Dr. Catherine Odumu Urges Unity Among Idoma People
By Ahiaba Douglas, Abuja
An illustrious daughter of the Idoma Nation and prominent member of the Idoma Daughters and Wives Association (IDWA), Dr. Catherine Odumu, who works with the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has called on all Idoma sons and daughters to remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that promote unity and socioeconomic development in Idoma land.
Dr. Odumu made the call in an exclusive goodwill message to our correspondent during the Abuja Idoma Cultural Day Celebration, held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
She emphasized the indispensable role of unity, cooperation, and collective effort in advancing the political and socioeconomic development of the Idoma Nation. According to her, sustainable progress can only be achieved when the people work together with a shared vision and common purpose.
Commending the organizers of the Abuja Idoma Cultural Day Celebration, Dr. Odumu noted that the event provided an important platform for reunion, cultural exchange, and the strengthening of bonds among Idoma people living in the Federal Capital Territory. She added that the celebration also offered participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the Idoma Nation.
Speaking on the importance of preserving the Idoma language, Dr. Odumu described it as a vital symbol of the people’s identity and heritage. She urged every Idoma son and daughter to speak the language with pride and encourage its use within their families and communities. She expressed concern over the growing tendency of some individuals to conceal their Idoma identity, describing the practice as detrimental to the collective aspiration for a united and progressive Idoma Nation.
Dr. Odumu further explained that the Idoma Daughters and Wives Association (IDWA) is a socio-cultural organization comprising Idoma daughters and women married to Idoma sons across Nigeria. She stated that the association is committed to promoting the cultural identity of the Idoma people while preserving their cherished values, customs, and traditions for future generations.
According to her, the activities of the association also extend to the socioeconomic and political affairs of Idoma land. She said IDWA serves as a pressure and advocacy group for the development of the Idoma Nation by championing policies and initiatives that promote sustainable growth. The association also engages in educational, enlightenment, and empowerment programmes aimed at fostering economic self-reliance and building a resilient Idoma society.
In addition, she noted that IDWA provides financial support for the execution of community development projects and undertakes other life-impacting initiatives that inspired its establishment.
Dr. Odumu reaffirmed the association’s commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders in promoting peace, unity, cultural preservation, and sustainable development across Idoma land.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 6TH 2026)


