Together As One featuring Mike Okri.
The promising singer-cum-actress launched her debut album inwards 2010 inwards Makurdi, uppercase of her state.
Idoma girl, Imelda J
BEN ABAH ADOYI
When inwards cite of Nigeria’s promising immature singers, it would live condom to say you lot had skipped if you lot did non create cite of the inspiring, dope ministerial, Aterre, existent squall Ben Adoyi Abah.
He began to pencil downwards his ain songs too developed an shrewd sense of lyricism. He started recording his ain music few years ago, but perfectionist tendencies prevented him putting them out. The Ugbugbu-born hitting maker stands the gamble of succeeding 2face.
Christine Acheini Ben-Ameh
Few years after winning the highly-competitive Nokia First Chance Music talent hunt, Christine Acheini Ben-Ameh is out to create a dissimilar inwards the showbiz industry.
The charming too dazzling songstress after launching herself into the music marketplace with her debut studio effort, Life Under Construction few years dorsum is non resting on her oars. Her attention-catching vox conveys messages of love, hope, strength too triumph that mesmerizes listeners.
Born Oct 12, 1986 at the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, Kent, England, (with her twin brother, Jude) to a medical-doctor father, Dr. Benedict Abakpa Ameh too a infirmary administrator mother, Mrs Felicia Ameh. Her manly individual parent runs the El-Shaddai Specialist Hospital too her mother, the Children Charity Home, both inwards Makurdi, Benue state.
Origins of Idoma people (Scholarly view)
The history of Idoma origins too ethnicity is perchance the most complex aspect of the people’s pre-colonial history. Idoma is the squall past times which the people of Idoma ethnic grouping designate themselves, too are addressed as such past times their neighbours. Idoma is also the squall of the linguistic communication of the grouping as good as their land.
Idoma dancers
The earliest essay to study the Idoma anchors their origins too ethnicity on the Akpoto (or Okpoto). This is an ethnic grouping that is presently extinct. According to a pop view past times S. Crowther inwards 1854, an ethnic grouping designated the Akpoto in i lawsuit occupied most component of the Blue Planet straight off inhabited past times the Igala, Idoma too Igbira. Although the identification of this grouping too the actual nature of their human relationship with the Igala, Idoma too Ebira is silent beingness studied past times researchers, evidence exists to back upwards their antiquity inwards the Niger-Benue confluence area. For example, Armstrong argues that largely arising from the relatively broad application of the Akpoto nomenclature inwards this full general area, it is possible that a kingdom and/or people known past times that squall in i lawsuit existed. This persuasion is farther reinforced past times J. N. Ukwedeh’s declaration that the Akpoto should live perceived as an autochthonous group, which gave nascency to or played a fundamental role inwards the formation of modern Igala, Ebira too Idoma societies. Then too, the evidence gleaned from the oral traditions of the Igala, Ebira too Idoma ethnic groups showed undoubtedly that the Akpoto were the earliest inhabitants of the acquaint locations of these peoples.
The people reject the nomenclature as derogatory, insisting that it was the Igala of the Ankpa part that were known as the Akpoto too refer to themselves, their linguistic communication too Blue Planet as Idoma. It should live emphasised that spell what is peculiarly derogatory nearly the term Akpoto silent remains unclear, it would appear to receive got stuck to the people inwards the Eastern marches of Igalaland inwards the part of Ankpa. This is inwards add-on to the fact that amongst those sections of the Idoma who sometimes describe their origins to places inwards Igalaland (those Erim refers to as the ‘Western migrants’), the utilisation of the term Akpoto to force them too their linguistic communication appears to receive got persisted until comparatively recent times.
On the footing of the to a higher topographic point analyses too inwards the context of the evidence that is presently available, whatever may live said nearly the Akpoto phenomenon, its topographic point inwards the legend of origins of the people too the evolution of their ethnicity by too large may good live conjectural. One certainty tin nevertheless live risked too that is: the term ‘Akpoto’ may good live of a geographical application describing a kingdom of that name. This kingdom must receive got covered the entire expanse presently occupied past times the diverse ethnic groups inwards the Benue valley region. The people of this kingdom must receive got also been known too referred to as Akpoto. But that this squall persists till engagement betwixt the Idoma too the Igala could good live an choice explanation of the depth of wide-ranging contacts too inter-mingling betwixt them. For, as Erim has sufficiently demonstrated, inwards the class of their migrations into their acquaint location, some Idoma kindred groups sojourned too cohabited with the Igala inwards Igalaland. This dot also finds back upwards inwards Ochefu’s conclusions that the greater component of acquaint Idoma homeland was originally occupied past times the Akpoto who over the ages were assimilated past times other groups including the ancestors of the Igala, Idoma too Ebira migrants. What follows from all these advise that it is possible the Akpoto were either a proto-ethnic grouping which gave nascency to the Igala-Idoma-Ebira ethno-cultural complex or inwards fact played an of import role inwards the evolution of these polities.
Another perspective associates the ancestral homeland of the Idoma with the Sahara region. Expressed past times P. E. Okwoli, this persuasion claims that the Idoma, Igala too Ebira ethnic groups in i lawsuit occupied an expanse somewhere inwards the Sahara region. He farther maintains that these ethnic groups were compelled to vacate the Sahara part for the Savannah sub-region next the desiccation of the Sahara 26 This perspective on Idoma origins too ethnicity has been attacked for its obvious weaknesses. In the foremost place, it appears to live an isolated persuasion on the rootage of the Idoma because it has non found credence with scholars on the subject. Furthermore, inwards add-on to its failure to advise whatsoever specific geographical expanse inwards the Sahara part which the Idoma occupied, it has non been corroborated past times the oral traditions of the people regarding their traditions of origin. Moreover, the exponent of this persuasion did non cite his sources for possible assessment nor did he give whatsoever hint as to how he reached his conclusions. This makes it real hard to essay the veracity too authenticity of his propositions. This suggests that he is but trying to link the origins of the Idoma, Igala too Ebira to those Nigerian ethnic groups who claim they migrated from Republic of Yemen or Mecca inwards the Middle East. This theory of Middle Eastern rootage has nevertheless non been able to stand upwards up to the tests of linguistic, ethnographical too archaeological investigations of scholars inwards recent times. Some of these are revisited inwards the subsequent analysis.
Idoma origins too ethnic identity receive got also been related to the Igala. This persuasion sees the Idoma as beingness of Igala extraction, itself believed to live a sub-group of the Yoruba too hence distinct from the Okpoto. According to this thesis which was made pop past times W. B. Baikie, before 1500 Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 D, both the Okpoto too the Igara (Igala?) occupied separate territories closed to the Niger, the old on the East too the latter inwards the West of the Niger. However, past times nearly the foremost decade of fifteenth century, the Igaras were driven East of the Niger where they settled amongst the Okpoto. The Idoma, according to this view, are a hybrid of the Igara too Okpoto fusion 27. This persuasion appears to advise that the Okpoto too the Igala were originally Yoruba speaking too the acquaint Idoma ethnic grouping is a synthesis of the two. This persuasion gets reinforcement from lexico-statistical evidence, which grouped the Idoma, Igala too Yoruba nether the Kwa sub-unit of the Niger-Congo theatre unit of measurement of African languages. It must receive got been on this footing that Erim concluded that the Yoruba element inwards both Igala too Idoma cultures cannot live completely ignored.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 variant of this perspective holds that the Idoma, Igala too Yoruba formed the same social complex inside the upper Benue part until nearly 6000 years agone when this grouping disintegrated. According to this hypothesis developed past times R. G. Armstrong too based largely on glottochronology too lexico-statistical data, this proto-society had the same excogitation of time, worshipped a host of local gods as good as observed similar taboos too totems. What follows from this is that the proto-group spoke a mutual linguistic communication but with the split, its members dispersed into dissimilar regions where today they talk dialects of the
proto-language. Thus, the spatial distribution of the people concerned would appear to stand upwards for to the length of the current of separate developments.
Scholars of Idoma history receive got identified some pitfalls inwards this excogitation of Idoma ethnicity. Erim, for example, reasons that it is non alone right to synthesise fragmentary evidence as pertains enormously complex historical developments with honor to Idoma origins, social club too civilization 30. He points out that available evidence does non back upwards the linguistic declaration espoused for the Idoma, for on the contrary, indications are that the ancestors of these groups receive got come upwards from diverse sources too directions. This makes it analytically too historically impossible to lump every ethnic grouping as deriving from the ‘Idoma tribe’. On his part, Ochefu points at the methodological defects inherent inwards lexico-statistical information too the grade of valid inferences that tin live drawn from anthropological linguistics 31. Notwithstanding these criticisms, Armstrong’s argument that a proto-Yoruba-Igala-Idoma social club gave nascency to the Idoma silent remains, past times too large, valid.
So far, what nosotros receive got been trying to practise is to acquaint ourselves with the variegated perspectives on Idoma origins. It is clear from the to a higher topographic point analysis that scholars are by too large non agreed on the origins of the people. However, on the footing of these divergent views a release of conclusions tin live drawn from which a clearer perception nearly the origins of the people could emerge. The foremost of these is that available linguistic too archaeological information receive got shown the antiquity of homo inwards the Benue valley. Archaeological evidence for example, indicates that iron-working peoples inhabited the Middle too Lower Benue valley some 2,500 years agone 32. Similarly, ethnographical too anthropological surveys receive got proved
that the entire Benue valley was a neat cultural watershed for a multiple African peoples 33. Indeed its rich natural endowments coupled with its accessibility attracted many peoples, with the implications of the preponderance of multi-ethnic social formations inwards the area. Available anthropological, ethnographical records as good as oral traditions of the peoples receive got attested to the fact that the Yoruba, Igala, Ebira too Idoma ethnic groups were the earliest inhabitants of the Middle too Lower Benue valley. But as Ochefu rightly argues, nosotros cannot say whether these 4 distinct groups were hitherto a proto civilization group, as Armstrong would receive got us believe. What is nevertheless probably is that intensive cultural, social, political too economical interactions betwixt these groups tended to blur truthful ethnic and/or linguistic identities. Given the recent advances inwards historical genetics, perchance a genetic mapping too analysis of the peoples of the middle too lower Benue areas volition assist clarify the extent of their relationships too differences.
Arising from the to a higher topographic point is a mo point, namely, until comparatively recent times, the discussion ‘Idoma’ was only a linguistic too non an ethnic appellation. While diverse speakers of this linguistic communication had before the thirteenth century consolidated themselves on the Northern banks of the Benue too were recognized past times both the Arab too European worlds, others were scattered on diverse locations inwards the Middle Benue, an expanse identified too referred to as Apa. The dot hence is that, the evolution of an Idoma ethnicity began only inwards the sixteenth century when a configuration of both centri-fugal too centri-petal forces compelled the people to vacate their Apa ancestral homeland to diverse places inside the lower Benue. How this happened is what nosotros straight off plough to inwards the analysis that follows.
The Idoma unanimously describe their traditions of rootage to Apa (Beipi), tentatively associated with a one-time uppercase of the legendary Kwararafa confederacy, which before the fifteenth century was nether the Abakpawariga. That a confederacy known too referred to as Kwararafa in i lawsuit existed inside the Benue valley expanse has been asserted past times several leading scholars36. Similarly, that the Idoma were i amongst the many ethnic groups of the confederacy is a fact that is non disputed 37. All Idoma traditions of rootage concur that they left Apa because of the growing province of insecurity arising from constant warfare both from inside too without the kingdom. It has been suggested past times some scholars that next her defeat inwards the hands of Ali Ghaji (1476-1503), Kwararafa could no longer give a goodness trouble concern human relationship of herself. Indeed the era of decline had laid in, too this coupled with the dynastic tussles associated with ascendency of the Jukun on the corridors of power, aggravated the already confused situation. The outcome of these processes was the disintegration of the Apa social club too hence the kickoff of the volume migrations of the Idoma too other ethnic grouping similar the Igala too the Ebira, etc.
From evidences gleaned from the oral traditions of the people too supported past times available documentary sources, past times the kickoff of the sixteenth century, the Idoma had begun to spread out over large areas of the Lower Benue, mainly South of that river. The outcome of this pattern of migration was that, over time, they became thinly dispersed over much of the territory straight off inhabited past times the Tiv, the Igala too the Ebira as good as the Idoma. Erim dated this foremost moving ridge of Idoma migrations to betwixt c.1535-1625. According to him, the Ugboju, Adoka too Otukpo constituted this category of Idoma migrants. These migrations continued until the belatedly eighteenth century when the Tiv began their vigorous force into the Benue valley. The arrival of the Tiv impacted tremendously on the Idoma during this period. For example, it disrupted the peace too tranquillity that was gradually evolving. According to Erim, the lawsuit of this was the collapse of the evolving ‘new’ Apa (or what he calls Apa I)
That Tiv migrants easily displaced the Idoma is a fact that could live attributed to a release of factors. In the foremost place, the people were politically fragmented compared to their Tiv neighbours. Furthermore, they were numerically smaller than the Tiv. This is inwards add-on to the nature too graphic symbol of the migration procedure itself, for as O’kwu correctly observes, the Idoma were thinly spread over fairly extensive territory 40. The outcome of all these is that the people position upwards a feeble resistance to Tiv encroachment, hence their displacement from ‘Apa I’. The pressure level of Tiv migrations was such that they entrapped an Idoma-speaking group, the Etulo, who did non displace rapidly enough. Isolated from the main torso of their Idoma kinsmen today, they shape a coterie of non-Tiv people inwards Katsina-Ala, the see of modern Tivland. On their part, Doma too Keana also lost much of their territory too were progressively pushed farther North from the river Benue.
Another moving ridge of migrations from Igalaland moved Westwards into modern Idomaland. These migrants topographic point Apa as the habitation of their ancestors, but nevertheless fighting that after their deviation from Apa at an before date, they migrated to parts of Igalaland. They were nevertheless presently compelled to acquire out that topographic point for parts of Western modern Idomaland because of the political upheaval too confusion that resulted from the increased influx of migrants into the expanse too the rather explosive political province of affairs of the time. Erim has contended that the bitter struggle which characterised political ascendency inwards the Igala State with headquarters at Idah sent numerous migrants fleeing Eastward toward Idomaland betwixt c1685-1715 41 . Today these migrants shape the kernel of Western Idoma districts such as Otukpa, Orokam, Ichama too Edumoga. O’kwu reasons that these constitute the mo category of Idoma migration, for amongst the people, it is this mo migration that is remembered giving the impression that they are Igala past times origin.
By nearly the in conclusion quarter of the nineteenth century, the procedure of the consolidation of novel territories inwards which they found themselves had been completed. This consolidation was nevertheless at the expense of other numerically smaller ethnic groups similar the Igede, Akweya too Ufia on whose territories the Idoma settled. While the Igede were pushed towards the Eastern fringes of the Idoma territory, the Ufia too Akweya were encircled past times the Idoma too today constitute bilingual micro-nationalities inwards the see of Idomaland. The dot nosotros are trying to position across hither is that past times the destination of the eighteenth century, the Idoma ethnic grouping had firmly established themselves on their acquaint location. Ochefu aptly puts it this way:
By the destination of the eighteenth century, the procedure of incorporating social, political, religious too economical ideas that had been transmitted from their ancestral homeland with those that they had acquired during their (several decades of) migrations, too the adaptation of these ideas to their novel environment, had past times too large been completed.
As nosotros shall afterwards see, this procedure was most thorough inwards religion too politics as reflected inwards the norms too values of the people, as good as their populace persuasion generally.
On the footing of the to a higher topographic point analyses nosotros create the next conclusions on the origins too evolution of Idoma ethnicity. Our foremost observation is that the people receive got been involved inwards migrations from the Apa cradle land, which brought them to their acquaint location. These migrations were quite a complex affair too stretched over nearly ii hundred years. This makes migrations an of import aspect of their pre-colonial history. It is of import to annotation hither that both the historicity too location of Apa receive got evolved inwards the context of the people’s belief as real. Thus this makes Apa, inwards A. M. Adejo’s view, ‘… a topographic point (that is) larger than life, existent but also invested with myth’. The mo observation is that, the people moved out of Apa inwards the legendary Kwararafa kingdom after its collapse non as a cohesive torso nether a unmarried leadership.
The migrations had been inwards waves nether separate leaders. In the legends, these leaders are referred to as both the founders of the diverse clans too their chiefs. This meant at to the lowest degree ii things: (i) these clans, for the most part, were independent of each other, too (ii), judging from their contemporary populations, the clans must receive got been real pocket-size inwards size during the current of their migrations. This scenario must receive got accounted for the relative ease with which the Tiv displaced the people from ‘Apa I’. Similarly, it must receive got accounted for the thinly dispersed nature too graphic symbol of the people’s short town pattern throughout the seventeenth, eighteenth too nineteenth centuries inside the Benue valley.
Our in conclusion observation is that, the people did non acquire inwards their acquaint location at the same time. In fact, the short town procedure continued until the in conclusion quarter of the eighteenth century. The implication of all these is that the people made contacts too interacted extensively with several Nigerian ethnic groups during the current of their tortuous migrations from Apa to their acquaint location too when they finally settled. These historical considerations perchance explicate the fact that the contemporary Idoma social club consists of a heterogeneous release of populations, mysteriously speaking the same language.
Carnival photos is past times courtesy of Apa (http://www.agilacarnival.com/)
https://baru009.blogspot.com//search?q=version1Within the overall painting of the Nigerian amusement industry, it is neither preposterous nor farfetched to assert that the Idomas are i of the most gifted too productive people around. The myriads of stars of Idoma rootage inwards damage of character too quantity, too their the contribution to the Nigerian showbiz sector is indeed immeasurable.
Behold the coil telephone telephone of Idoma entertainers.
INNOCENT UJAH IDIBIA (2FACE)
Tuface Idibia is non a Disney creation but a self-styled pop sensation, a music falling star who made the global recognition too artistic success via a defining vocal entitled: African Queen, a beloved vocal eulogizing beauty of the African woman.
Tuface Idibia
That tender moxie stormed the showbiz podium amongst his kinsman, Blackface too Faze of the defunct Planthsun Boiz over a decade ago. He went platinum inside ii years. Since then, the Implication crooner has non looked back. And he remains yet i of the biggest music artistes to emerge from Nigeria.
He’s from Okpokwu LGA.
Tuface, Idoma man
GABRIEL OCHE AMANYI (TERRY G)
He started out inwards the theatre of God, but later pitched his tent with the House of Ginja.
Terry G took the nation’s showbiz manufacture past times stormed a few years dorsum with his Love You Sexy single.
producer Amanyi Oche Gabriel a.k.a Terry G, Idoma homo from Benue State
Born Gabriel Oche Amanyi to the theatre unit of measurement of Deacon too Deaconess Amanyi of Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State.
Each stage of his music career comes with a squall –ranging from Mr Bling Bling to Swagger Master, Ginja Ginja too straight off he calls himself Akpako Master, a name, which only him could explain.
The cerebral music producer-cum-singer has carved a niche for himself too his burgeoning career inwards the music sector, having produced for top artistes inwards Nigeria too beyond. Prolific Oche has continued to win plaudits too encomiums from music buffs due to his inventiveness too sparkling attitude.
The chap has effectively distinguished himself from every other artiste inwards Nigeria with his sort of music, outlandish costumes, style too stagemanship.
He’s the encephalon behind hitting songs such as: Pass me Your Love (Ay.com) Naka (Ortise Femi), Aye Po Gan (Ill Bliss) Incase You Never (2Shotz) too amongst others.
Gabriel Oche Amanyi, Idoma native
The Free Madness crooner has sure established himself as a strength to reckon with inwards the country’s music habitation front.
Ask him why he left gospel - which was his foremost beloved - for secular too he would tell you lot “For me, I would receive got been doing gospel but nosotros just receive got to create a living. That is why I went secular.
“God understands that it is just for me to create a living otherwise, I silent receive got a soft spot for Him inwards my heart”.
The caput honcho of House of Ginjah is no uncertainty a homo of his ain style.
Terry G, Idoma man
GARUBA AUSTINE AHMEDU (BLACKFACE NAIJA)
Following the divide of the defunct Planthshun boyz, footling or naught was heard from Blackface, the tertiary vox of the trio. Augustine Ahmedu was born inwards Obalende Area of Lagos inwards 1974. The instrumentalist who hailed from Akpa has been away to re-organize himself.
His hitting tracks include: Hard Life, Eneme.
Augustine Ahmedu aka Blackface Naija is an Idoma man
BONGOS IKWUE
He’s the acclaimed manly individual parent of the Idoma amusement industry.
Groovies music exponent, Bongos Ikwue is no uncertainty the successor of the musical tradition initiated past times veteran forbears inwards Idomaland.
Born inwards Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria, on June 6, 1942. In 1956, he attended St, Paul’s Secondary schoolhouse inwards Zaria, Nigeria, where his friends called him “Forge” because he was ever making upwards (forging) too singing his ain songs. In 1962, While at Okene Comprehensive Secondary School, he formed a grouping called Cubana Boys with ii other immature boys, after which he headed off to the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), also inwards Zaria, Kaduna State, where he studied Business Administration.
Bongos Ikwue the acclaimed manly individual parent of the Idoma amusement industry
While inwards ABU, he created his ain band, called UniBello Brothers too also sang inwards a folk group, which was made upwards of academy lecturers during which time, a chemical scientific discipline lecturer, Mrs. Harmony taught him some Irish Gaelic songs. In 1967 he founded too headed the Groovies Band, which became extremely pop inwards the 1970’s through to the 80’s.
Many beloved him for his soulful, folksy songs, the most pop of which includes: Cockcrow At Dawn, Still Searching, Amen, Otachikpokpo too a host of others. His dedication to his music was obvious due to the high character of the albums he churned out, too due to the sheer elegance too the electrifying release energy of his alive performances, where the band was ever on key, too the instrumentalist himself was ever truthful to every note. His might to remain on the right annotation is an indicator of his hard piece of work as a musician.
He started to focus to a greater extent than on the habitation front, where has a lovely wife, Josephine; too v children, 4 girls too i man child named, Oyankeke, Elamei (Omei), Jessica, Onyewu too Igoche, inwards that order. He is a devoted manly individual parent too enjoys singing inwards the companionship of his children. Bongos would ofttimes telephone telephone ii of his daughters, Omei too Jessica, to sing inwards the presence of guests.
He lately clocked lxx years.
Bongos Ikwue, the Godfather of Idoma music
JOEL
Joe El got signed on Kennis music label some few months dorsum too it’s so interesting to know he is fast becoming a household name.
His foremost unmarried title I no take away heed is currently rocking the airwaves both on radio too TV stations across the country, but what would baffle i most is the similarities this fresh talent shares with African King of Pop, 2face Idibia.
Joe El is Idoma music star from Nigeria
According to findings, Joel discovered that apart from the fact that he has a facial await just precisely similar 2face, they receive got almost the same vox texture, hail from the Idoma ethnic grouping inwards the Southern component of Benue State inwards key Nigeria. And lastly, His beingness signed on 2face’s old tape label (Kennis Music) inwards which i would think all this is far beyond mere coincidence.
With all the features Joel shares with 2Baba, He’s also capable of shaking the world, similar him.
Joe El, an Idoma man
ENE LAWANI
Former beauty queen, Ene Maya Lawani hitting the global limelight inwards 2004 when she was crowned Miss Nigeria. The longest serving beauty queen inwards the country.
Idoma beauty queen Ene Lawani with i of her dazzling caput roll known as Ene Maya
Before straight off the ex-queen kept a depression profile for years, until she bounced dorsum with the launch of her exquisite headgear called ‘Ene Maya’.
Ene Lawani, Nigerian beauty queen too Idoma woman
The Ene Maya Collection is a combination of caput wraps, scarves too accessories And ever since her profile has been on the rise. She has continued to dazzle everyone with her stunning look, flawless peel too powerful wearing apparel sense. Not only that, she has also locomote the living promotion of her brand. No affair what Ene adorns, she volition ever compliment it with her turban headgear, which stands her out.
Idoma girl, Ene Lawani
ENENCHE PETER OBONYILO (ENENCHE COMEDIAN)
Enenche Obonyilo is an outstanding comedian, MC, motivational speaker too social activist who has performed at several shows too other high profile social functions such as Nigeria National Comedy programme, Nite of a chiliad Laughs, Weddings, birthdays, church building programmes, Radio too Tv shows.
The Chemistry graduate of Benue State University, Makurdi is fast becoming the darling of the comedy sector.
Idoma-born too Nigerian comedian Enenche Obonyilo Peter, popularly known as Enenche D Comedian
His natural sense of sense of humour is mixed with the season of a learned intellectual who observes daily human struggles too lifestyles too convert them into tummy fierce jokes that leaves his fans inwards the province of euphoria too sense of joy too hope.
His major influence is the belatedly Martin Luther King Jnr who was an advocate of social judge too equality. He tin recite from A-Z Martin Luther King Jnr’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
Born inwards Dec at Yaba Military Hospital, Lagos after the civil, Enenche attended St. Francis College, Otukpo too Benue State University, Makurdi.
On how he found himself inwards the comedy sector, he said: “I truly started performing right from my foremost twelvemonth inwards secondary school. When I left secondary school, I truly wanted to study Medicine. I said so that I would non study whatsoever other class fifty-fifty when I was offered Bio Chemistry inwards UNIMAID. Benue province academy gave me Biology spell Ilorin offered me Anatomy. All these I rejected. I eventually took upwards an offering at Benue province academy but I was silent pained that I could non acquire the class I wanted. So on the nighttime of the matriculation, I refused to article of apparel the gown. On the nighttime of the matriculation at that topographic point was an lawsuit on campus too I was invited to practise a joke on stage. That was the starting point. From there, other fellowship presidents on campus would invite me for programmes too I would attend. I ended upwards putting smiles on their faces. I found passion too a platform of appear inwards comedy spell I was inwards the university. My comedy started on the streets of Makurdi especially at church building organised programmes. Enenche became a household squall inwards Makurdi. Like a joke, I found myself inwards the Night of a chiliad laughs inwards 2004. This was because of a programme I performed inwards at Abuja where I impressed Klint the Drunk who thereafter linked me upwards with Opa Williams who picked involvement inwards me. Since then, it has been glorious only that with every platform at that topographic point are ever unique challenges.”
He hails from Okpoga inwards Okpokwu Local Government Area.
Idoma homo Enenche D Comedian
CHRIS MORGAN
Chris Morgan is a multi-talented gospel singer, songwriter, composer, too performer with a telephone telephone from God to embark on the journeying of restoring truthful worship to the torso of Christ.
He is the encephalon behind “WORSHIP ON THE HILLS OF AFRICA” a vision that is dedicated to raising people to worship God inwards spirit too inwards truth.
Chris Morgan Idoma homo too a multi-talented gospel singer, songwriter, composer, too performer
The Orokam-Born Benue State vocalist is no uncertainty an accomplished music minister, whose songs are filled with the divine presence of God, with neat lyrical depth too inspiration too a neat message of promise for our generation. Morgan has also ministered on the same platform with neat international gospel Singers like: Ron Kenoly, Lionel Peterson, Dr Panam Percy Paul too Donnie McClurkin. Since stepping into the gospel podium, the Ifeoma crooner has locomote along to carve a niche for himself inwards past times mark the kickoff of a novel worship tendency inwards Africa.
Chris Morgan Idoma gospel music icon from Nigeria
His pop tracks include: I do, Often As I Breath, Adakole, Ifeoma, Arabaribiti too amongst others.
The Abuja-based gospel artiste is happily married to Queen Eunice.
Idoma homo Chris Morgan too his Abuja-based gospel artiste is happily married to Queen Eunice.
MONICA OGAH
After a long wait, emerging songstress too winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa Season 4, Monica Ogah lately launched herself into the music marketplace past times releasing 3 singles entitled, ‘Below’, ‘Tomorrow’ too ‘If to Say’.
Idoma star, Monica Ogah
The singles from the stables of Goretti, her official management receive got been receiving, volume airplay on many radio station across the country. Below, techno-laced, bass-thumping release was produced past times J Sleek, spell If To Say was produced past times veteran producer, Tha Suspect.
In Tomorrow, the magnificent vocalist inwards her linguistic communication (Idoma) says ‘come rain, come upwards shine, it is good with her.’ The track, which was produced past times Tee-Y Mix strikes a resemblance with past times Project Fame West Africa winner Chidinma.
Idoma lady. Monica Ogah
SUSAN PETERS
Delectable actress, Susan Peters is fast becoming the darling of painting buffs inwards the Nigerian displace painting manufacture globally known as Nollywood. Since her emergence inwards 2002, the slim-built thespian has dazzled inwards several chart-busting flicks.
Idoma-born Nollywood star Susan Peters
Although, born too raised inwards Kano, the Ado-born Idoma trouble concern woman-turned-entertainer has continued to opened upwards novel vistas for herself too budding career, since her relocation from the due north to south, inwards pursuit of her dream.
The self-acclaimed Duchess of Idoma is as a scriptwriter too interior decorator with several high profile jobs to her credit.
Idoma immature adult woman Susan Peters
The tertiary kid of a theatre unit of measurement of 8 children was brought upwards nether strict surveillance of her parents. Her manly individual parent was inwards the armed forces too her woman parent owns a shop. Due to her armed forces background, Susan grew upwards inwards many parts of the province too speaks the 3 major Nigerian languages (Hausa, Ibo too Yoruba) fluently.
Idoma immature adult woman too Nollywood star, Susan Peters
She attended Airforce Nursery too Primary Schools too FGGC Wuse Abuja. She also studied Computer Science at Asman English linguistic communication School too graduated inwards 1998; so farther studied Tv too Film at Video Waves And Camera Film School too graduated inwards 2002. At school, she came out as Best Overall Female inwards her class. After an excursion with her classmates, she began auditioning for acting jobs amongst other Nollywood projects too started acting inwards 2002, the same twelvemonth that she graduated.
She started modelling as good inwards 2003 too has appeared inwards many advertisements. From billboards to TV commercials, Press ads, Handbills too many more, including BAT (British America Tobacco) For West Africa Billboard, Fidelity Bank Billboard, Bank P.H.B billboard, Golden Penny Pasta Billboard, U.H.F Long life Milk Billboard, Haemeron Blood tonic Billboard, Airport Branding, Finbank TVC too Press, amongst others.
Nollywood actress, Susan peters is an Idoma lady
JOHNSON AGADA (MANEX)
Ace painting producer/director, Johnson Agada is i of the few painting practitioners that has helped projection Nollywood, peculiarly the Idomawwod painting sector inwards a positive agency to the populace through every of his production.
Idoma man, Johnson Agada
He has over the years been responsible for a long listing of blockbuster movies such as, Ugboga K’ole, Imlanyi K’Ole, Ina Gajuche, Ohe Kole Owoicho, amongst others.
He’s from Agabha, Otukpa inwards Ogbadbio LGA.
ENE MILITEX OGIRI
Fair-complexioned Nollywood covert goddess, Eneh Militex Ogiri is a strength to reckon with inwards the painting industry, globally known as Nollywood.
Idoma native too Nollywood actress Ene Miltex Ogiri
She’s been the encephalon behind some chartbusting flicks such as, Sound of poverty (1 too 2), Bloody Tussle, My Last Enemy, Before the Rain, et al.
PAMELA PETERS
Omada, Eneh or Ihotu are the probably appellations that would come upwards to one’s take away heed in i lawsuit her squall is mentioned. Fast rising Nollywood actress, Pamela Ochanya Peters is fast becoming a household squall inwards the painting sector, subsequent on her debut inwards Izu Ojokwu’s directed Iva nearly a decade ago. The budding actress has beingness able to proved to painting buffs too pundits that she’s on class as far as amusement inwards Nigeria is concerned. Since stepping into the showbiz, Pamela has continued to dazzle her teeming fans inwards both English linguistic communication too indigenous trail-blazing flicks, which enrolled her inwards the category of Best Idoma Actress inwards the Idoma Artistes Award Nite (IDAAN).
Idoma too Nollywood rising star Pamela peters
The Olahimu-born-Otukpo Benue State effervescent too charming actress who is also vice president of the African Oasis Entertainment believes that it is meliorate to neglect at what you lot beloved doing than the other agency round.
He hitting movies include: Adah, Ihotu, Ochanya, Ole, Iva etc.
Idoma girl, Pamela peters too Nkem Owoh on set
ALICE AYEGBA
Scrumptious too charming Nollywood actress-cum-model, Alice Ayegba foremost warmed her agency into hearts of many painting lovers inwards 2007, when she foremost starred inwards a lather opera entitled, Out of Control inwards Jos.
Idoma girl, model, author too actress Alice Ayegba
Ever since, the sparkling weeping thespian cum author has continued to thrill painting buffs, especially her teeming fans inwards many char-bursting flicks –both English linguistic communication too indigenous with over twenty hitting movies to her credit.
With a shapely torso that many would croak for, the fast rising ebony from Orokam sure has an border over most of her contemporaries inwards the make-believe industry.
Interestingly, her most challenging role so far is the monster hit, Agaba Konya, (Female Warrior) a painting directed past times award-wining Nollywood director, Moses J. Okpe.
Her hitting movies are: Agaba K’Onya, Ochanya, Ole, Ondu Aje, amongst others.
Alice Ayegba Idoma lady
JANE ODOH
Down-to-earth painting star, Janet Ameh Odoh is an actress to sentinel out for inwards the painting industry. The thespian who hailed from Owukpa, a suburb of Benue has carved a niche for herself too burgeoning career.
Idoma girl, Jane Ameh Odoh
The role interpreter became a household squall after her wonderful role inwards St. Godwin Ochola’s directed Ada (The Helpless Orphan) some a few years back. She is the initiator of the Miss Idoma beauty pageant.
Idoma actress Jane Ameh
ADA AMEH
Ada Ameh, is an inspirational lady, who refused against all odds to live relegated to the dorsum topographic point or plough into a recluse after having her kid - Gift Ameh - at the tender historic current of 14.
Undeterred past times the pains of unmarried parenthood at that age, Ada never gave upwards promise despite the fact that she was non privileged to receive got formal education.
Inspirational Nollywood actress Ada Ameh is Idoma womwn
This has given her the zeal to select upwards the challenge too assist ladies too guys, who receive got fallen victim of the social club too been driven out of schoolhouse into prostitution amongst other ills. Interestingly, the Idoma, Benue State indigene, who was born too bred on the streets of Ajegunle, has embarked on a mission to assist those who require her assist urgently too more.
Her hitting movies include: Aki Na Ukwa, Domitila, I Belong, Witches, Phone Swap, Chop Money, Adah, Ihotu etc.
Idoma too talented Nollywood actress Ada Ameh
DIRECTOR ABEL SUCCESS EREBE
After recording box business office hitting with his trail-blazing flick, Black Night inwards South America, Nollywood ace producer too director, Success Abel Erebe, is laid to tempest the painting marketplace with yet an other painting entitled: Osuofia inwards Brazil.
Idoma homo too Nollywood cinema manager Abel Success Erebe
World-class moviemaker too Apostle of the Most High started out with the likes of Chris Morgan too Godshiled Orokpo. His hitting movies include: Black Night is South America, Brazilian Deal, Osuofia inwards Brazil (in view)
Abel Success Erebe too his cinema crews at Brazil during the filming of Osuofia In Brazil
Godwin Ochola
Call him the “Golden Boy” of the Idoma painting manufacture too you lot wont live wrong. Workaholic filmmaker-cum-actor, Godwin Ochola otherwise known as De Black remains a grade as far as the Idoma amusement manufacture is concerned.
Idoma cinema histrion Godwin Ochola aka Golden Boy
Ochola who is head-honcho of the Otukpo-based St. Godwin Productions has stared too directed chart-bursting movies such as Ada, Ihotu, Ofu, Ochanya too Ondu Aje et al deserved the accolade due to his perfect interpretation on roles too characters.
His movie, Ada was crowned the Best Idoma Movie of the twelvemonth 2011
Godwin Ochola too some Idoma actress
PETER OTULU
Evang. Peter Owoicho Otulu as an accomplished Christian singer, songwriter, instructor too cleric. His mission is "to create an environs for the manifest presence of God". His sort of music style is i of jubilant praise too private excellence on local musical instruments. He is i of the fathers of Idoma amusement industry.
Idoma icon Peter Otulu an accomplished Christian singer, songwriter, instructor too cleric.
GODSHIELD OROKPO
Known for his pop album, Ahama no checho released a few years back, ace gospel vocalist too cleric, Godshield Orokpo is a talented vocalist whose mission is to restore battered destiny is currently working circular the clock to launch himself dorsum into the music ministry.
Idoma`s Famous music government minister too Ahama No Checho crooner, Evangelist Godshield Orokpo is straight off Bishop-elect
SUNNY OKWORI
Ace Nollywood director, Sunny Okwori is i of the few directors that knows his onions inwards the Nigeria’s displace painting industry; otherwise known as Nollywood.
The Efekwo-born Orokam Beneu State painting manager is no uncertainty a strength to reckon with inwards the make-believe industry. He is a skilled producer, manager too cinematography who has amusement running inwards his blood. His contribution to the manufacture stands him out as a i of the grand masters of the painting sector.
Idoma too Nollywood movie-maker Sunny Okwori
With over twenty movies to his credit, the workaholic director-cum producer has as made a grade on the painting platform, having spent over ii decades as a moviemaker, Okwori has been an instrumental to major productions such as Sound of poverty, Shackles of Death, Ghetto Language, Ehi (Idoma) Ofu (Idoma) starring Ogboji Abraham Ogboji, St Godwin Ochola, Janet Odo too amongst several others. As head-honcho of Eftown production too president of the Idomawood, a platform created for all Idoma moviemakers, the success of Nollywood today cannot live mentioned without calling his name, he would also live remembered as i of those who enacted the alliance betwixt the Republic of Ghana painting industry, Ghollywood too the Nollywood.
Ace Nollywood director, Sunny Okwori is i of the few directors who knows his onions inwards the Nigeria's displace painting industry; globally known as Nollywood.
ALEX VERA
Alex Vera is a immature too talented fast rising gospel artiste too i of Nigeria’s top emerging songstresses.
The fair-complexioned vocalist has been gaining a lot of plaudits too applauds from music buffs ever since she released her latest singles, Kocho too Beat Again.
Idoma lady Alex Vera
Born too raised inwards Kano, the crooner no uncertainty has so much to offering the music world.
Amazingly, her foray into the music manufacture is already giving critics the vapors as i of the most exciting too original woman individual singers-cum-songwriters on the scene.
IMELDA ADA OKWORI IMELDA J
Award-wining dancehall queen, Imelda Ada Okwori otherwise known as Imelda J inwards her was lately unveiled to the populace past times her outfit..
Idoma-born pretty pop singer, Imelda Ada Okwori popularly known as Imelda J
Her foremost unmarried was My Love For You produced past times OJB Jezreel, who also featured on it. The vocal won her an accolade inwards 2010.
Idoma too nigeria dance-hall queen Imelda Ada Okwori
She followed it upwards with Show Me on which she featured One By One crooner, Side 1.
Show Me increased the visibility of her create too encouraged her to practise more. Now, determined to ascent to the top, she has dropped the video of Fosoke, her song, which has been making a buzz on radio too the inter-net. She also released 3 novel singles, Love Magic, Go Ahead too Together As One featuring Mike Okri.
The promising singer-cum-actress launched her debut album inwards 2010 inwards Makurdi, uppercase of her state.
Idoma girl, Imelda J
BEN ABAH ADOYI
When inwards cite of Nigeria’s promising immature singers, it would live condom to say you lot had skipped if you lot did non create cite of the inspiring, dope ministerial, Aterre, existent squall Ben Adoyi Abah.
He began to pencil downwards his ain songs too developed an shrewd sense of lyricism. He started recording his ain music few years ago, but perfectionist tendencies prevented him putting them out. The Ugbugbu-born hitting maker stands the gamble of succeeding 2face.
Christine Acheini Ben-Ameh
Few years after winning the highly-competitive Nokia First Chance Music talent hunt, Christine Acheini Ben-Ameh is out to create a dissimilar inwards the showbiz industry.
Idoma girl, Christine Acheini Ben-Ameh
The charming too dazzling songstress after launching herself into the music marketplace with her debut studio effort, Life Under Construction few years dorsum is non resting on her oars. Her attention-catching vox conveys messages of love, hope, strength too triumph that mesmerizes listeners.
Christine, Idoma girl
Born Oct 12, 1986 at the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, Kent, England, (with her twin brother, Jude) to a medical-doctor father, Dr. Benedict Abakpa Ameh too a infirmary administrator mother, Mrs Felicia Ameh. Her manly individual parent runs the El-Shaddai Specialist Hospital too her mother, the Children Charity Home, both inwards Makurdi, Benue state.
Idoma girl, Christine
Origins of Idoma people (Scholarly view)
The history of Idoma origins too ethnicity is perchance the most complex aspect of the people’s pre-colonial history. Idoma is the squall past times which the people of Idoma ethnic grouping designate themselves, too are addressed as such past times their neighbours. Idoma is also the squall of the linguistic communication of the grouping as good as their land.
Idoma dancers
The earliest essay to study the Idoma anchors their origins too ethnicity on the Akpoto (or Okpoto). This is an ethnic grouping that is presently extinct. According to a pop view past times S. Crowther inwards 1854, an ethnic grouping designated the Akpoto in i lawsuit occupied most component of the Blue Planet straight off inhabited past times the Igala, Idoma too Igbira. Although the identification of this grouping too the actual nature of their human relationship with the Igala, Idoma too Ebira is silent beingness studied past times researchers, evidence exists to back upwards their antiquity inwards the Niger-Benue confluence area. For example, Armstrong argues that largely arising from the relatively broad application of the Akpoto nomenclature inwards this full general area, it is possible that a kingdom and/or people known past times that squall in i lawsuit existed. This persuasion is farther reinforced past times J. N. Ukwedeh’s declaration that the Akpoto should live perceived as an autochthonous group, which gave nascency to or played a fundamental role inwards the formation of modern Igala, Ebira too Idoma societies. Then too, the evidence gleaned from the oral traditions of the Igala, Ebira too Idoma ethnic groups showed undoubtedly that the Akpoto were the earliest inhabitants of the acquaint locations of these peoples.
The people reject the nomenclature as derogatory, insisting that it was the Igala of the Ankpa part that were known as the Akpoto too refer to themselves, their linguistic communication too Blue Planet as Idoma. It should live emphasised that spell what is peculiarly derogatory nearly the term Akpoto silent remains unclear, it would appear to receive got stuck to the people inwards the Eastern marches of Igalaland inwards the part of Ankpa. This is inwards add-on to the fact that amongst those sections of the Idoma who sometimes describe their origins to places inwards Igalaland (those Erim refers to as the ‘Western migrants’), the utilisation of the term Akpoto to force them too their linguistic communication appears to receive got persisted until comparatively recent times.
On the footing of the to a higher topographic point analyses too inwards the context of the evidence that is presently available, whatever may live said nearly the Akpoto phenomenon, its topographic point inwards the legend of origins of the people too the evolution of their ethnicity by too large may good live conjectural. One certainty tin nevertheless live risked too that is: the term ‘Akpoto’ may good live of a geographical application describing a kingdom of that name. This kingdom must receive got covered the entire expanse presently occupied past times the diverse ethnic groups inwards the Benue valley region. The people of this kingdom must receive got also been known too referred to as Akpoto. But that this squall persists till engagement betwixt the Idoma too the Igala could good live an choice explanation of the depth of wide-ranging contacts too inter-mingling betwixt them. For, as Erim has sufficiently demonstrated, inwards the class of their migrations into their acquaint location, some Idoma kindred groups sojourned too cohabited with the Igala inwards Igalaland. This dot also finds back upwards inwards Ochefu’s conclusions that the greater component of acquaint Idoma homeland was originally occupied past times the Akpoto who over the ages were assimilated past times other groups including the ancestors of the Igala, Idoma too Ebira migrants. What follows from all these advise that it is possible the Akpoto were either a proto-ethnic grouping which gave nascency to the Igala-Idoma-Ebira ethno-cultural complex or inwards fact played an of import role inwards the evolution of these polities.
Another perspective associates the ancestral homeland of the Idoma with the Sahara region. Expressed past times P. E. Okwoli, this persuasion claims that the Idoma, Igala too Ebira ethnic groups in i lawsuit occupied an expanse somewhere inwards the Sahara region. He farther maintains that these ethnic groups were compelled to vacate the Sahara part for the Savannah sub-region next the desiccation of the Sahara 26 This perspective on Idoma origins too ethnicity has been attacked for its obvious weaknesses. In the foremost place, it appears to live an isolated persuasion on the rootage of the Idoma because it has non found credence with scholars on the subject. Furthermore, inwards add-on to its failure to advise whatsoever specific geographical expanse inwards the Sahara part which the Idoma occupied, it has non been corroborated past times the oral traditions of the people regarding their traditions of origin. Moreover, the exponent of this persuasion did non cite his sources for possible assessment nor did he give whatsoever hint as to how he reached his conclusions. This makes it real hard to essay the veracity too authenticity of his propositions. This suggests that he is but trying to link the origins of the Idoma, Igala too Ebira to those Nigerian ethnic groups who claim they migrated from Republic of Yemen or Mecca inwards the Middle East. This theory of Middle Eastern rootage has nevertheless non been able to stand upwards up to the tests of linguistic, ethnographical too archaeological investigations of scholars inwards recent times. Some of these are revisited inwards the subsequent analysis.
Idoma origins too ethnic identity receive got also been related to the Igala. This persuasion sees the Idoma as beingness of Igala extraction, itself believed to live a sub-group of the Yoruba too hence distinct from the Okpoto. According to this thesis which was made pop past times W. B. Baikie, before 1500 Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 D, both the Okpoto too the Igara (Igala?) occupied separate territories closed to the Niger, the old on the East too the latter inwards the West of the Niger. However, past times nearly the foremost decade of fifteenth century, the Igaras were driven East of the Niger where they settled amongst the Okpoto. The Idoma, according to this view, are a hybrid of the Igara too Okpoto fusion 27. This persuasion appears to advise that the Okpoto too the Igala were originally Yoruba speaking too the acquaint Idoma ethnic grouping is a synthesis of the two. This persuasion gets reinforcement from lexico-statistical evidence, which grouped the Idoma, Igala too Yoruba nether the Kwa sub-unit of the Niger-Congo theatre unit of measurement of African languages. It must receive got been on this footing that Erim concluded that the Yoruba element inwards both Igala too Idoma cultures cannot live completely ignored.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 variant of this perspective holds that the Idoma, Igala too Yoruba formed the same social complex inside the upper Benue part until nearly 6000 years agone when this grouping disintegrated. According to this hypothesis developed past times R. G. Armstrong too based largely on glottochronology too lexico-statistical data, this proto-society had the same excogitation of time, worshipped a host of local gods as good as observed similar taboos too totems. What follows from this is that the proto-group spoke a mutual linguistic communication but with the split, its members dispersed into dissimilar regions where today they talk dialects of the
proto-language. Thus, the spatial distribution of the people concerned would appear to stand upwards for to the length of the current of separate developments.
Scholars of Idoma history receive got identified some pitfalls inwards this excogitation of Idoma ethnicity. Erim, for example, reasons that it is non alone right to synthesise fragmentary evidence as pertains enormously complex historical developments with honor to Idoma origins, social club too civilization 30. He points out that available evidence does non back upwards the linguistic declaration espoused for the Idoma, for on the contrary, indications are that the ancestors of these groups receive got come upwards from diverse sources too directions. This makes it analytically too historically impossible to lump every ethnic grouping as deriving from the ‘Idoma tribe’. On his part, Ochefu points at the methodological defects inherent inwards lexico-statistical information too the grade of valid inferences that tin live drawn from anthropological linguistics 31. Notwithstanding these criticisms, Armstrong’s argument that a proto-Yoruba-Igala-Idoma social club gave nascency to the Idoma silent remains, past times too large, valid.
So far, what nosotros receive got been trying to practise is to acquaint ourselves with the variegated perspectives on Idoma origins. It is clear from the to a higher topographic point analysis that scholars are by too large non agreed on the origins of the people. However, on the footing of these divergent views a release of conclusions tin live drawn from which a clearer perception nearly the origins of the people could emerge. The foremost of these is that available linguistic too archaeological information receive got shown the antiquity of homo inwards the Benue valley. Archaeological evidence for example, indicates that iron-working peoples inhabited the Middle too Lower Benue valley some 2,500 years agone 32. Similarly, ethnographical too anthropological surveys receive got proved
that the entire Benue valley was a neat cultural watershed for a multiple African peoples 33. Indeed its rich natural endowments coupled with its accessibility attracted many peoples, with the implications of the preponderance of multi-ethnic social formations inwards the area. Available anthropological, ethnographical records as good as oral traditions of the peoples receive got attested to the fact that the Yoruba, Igala, Ebira too Idoma ethnic groups were the earliest inhabitants of the Middle too Lower Benue valley. But as Ochefu rightly argues, nosotros cannot say whether these 4 distinct groups were hitherto a proto civilization group, as Armstrong would receive got us believe. What is nevertheless probably is that intensive cultural, social, political too economical interactions betwixt these groups tended to blur truthful ethnic and/or linguistic identities. Given the recent advances inwards historical genetics, perchance a genetic mapping too analysis of the peoples of the middle too lower Benue areas volition assist clarify the extent of their relationships too differences.
Arising from the to a higher topographic point is a mo point, namely, until comparatively recent times, the discussion ‘Idoma’ was only a linguistic too non an ethnic appellation. While diverse speakers of this linguistic communication had before the thirteenth century consolidated themselves on the Northern banks of the Benue too were recognized past times both the Arab too European worlds, others were scattered on diverse locations inwards the Middle Benue, an expanse identified too referred to as Apa. The dot hence is that, the evolution of an Idoma ethnicity began only inwards the sixteenth century when a configuration of both centri-fugal too centri-petal forces compelled the people to vacate their Apa ancestral homeland to diverse places inside the lower Benue. How this happened is what nosotros straight off plough to inwards the analysis that follows.
Idoma homo at Agila carnival
The Idoma unanimously describe their traditions of rootage to Apa (Beipi), tentatively associated with a one-time uppercase of the legendary Kwararafa confederacy, which before the fifteenth century was nether the Abakpawariga. That a confederacy known too referred to as Kwararafa in i lawsuit existed inside the Benue valley expanse has been asserted past times several leading scholars36. Similarly, that the Idoma were i amongst the many ethnic groups of the confederacy is a fact that is non disputed 37. All Idoma traditions of rootage concur that they left Apa because of the growing province of insecurity arising from constant warfare both from inside too without the kingdom. It has been suggested past times some scholars that next her defeat inwards the hands of Ali Ghaji (1476-1503), Kwararafa could no longer give a goodness trouble concern human relationship of herself. Indeed the era of decline had laid in, too this coupled with the dynastic tussles associated with ascendency of the Jukun on the corridors of power, aggravated the already confused situation. The outcome of these processes was the disintegration of the Apa social club too hence the kickoff of the volume migrations of the Idoma too other ethnic grouping similar the Igala too the Ebira, etc.
From evidences gleaned from the oral traditions of the people too supported past times available documentary sources, past times the kickoff of the sixteenth century, the Idoma had begun to spread out over large areas of the Lower Benue, mainly South of that river. The outcome of this pattern of migration was that, over time, they became thinly dispersed over much of the territory straight off inhabited past times the Tiv, the Igala too the Ebira as good as the Idoma. Erim dated this foremost moving ridge of Idoma migrations to betwixt c.1535-1625. According to him, the Ugboju, Adoka too Otukpo constituted this category of Idoma migrants. These migrations continued until the belatedly eighteenth century when the Tiv began their vigorous force into the Benue valley. The arrival of the Tiv impacted tremendously on the Idoma during this period. For example, it disrupted the peace too tranquillity that was gradually evolving. According to Erim, the lawsuit of this was the collapse of the evolving ‘new’ Apa (or what he calls Apa I)
That Tiv migrants easily displaced the Idoma is a fact that could live attributed to a release of factors. In the foremost place, the people were politically fragmented compared to their Tiv neighbours. Furthermore, they were numerically smaller than the Tiv. This is inwards add-on to the nature too graphic symbol of the migration procedure itself, for as O’kwu correctly observes, the Idoma were thinly spread over fairly extensive territory 40. The outcome of all these is that the people position upwards a feeble resistance to Tiv encroachment, hence their displacement from ‘Apa I’. The pressure level of Tiv migrations was such that they entrapped an Idoma-speaking group, the Etulo, who did non displace rapidly enough. Isolated from the main torso of their Idoma kinsmen today, they shape a coterie of non-Tiv people inwards Katsina-Ala, the see of modern Tivland. On their part, Doma too Keana also lost much of their territory too were progressively pushed farther North from the river Benue.
Another moving ridge of migrations from Igalaland moved Westwards into modern Idomaland. These migrants topographic point Apa as the habitation of their ancestors, but nevertheless fighting that after their deviation from Apa at an before date, they migrated to parts of Igalaland. They were nevertheless presently compelled to acquire out that topographic point for parts of Western modern Idomaland because of the political upheaval too confusion that resulted from the increased influx of migrants into the expanse too the rather explosive political province of affairs of the time. Erim has contended that the bitter struggle which characterised political ascendency inwards the Igala State with headquarters at Idah sent numerous migrants fleeing Eastward toward Idomaland betwixt c1685-1715 41 . Today these migrants shape the kernel of Western Idoma districts such as Otukpa, Orokam, Ichama too Edumoga. O’kwu reasons that these constitute the mo category of Idoma migration, for amongst the people, it is this mo migration that is remembered giving the impression that they are Igala past times origin.
By nearly the in conclusion quarter of the nineteenth century, the procedure of the consolidation of novel territories inwards which they found themselves had been completed. This consolidation was nevertheless at the expense of other numerically smaller ethnic groups similar the Igede, Akweya too Ufia on whose territories the Idoma settled. While the Igede were pushed towards the Eastern fringes of the Idoma territory, the Ufia too Akweya were encircled past times the Idoma too today constitute bilingual micro-nationalities inwards the see of Idomaland. The dot nosotros are trying to position across hither is that past times the destination of the eighteenth century, the Idoma ethnic grouping had firmly established themselves on their acquaint location. Ochefu aptly puts it this way:
By the destination of the eighteenth century, the procedure of incorporating social, political, religious too economical ideas that had been transmitted from their ancestral homeland with those that they had acquired during their (several decades of) migrations, too the adaptation of these ideas to their novel environment, had past times too large been completed.
As nosotros shall afterwards see, this procedure was most thorough inwards religion too politics as reflected inwards the norms too values of the people, as good as their populace persuasion generally.
On the footing of the to a higher topographic point analyses nosotros create the next conclusions on the origins too evolution of Idoma ethnicity. Our foremost observation is that the people receive got been involved inwards migrations from the Apa cradle land, which brought them to their acquaint location. These migrations were quite a complex affair too stretched over nearly ii hundred years. This makes migrations an of import aspect of their pre-colonial history. It is of import to annotation hither that both the historicity too location of Apa receive got evolved inwards the context of the people’s belief as real. Thus this makes Apa, inwards A. M. Adejo’s view, ‘… a topographic point (that is) larger than life, existent but also invested with myth’. The mo observation is that, the people moved out of Apa inwards the legendary Kwararafa kingdom after its collapse non as a cohesive torso nether a unmarried leadership.
The migrations had been inwards waves nether separate leaders. In the legends, these leaders are referred to as both the founders of the diverse clans too their chiefs. This meant at to the lowest degree ii things: (i) these clans, for the most part, were independent of each other, too (ii), judging from their contemporary populations, the clans must receive got been real pocket-size inwards size during the current of their migrations. This scenario must receive got accounted for the relative ease with which the Tiv displaced the people from ‘Apa I’. Similarly, it must receive got accounted for the thinly dispersed nature too graphic symbol of the people’s short town pattern throughout the seventeenth, eighteenth too nineteenth centuries inside the Benue valley.
Our in conclusion observation is that, the people did non acquire inwards their acquaint location at the same time. In fact, the short town procedure continued until the in conclusion quarter of the eighteenth century. The implication of all these is that the people made contacts too interacted extensively with several Nigerian ethnic groups during the current of their tortuous migrations from Apa to their acquaint location too when they finally settled. These historical considerations perchance explicate the fact that the contemporary Idoma social club consists of a heterogeneous release of populations, mysteriously speaking the same language.
Carnival photos is past times courtesy of Apa (http://www.agilacarnival.com/)
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