The Benue State Government has commended the organisers of the annual Idoma International Carnival, led by its founder and President, Prince Edwin Ochai, for their consistency, vision and contribution to cultural promotion and youth engagement in the state.
The commendation was given by the Director-General of the Benue State Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Shadrach Ukuma, during the 2025 edition of the Idoma International Carnival held in Otukpo, the ancestral headquarters of the Idoma people.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, Ukuma said the Idoma International Carnival has grown into a major cultural event that projects not only the Idoma nation but Benue State as a whole onto the global cultural map.
According to him, the carnival has become a powerful platform for cultural preservation, tourism development and economic empowerment, particularly for young people.
“The Idoma International Carnival is more than entertainment. It has the capacity to curb youth restiveness and insecurity by creating jobs and economic opportunities through culture and tourism,” Ukuma said.
He noted that festivals of this nature stimulate local economies by attracting visitors, supporting small businesses, and providing opportunities for creative talents, artisans, and performers to thrive.
Ukuma further stated that the Idoma International Carnival aligns with the Benue State Government’s broader vision of cultural revival and creative industry growth, noting that the state remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote unity, heritage, and economic development.
The Director-General added that the Idoma nation is richly endowed with cultural heritage, pointing out that its language, music, stories, dances, festivals, and crafts have endured the test of time and deserve sustained promotion and global recognition.
He encouraged stakeholders, private investors, and cultural institutions to partner with the organisers to further develop the carnival into an international cultural tourism destination.
On his part, the founder and President of the Idoma International Carnival, Prince Edwin Ochai, reiterated the importance of sustaining cultural values through active participation and community ownership.
“Culture survives because communities practise it,” Ochai said, stressing that deliberate efforts must be made to keep traditions alive for future generations.
“We are not merely gathered for a carnival; we are gathered to affirm who we are as a people,” he said.
The 2025 Idoma International Carnival, which featured colourful street processions, cultural performances, and community participation, attracted thousands of revelers from within and outside the country.
Benue Govt hails Idoma International Carnival organisers, Ochai
