The Idoma people are an ethnic group located primarily in the Benue State of Nigeria, in West Africa. Nearly a million people (2020 estimate) speak the Idoma language, which is made up of several dialects. They also have a rich cultural heritage that is expressed through various forms of art, music, and dance.
The Idoma people are known for their hospitality and communal way of life. They have a strong emphasis on family and community, and their social structures are centred around extended families and clans. The people also place a high value on education and have produced many successful academics, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
In recent times, many Idoma people have migrated to other parts of Nigeria and to other countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. This diaspora has contributed to the spread of Idoma culture and traditions around the world. This post explores the demographics of the Idoma community in the UK, with a focus on education, families, work, and lifestyle.
Location
The Idoma community in the United Kingdom is a small but vibrant one, made up of both immigrants and students. The majority of Idoma people in the UK live in London. A recent survey of Idoma immigrants living outside London showed that more than half of them (52%)lived in northern England e.g. Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle. A further quarter (23%)of Idoma people in the UK were living in the midlands areas such as Sheffield, Birmingham etc, while Scotland is represented by a tenth (9.5%) of the Idoma community.
Education
The Idoma community places a high value on education, and this is reflected in the academic achievements of their members in the UK. Many Idoma immigrants have attained tertiary education qualifications and work in professional fields such as medicine, law, and engineering. Education is seen as a means of upward social mobility and is highly prioritized in Idoma families. Indeed, many members of the community are either current or previously students at prestigious colleges/universities in the UK.
Families
The Idoma community in the UK is characterized by strong family ties and a commitment to cultural values. Nearly 90% of Idoma people surveyed are settled in the United Kingdom with their families, having lived in the UK for more than a decade. Family is considered the cornerstone of the Idoma way of life, and this is reflected in the close-knit relationships between members of the community. Idoma families tend to be large, with extended family members living in proximity to one another.
Work
Idoma immigrants in the UK are employed in a wide range of occupations, from manual labour to highly skilled professional jobs. Many Idoma people work in the healthcare sector, either as doctors, nurses, or support staff. Others work in construction, retail, and the service industry. Despite the challenges faced by immigrants in the UK job market, the Idoma community has proven to be resilient and adaptable. The Idoma community is generally risk-averse, with only a small number electing to start businesses.
Lifestyle
Idoma people in the UK continue to celebrate their culture through festivals, traditional ceremonies, and social gatherings either informally or through voluntary associations such as Idoma Union in the United Kingdom (IDUUK). More than half of Idoma immigrants surveyed are more concerned about cultural/social disconnection (55%) in the UK than immigration (15%). A third of Idoma people retained a desire to return home someday. Additionally, the community has a strong religious affiliation, with the majority of Idoma people being practising Christians.