Consul Akpakwu Hails Massive Turnout at Abuja Idoma Cultural Day Celebration
Ahiaba Douglas,Abuja
The Consul of the Philippines in Nigeria, Honourable Emmanuel Akpakwu, MFR, has expressed delight over the successful hosting of the Abuja Idoma Cultural Day, a colourful celebration that brought together sons and daughters of the Idoma ethnic nationality from Benue State and other parts of Nigeria residing in the Federal Capital Territory.
The event was held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
In a goodwill message made available to journalists, Akpakwu said he was particularly impressed by the massive turnout of Idoma sons and daughters, describing it as a testament to the unity, love, and cohesion that exist among the people in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, the gathering not only celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Idoma people but also provided an opportunity for reunion, renewed friendships, and stronger communal bonds.
He commended the organisers for their patriotism and unwavering commitment to promoting unity, preserving the Idoma cultural identity, and advancing the development of the people. He urged them to sustain the momentum by making the celebration a regular event to further foster unity and progress within the Idoma nation.
Responding to questions from journalists on whether the love and unity displayed during the event reflected the true character of the Idoma people back home, Akpakwu expressed confidence that it did.
He noted that the Idoma people are known for their peaceful and united disposition, regardless of where they reside, stressing that their place of residence does not define their character.
The Consul further called on Idoma sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain united, peaceful, and committed to harmonious coexistence with one another and with people from other ethnic nationalities. He encouraged them to use platforms such as the Abuja Idoma Cultural Day to strengthen their collective aspirations for a more prosperous Idoma land.
Also speaking, Miss Tourism Nigeria, an indigene of Idoma, Margret Abbah Ochanya, expressed excitement over the celebration, describing it as a remarkable showcase of the beauty and uniqueness of the Idoma culture.
She said the event successfully brought the rich traditions of the Idoma people to the forefront, while admiring the striking display of the traditional black and red colours that dominated the venue.
Ochanya applauded the organisers for their vision, initiative, and dedication in staging what she described as a unique cultural display. She urged them to sustain the enthusiasm and continue promoting the rich heritage of the Idoma people.
She further advised the Idoma nation to seize such opportunities to tell its own story through its traditional attire, cuisine, music, dance, and other cultural expressions that proudly reflect its identity and preserve its heritage for future generations.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 5TH 2026)


