Idoma International Carnival 2025: Four days of heritage, music, joy in Otukpo

Otukpo, the heartbeat of Idoma land and headquarters of Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State, recently transformed into a living canvas of culture, colour, and celebration as it hosted the 14th edition of the Idoma International Carnival.

What began in 2013 as the Agila Social and Economic Carnival has evolved into a globally recognised cultural spectacle.

Today, the Idoma International Carnival stands tall as a melting point of Idoma heritage where culture, music, dance, fashion, art, pageantry, and cuisine converge in breathtaking harmony.

The 2025 celebration officially kicked off on December 23 with the Idoma Cultural Day, a day devoted to identity, memory, and pride.

From across Idoma land, cultural troupes gathered to showcase age-long traditions, igniting excitement among participants and dignitaries alike, including His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma, Agaba’Idu Elaigwu John Odogbo.

It was a spectacle of ancestral pride.

Masqueraders, clothed in intricate regalia, commanded the arena with electrifying performances.
Cultural groups dazzled spectators with vibrant dances, rich folklore, and colourful expressions of Idoma history, earning thunderous applause from the crowd.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of the Idoma International Carnival, Prince Edwin Ochai, reflected on the carnival’s journey, a vision nurtured through thirteen years of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to building one of the biggest street carnivals in West Africa.

According to him, the carnival was born out of a deep love for Idoma culture, a belief that culture remains sacrosanct to the growth, unity, and development of any society.

In a historic moment, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, declared December 23 of every year as “Idoma Day”, to be observed by Idoma people across the world.

He said, “By the grace of God, and by the authority of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, I now make this declaration:
“Henceforth, the 23rd of December every year shall be officially recognised as IDOMA CULTURAL DAY.
“Culture thrives where there is cooperation, not competition of ego.

“Heritage grows where there is collective ownership, not fragmentation.
“The strength of Idoma Nation does not lie in rival groupings or divided forces. Our strength lies in one people, one identity, one cultural umbrella, united by mutual respect and shared purpose.
“I therefore call on the leadership of the Idoma International Carnival and all cultural groups to key into this vision. Only organisations operating under one recognised umbrella shall use the Och’Idoma Square. Fragmentation will no longer be encouraged.
“We shall plan together, not separately. We shall promote excellence, not mediocrity. Unity is not the loss of identity; unity is the protection of destiny.”

He also unveiled a far-reaching cultural blueprint aimed at preserving Idoma identity, restoring unity, and repositioning culture as a cornerstone of development.

The royal proclamation was made during the Idoma Cultural Day celebration on December 23, 2025, under the broader vision of the Idoma International Carnival. Commending Dr. Ochai and his team, the monarch urged all sons and daughters of Idoma land to rise as ambassadors and showcase the beauty of their heritage to the world.

Day Two brought an entirely different energy.

Wheels of Thunder roared into Otukpo as professional bikers delivered an adrenaline-filled spectacle, adding a modern thrill to the cultural celebration and keeping spectators on the edge of excitement.

Then came December 25.

Otukpo, fondly known as Texas Town, became a sea of colour as the grand carnival procession took over the streets.

Locals and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, dressed in flamboyant costumes, danced their way through what has become the largest street party north of the River Niger.

Leading the procession on horseback was Dr. Edwin Ochai, alongside Nollywood actress Susan Peters, drawing cheers, chants, and admiration as they moved through the streets in a five-hour celebration of unity and joy.

Among the participants was the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Lami Ogenyi, who praised the carnival’s impact, noting that it has firmly placed Benue State on Nigeria’s cultural map.
Speaking with news men shortly after the procession, Ochai said, “In the last few days, I’ve said this several times, and I’ll say it again: individually, we are strong, but collectively, we are lacking.

“We realized that the only way to develop and become a prosperous people, or a thriving nation, is to come together as a team. That was the reason behind this year’s theme: Opyatoha Ofu, which means unity is strength. Right now, we are not united, but if we come together, we will become strong.

“I can only appreciate the Idoma people. The turnout today has been massive, beyond our expectations. It shows that the Idoma people have embraced the carnival as their own.

“The streets are packed, and everywhere you look, people are enjoying themselves. This is just the beginning, we will keep building, adding more each year, and becoming better.”

As the sun set, the rhythm only grew stronger.

The night came alive with electrifying performances from various entertainers who thrilled the crowd deep into the evening.

Beyond the music and spectacle, the economic pulse of the carnival was unmistakable, hotels were filled, businesses thrived, and the local economy blossomed.

The four-day celebration reached its grand finale on December 26 with the coronation of Jael Tanite Kallamu as Nigerian Carnival Queen 2025.

Representing Borno State, Queen Jael captivated judges and spectators alike with her grace, elegance, and stunning cultural displays.

Four days. Countless memories.

The Idoma International Carnival is more than an event.
It is a living celebration of the Idoma spirit, a testament to resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.

And as the final echoes of music faded into the Otukpo night, one truth remained clear:
The Idoma people have a rich legacy to share, and the world is watching.