Idoma Youths Council Identifies Entrepreneurship as Panacea to Underdevelopment, Socioeconomic Challenges in Idomaland
By Ahiaba Douglas
In a bold move to tackle the socioeconomic challenges facing the Idoma Nation in Benue South Senatorial District of Benue State, North Central Nigeria, a socio-cultural group under the aegis of the Idoma Development Council (IDC) has convened a National Youth Empowerment and Leadership Summit.
The summit, held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at The Conclave Retreat, Maitama, Abuja, attracted illustrious sons and daughters of Idoma extraction from all walks of life. Discussions centered on youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, cultural reorientation, self-reliance, and financial independence—identified as key drivers of development in Idomaland.
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Addressing participants, Chief Mark Dickson described self-reliance and entrepreneurship through innovative ideas and skills as the panacea to the socioeconomic challenges confronting the Idoma Nation.
He lamented the lack of responsive political leadership in both the Idoma Nation and Nigeria at large, stressing that greed and the absence of people-centered governance have done immense harm, particularly to the youth. Chief Dickson urged Idoma youths to chart a new course through determination, self-belief, and innovation toward achieving the Idoma Nation of their dreams.
Also speaking, Comrade Itodo Francis Agbamu, General Manager of The Enclave Retreat, Maitama, attributed the high rate of poverty and underdevelopment in the North Central zone—including the Idoma Nation—to what he termed the “salary-earning mentality.”
According to him, until people, especially the youth, purge themselves of this mindset and embrace self-employment and entrepreneurship, the region will continue to languish in poverty and underdevelopment. He emphasized the need for privileged Idoma sons and daughters to encourage and empower the younger generation through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Mr. Emmanuel Akpaku, another participant, commended the Idoma Development Council for organizing the summit, describing it as a rallying point for constructive dialogue and actionable steps toward the economic advancement of the Idoma Nation. He noted that with the abundant entrepreneurial and innovative skills among Idoma people, the region could achieve greatness if properly harnessed—especially through collaboration between entrepreneurs and political leaders.
Earlier, the convener of the summit, Mr. Austin Akogwu, expressed appreciation to participants for attending despite their tight schedules, describing their presence as a reflection of love, patriotism, and commitment to the growth of Idomaland.
He disclosed that the Idoma Development Council has several initiatives targeted at youth empowerment, including plans to establish skills acquisition and ICT centers in all local government areas within the Idoma Nation. These centers, he said, will train youths in various entrepreneurial skills to curb unemployment, reduce restiveness, and tackle social vices threatening the peace and unity of the region.
Mr. Akogwu further reaffirmed the Council’s unwavering commitment to extending this awareness campaign to major cities across Nigeria, where Idoma sons and daughters reside, in order to rekindle the spirit of entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance.
