The Idoma: A Non-Centralized Society in Nigeria History JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

History Lesson Plan: Non-Centralized States – The Idoma

1. Subject: History
2. Class: JSS 2
3. Term: First Term
4. Week: 3
5. Age: 12-13 years
6. Topic: Non-Centralized States – The Idoma
7. Sub-Topic: Geographical Location, Culture, and Political Organization of the Idoma
8. Duration: 40 minutes
9. Behavioral Objectives:
   By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
   1. Identify the geographical location of the Idoma people.
   2. Describe the cultural practices of the Idoma.
   3. Explain the political organization of the Idoma people.
10. Keywords: Idoma, Benue, kinship, elders, clans, consensus
11. Set Induction:
    The teacher will ask, “Do you know anyone from the Idoma ethnic group? What do you know about their way of life?” This will engage the students and create curiosity.
12. Entry Behavior:
    Students are familiar with the concepts of non-centralized states and their characteristics from previous lessons.
13. Learning Resources and Materials:

• Map showing the location of the Idoma people
• Pictures of Idoma traditional attire and cultural festivals

14. Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
    Students have previously learned about the Tiv people, who also have a non-centralized political structure. This lesson will explore the Idoma as another example of a non-centralized society.
15. Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Map-reading skills
• Class participation in discussions

16. Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for History
• History for Junior Secondary Schools

17. Instructional Materials:

• Map of Nigeria showing Idoma settlements
• Photos of Idoma elders and cultural festivals

Content

Geographical Location of the Idoma People

• The Idoma people are found mainly in the southern part of Benue State.
• They are also present in parts of Cross River, Enugu, and Kogi States.
• Their homeland is hilly and crossed by rivers, such as the Benue River.

Culture of the Idoma People

1. Language: The Idoma speak the Idoma language, which has several dialects.
2. Occupation: They are predominantly farmers, cultivating crops such as yam, cassava, and groundnuts.
3. Festivals: The Aje Alekwu festival honors ancestral spirits and promotes unity among the people.
4. Marriage: Marriage involves paying a bride price, and family plays a major role in the arrangement.
5. Religion: The Idoma traditionally worship Aje Alekwu (ancestral spirits), though many are now Christians.

Political Organization of the Idoma People

• The Idoma people have a non-centralized political system based on kinship ties.
• Council of Elders: Each community is governed by elders who represent various clans.
• Clan Heads: Each clan has a head, known as the Ochi’Doma.
• Consensus Decision-Making: Important decisions are made through discussions until there is a consensus.
• Age Grades: Young men belong to age-grade groups, which perform communal duties like security and farming.
• Conflict Resolution: Disputes are settled by elders through deliberations and negotiations.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options

1. The Idoma people are located mainly in ______ State.
   a) Lagos b) Benue c) Kano d) Sokoto
   Answer: b) Benue
2. The main occupation of the Idoma people is ______.
   a) Fishing b) Farming c) Trading d) Crafting
   Answer: b) Farming
3. The Idoma celebrate the ______ festival to honor their ancestors.
   a) Kwagh-hir b) Aje Alekwu c) Egungun d) Osun-Osogbo
   Answer: b) Aje Alekwu
4. Important decisions in Idoma society are made by ______.
   a) Kings b) Ministers c) Council of elders d) Soldiers
   Answer: c) Council of elders
5. The head of a clan in Idoma society is called the ______.
   a) Ochi’Doma b) Igwe c) Emir d) Chief
   Answer: a) Ochi’Doma
6. ______ is one of the crops cultivated by the Idoma people.
   a) Cotton b) Yam c) Cocoa d) Rubber
   Answer: b) Yam
7. Idoma communities follow a ______ political system.
   a) Centralized b) Non-centralized c) Military d) Federal
   Answer: b) Non-centralized
8. The Idoma people traditionally worship ______.
   a) Aondo b) Aje Alekwu c) Ogun d) Amadioha
   Answer: b) Aje Alekwu
9. Disputes in Idoma society are settled through ______.
   a) War b) Voting c) Deliberations d) Court hearings
   Answer: c) Deliberations
10. The Idoma language belongs to the ______ family.
    a) Benue-Congo b) Kwa c) Ijaw d) Swahili
    Answer: a) Benue-Congo

Class Activity Discussion

1. Where are the Idoma people located?
   In southern Benue, Cross River, Enugu, and Kogi States.
2. What is the main occupation of the Idoma?
   Farming.
3. What is the Ochi’Doma?
   The clan head in Idoma society.
4. What does the Aje Alekwu festival celebrate?
   Ancestral spirits and unity among the people.
5. How are disputes settled among the Idoma?
   Through deliberations and negotiations by elders.
6. What crops do the Idoma grow?
   Yam, cassava, and groundnuts.
7. Do the Idoma have kings?
   No, they use a non-centralized system with clan elders.
8. What role do age grades play in Idoma society?
   They handle security and communal work.
9. What is the religious belief of traditional Idoma people?
   They worship ancestral spirits called Aje Alekwu.
10. Which river crosses Idoma land?
    The Benue River.

Presentation Steps

1. Step 1: Review the previous lesson on non-centralized states using the Tiv as an example.
2. Step 2: Introduce the Idoma people and their political structure, culture, and geographical location.
3. Step 3: Engage students with questions and encourage them to share what they know about the Idoma.

Teacher’s Activities

• Display the map showing Idoma settlements in Benue State.
• Explain the political organization and cultural practices of the Idoma.
• Lead discussions on the significance of the Aje Alekwu festival.

Learners’ Activities

• Identify Idoma settlements on the map.
• Participate actively in discussions on Idoma culture.
• Answer questions asked during the lesson.

Assessment

• Describe the geographical location of the Idoma people.
• List two cultural practices of the Idoma.
• Explain how the Idoma resolve conflicts.

Evaluation Questions

1. Where are the Idoma people located?
2. What is the main crop cultivated by the Idoma?
3. What is the title given to the clan head in Idoma society?
4. How do the Idoma make important decisions?
5. Name the river that passes through Idoma land.
6. What does the Aje Alekwu festival celebrate?
7. What role do age grades play in Idoma communities?
8. How is marriage arranged among the Idoma?
9. What system of government do the Idoma follow?
10. What is the traditional religion of the Idoma people?

Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the lesson by highlighting key points about the geographical location, culture, and political organization of the Idoma people. Students’ responses will be marked, and areas of difficulty will be addressed.