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Whenever I am in Abinsi, my village along Makurdi – Gboko highway, for whatever reason, I try as possible to mingle with the locals never feeling like a ‘Big boy’.
I ensure I visit the tea seller, Abdulsalam, who has been in the business as long as I can remember. And, surprisingly this Christmas Abdulsalam added spreading margarine on bread for a fee. Of course, I tried it just to give people around a feeling of togetherness.
Christmas 2025 and new year 2026 holidays provided me another huge opportunity to hubnob with my people as much as I can. Being an early bird for the Christmas, I watched all Nigerian matches at the ongoing AFCON in Morocco and the commentaries amongst viewers are very interesting especially involving the backgrounds of Nigerian players.
During the Nigeria vs Mozambique match, the ethnic origin of striker Akor Jerome Adams became focus of argument typical of football viewing centres.
There were claims and counterclaims by viewers saying the Super Eagles player is of Tiv extraction while others say he is Idoma. There were fierce arguments. The Tiv speaking viewers vehemently say Akor is their own. Such interesting ownership.
My inquiry shows that Akor in Tiv language means wisdom, knowledge, or learning/education, depending on the context in which it is used. But, it’s spelt ‘Ako’ in Tiv. But, it’s almost the same meaning as Akor in Idoma meaning wisdom, intelligence, or deep understanding.
Akor Adams
My search shows that Akor is actually Idoma from Odoba Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
My surprise about Akor’s ethnicity background debate is the Tiv speaking viewers insisted he is their pikin.
Tiv and Idoma are the dominant ethnic extractions in Benue State and the clamour to give the Idomas a shot at the governorship position has not seen the light of day. The Tiv has always rotated the governorship seat among their sides.
As the 2027 elections gets under way, let their be fair play to give the Idomas a chance at the governorship. Like the viewers let the political class especially the Tiv support Akor making him their own. This should be spread to all polical equation across Nigeria even at the national level. Let there be equity and sincerity of purpose for a better society.
For me, I really don’t care if it’s Ako or Akor. I admire good players, na so I see am. QED!
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