MARTHA IKYÔR

The late Mama Martha Ikyôr Agbenge Alôm Ikima was the daughter of Pa Musa Ikundu Jam Kwanta of Mbawuar in Vandeikya local government area of Benue State. She was born around 1930. Her mother was Mama Achivir Ayishi, Wan Mbakyer in Konshisha local government area of Benue State. Her father was a prominent farmer in the district while her mother was a trader.

Mama Martha Ikyôr Agbenge was the last of the six children of her parents. She was very close to them. Although she did not receive formal education she was trained on the farm with her parents. She later picked up trading from her mother. Much later in life she attended adult school for a few years.

Mama Martha Ikyôr Agbenge got married to Joseph Agbenge Alôm Ikima in Mbangur, Mbadede, in Vandeikya local government area and was blessed with a female child, Mrs. Justina Sule. She helped her husband to train her child as well as her grandchildren, foster grandchildren as well as great grandchildren.

In her early life, Mama learnt how to sew and was also a successful farmer and a great mobilizer. She was also a trader who bought and sold farm produce and other items. What made her outstanding however, was her investment for the greater part of her life in the promotion of Tiv culture to the extent that many called her the Great Tiv Cultural Ambassador. A dancer right from her youthful age, she performed the graceful Tembe Duen dance that preceded the approach of the Tor Tiv  and other dignitaries at public occasions. Mama also mentored several young girls to master the dance and other Tiv dances as well as other positive aspects of culture. She also acted in several Tiv movies and films.

Mama Martha Ikyôr Agbenge was at one time a staff of Gboko Local government who was later appointed a member of the Gboko main market committee. She also contested for councilor of Gboko south on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the tenure of Governor George Akume. Although she was not elected, she cherished the title Honourable and was happy anytime she was called Honorable Martha Agbenge.

Mama Agbenge was born and brought up in a Christian home and grew up to follow her parent’s steps as a catholic and was subsequently baptized and given the name Martha. She was also confirmed and always wore a scapular.

Mama Martha Agbenge enjoyed good health for the greater part of her life which enabled her to take part in cultural displays and performances. However, during old age she complained of constant headache and pain in her legs to the extent that she had difficulty moving about. Mama received medical attention at Myom hospital in Gboko where she answered the Lord’s call on 29^th October, 2020. She was laid to rest on 14^th November, 2020 at Tse Mede Achii Ikima, Mbagur, Mbadede in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.