‘Culture dies when we apologise for it’ — Och’Idoma tells Idoma youths

The Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu Elaigwu John Odogbo, has cautioned Idoma youths against cultural shame and identity avoidance, warning that any society that becomes apologetic about its heritage risks losing it entirely.

The royal father gave the warning during the Idoma Cultural Day celebration held in collaboration with the Idoma International Carnival, where he urged young people to embrace their language, accent, and traditions with pride.

According to him, the growing tendency among some Idoma youths to distance themselves from their roots in search of social acceptance poses a serious threat to the survival of the culture.

“Culture dies when we apologise for it,” the Och’Idoma declared. “We must never be ashamed of our culture or our accent. Our accent is our identity, and we should be able to speak our language and sing our songs anywhere we find ourselves.”

Agabaidu Elaigwu John Odogbo identified insecurity and displacement, erosion of the Idoma language in homes, cultural shame, leadership fragmentation, poor documentation of heritage, and social media ridicule as key challenges confronting Idoma identity.

He particularly criticised the mockery of Idoma people, leaders, and institutions on social media, noting that ridicule driven by ignorance and lack of patriotism weakens respect for cultural values and history.

Calling on Idoma youths to rise as defenders of their heritage, the monarch urged them to become responsible digital ambassadors of the Idoma nation by promoting accurate storytelling and confronting falsehood with dignity and wisdom.

“We must become the gatekeepers of our identity. We must defend the honour of our people with facts, dignity, and love,” he said.

The Och’Idoma also stressed the importance of unity among cultural organisations, warning that rivalry and ego-driven competition undermine collective cultural strength.

“Where leadership is fragmented, direction becomes confused. Culture cannot survive in the midst of ego rivalry,” he added.

As part of a broader cultural renewal agenda, the monarch announced the formal institutionalisation of Idoma Cultural Day, declaring December 23 of every year as a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting Idoma heritage, language, and values.

He further disclosed that the grand finale of the annual celebration would henceforth take place at the Och’Idoma Palace, with plans underway to upgrade the Palace Square to international standards in order to position Idoma culture on the global stage.

Urging unity and renewed pride, Agabaidu Elaigwu John Odogbo reminded the youths that cultural survival depends on collective ownership and shared purpose.

“We are many expressions, but one Idoma soul,” he said, calling on the younger generation to carry the identity of the Idoma nation with confidence wherever they find themselves.