Benue: Idoma’s greatest challenge is lack of unity, not talent — Ochai

The President-General of the Idoma Association USA, Edwin Ochai, has said that the greatest challenge confronting the Idoma nation is not a lack of education, intelligence or human capacity, but the absence of unity and a collective vision.

Ochai stated this on Saturday during the 2026 Idoma Centenary Plus Lecture held in Otukpo, Benue State.

Reflecting on the presentations and discussions at the event, he said the lecture broadened his understanding of the current realities facing the Idoma people and the path they must take to secure a better future.

According to him, one of the most striking lessons from the centenary lecture was that despite producing numerous professors, military generals, technocrats, public servants and other distinguished professionals, the Idoma nation has not translated its vast human resources into the level of political, economic and social development it deserves.

“The greatest challenge facing us today is not a lack of education, intelligence or human capacity. Rather, it is the absence of unity and a collective vision,” he said.

Ochai noted that the achievements of individual Idoma sons and daughters across various sectors demonstrate that the nation is not lacking in talent, knowledge or leadership potential.

He, however, lamented that personal interests, political divisions and clan loyalties often take precedence over the collective good, thereby limiting the community’s ability to harness its full strength for development.

“The Idoma people continue to excel, but their collective strength remains underutilised. A people united by a shared purpose can achieve far more than even the most brilliant individuals working separately,” he stated.

The Idoma Association USA leader said the centenary celebration should serve not only as a reflection on the achievements of the past century but also as a call to action for greater unity and purposeful leadership.

As the country approaches another election cycle, Ochai urged the Idoma people to rise above sentiments, personal relationships and short-term gains when choosing their leaders.

According to him, voters should focus on candidates with proven competence, integrity, vision and a genuine commitment to advancing the interests of the Idoma nation.

He said the people must critically evaluate every aspirant seeking public office by examining their track record of service, ability to unite the people and commitment to development, education, youth empowerment, security and economic growth.

“The future of our people depends not on who speaks the loudest or spends the most money, but on who possesses the vision, competence, integrity and commitment to advance the interests of the Idoma nation,” he said.

Ochai further stressed the need for leaders who can mobilise professionals, entrepreneurs, traditional institutions, women and youths towards a common developmental agenda.

He described the election season as an opportunity for the Idoma people to make informed decisions that would benefit both the present and future generations.

According to him, the centenary celebration should inspire the Idoma nation to embrace unity, collective purpose and visionary leadership capable of transforming the area into a model of progress, influence and development.

“The time to act is now. The time to unite is now. Now is the time to make a wise choice,” he added.