The President-General of the Idoma Association USA, Edwin Ochai, has said that the major problem facing the Idoma nation is not a lack of educated or capable individuals, but a lack of unity and a shared sense of purpose.
Ochai made this known on Saturday during the 2026 Idoma Centenary Plus Lecture held in Otukpo, Benue State.
Speaking on the discussions from the event, he said the lecture gave him a deeper understanding of the challenges confronting the Idoma people and the steps needed to achieve meaningful development.
He noted that although the Idoma nation has produced numerous professors, military officers, technocrats, public servants and other accomplished professionals, this human capital has not translated into the level of political, economic and social development expected.
According to him, the core challenge is not capacity, but fragmentation caused by lack of unity, competing interests and divided loyalties.
“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 explained that while individuals from the Idoma community continue to excel in different fields, their collective strength remains underutilised due to internal divisions.
He stressed that when a people are united by a common goal, they are capable of achieving far more than individuals working independently.
He described the centenary celebration as an opportunity not only to reflect on past achievements but also to renew commitment to unity and purposeful leadership.
As Nigeria moves toward another election cycle, Ochai urged the Idoma people to prioritize competence, integrity, and vision when choosing leaders, rather than sentiment or personal ties.
He called on voters to carefully assess candidates based on their track record, ability to unite the people, and commitment to development in areas such as education, security, youth empowerment, and economic growth.
Ochai also emphasized the need for leaders who can bring together professionals, traditional rulers, women, and youths under a shared development agenda.
He concluded that the future of the Idoma nation depends on making wise and collective decisions that prioritize long-term progress over short-term gains.
