GLITZ, GLAMOUR TRAIL EGBEDA-EGGA DAY 2026
Traditional Rulers, Politicians, Academics, Professionals, Diaspora Grace Colourful Celebration
It was a spectacular celebration of culture, unity, glamour and community spirit as sons and daughters of Egbeda-Egga, alongside friends, associates and well-wishers, converged on the open field of the Government Special Science Secondary School, Egbeda-Egga, on Saturday, 3rd October 2026, for the 2026 Egbeda-Egga Day Celebration.
Held under the theme, “Thriving on Our Cultural Heritage,” the celebration brought together a remarkable gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, professionals, business leaders, community stakeholders and accomplished sons and daughters of Egbeda-Egga from within Nigeria and the Diaspora.
The event was graced by the Obaro of Egbeda-Egga, HRM Oba (Engr.) Noah Olumide Obademi, FNSE, alongside members of the Egbeda-Egga Traditional Council, who added immense traditional and cultural significance to the occasion. Also in attendance were past Presidents of the Egbeda-Egga Development Union (EDU), including distinguished community leaders whose contributions over the years have helped shape the Union and the development of the community.
Among the prominent Egbeda-Egga personalities present was Chief Joseph Ojo, the Eleseku of Egbeda-Egga and Chairman of the EDU Diaspora Sub-Committee, whose presence further underscored the strong connection between the community at home and its sons and daughters across the Diaspora.
The celebration also attracted representatives and members of the various clans, clubs, societies, community organisations and other groups within Egbeda-Egga, reflecting the broad-based participation and collective ownership of the celebration.
Other distinguished guests included the Olu-Adde of Ekinrin-Adde, HRM Oba Anthony Idowu Bamigbaye, who represented the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, HRM Oba Olusegun William Ayeni; Hon. Architect Salman Idris, Member, House of Representatives, Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency; Hon. (Dr.) Funsho Olumoko, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University of Education, Pankshin; Hon. Idris Rufus Olorunfemi (Idrufem), ADC Candidate, Kabba, Bunu, Ijumu Federal Constituency; Hon. Omotayo Ishaya Adeleye, Member Kogi State House of Assembly; Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba, Provost, College of Education, Ankpa; as well as numerous other academics, professionals, business leaders, community stakeholders, friends and well-wishers of Egbeda-Egga.
One of the notable features of the 2026 celebration was the decision to hold the main event in the open field of the Government Special Science Secondary School, Egbeda-Egga, for the first time.
The open-air setting provided a spacious and vibrant atmosphere that allowed the people to participate more freely in the cultural displays, entertainment, social interaction and other activities lined up for the occasion. It also created a distinctive communal atmosphere, bringing together people from different clans, families, associations, age groups and walks of life in a shared celebration of their heritage.
The first-time use of the open field therefore added another memorable dimension to an already colourful celebration and symbolised the expanding scope and growing participation in Egbeda-Egga Day.
The event provided a colourful and memorable platform for the people to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their cultural heritage and renew their collective commitment to the development of their ancestral community.
From the rich display of culture and tradition to the impressive gathering of eminent personalities and the enthusiastic participation of the people, the celebration was characterised by an atmosphere of unity, pride, warmth and optimism.
It was not merely a celebration of where Egbeda-Egga came from, but also a reflection of where its people aspire to take the community.
The presence of the Obaro of Egbeda-Egga, members of the Egbeda-Egga Traditional Council and other traditional rulers was particularly significant.
Their participation underscored the enduring importance of traditional institutions as custodians of culture, values, history and communal identity.
The Central Planning Committee (CPC) and the Egbeda-Egga Development Union (EDU) have expressed profound appreciation to the royal fathers and custodians of tradition who honoured the occasion with their presence.
Their attendance, goodwill and blessings added dignity and prestige to the celebration, while reinforcing the enduring bond between traditional institutions and the people whose heritage they represent.
The organisers also warmly appreciated members of the political class who identified with the aspirations of Egbeda-Egga and demonstrated their commitment to grassroots development.
Special recognition was accorded to Hon. Architect Salman Idris, Member, House of Representatives, Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituenc; Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area; Hon. Idris Rufus Olorunfemi, Dr Paul Fashagba and Hon. Omotayo Ishaya Adeleye, for their remarkable generosity and support towards the community’s development agenda.
The organisers noted that their contributions exemplified the importance of constructive partnerships between political leaders and grassroots communities in advancing meaningful and sustainable development.
Their supports, alongside those of other donors, awardees, friends and well-wishers, contributed significantly to the success of the fundraising component of the celebration and further demonstrated the possibilities that can be achieved when leadership and community aspirations converge.
The CPC and EDU equally acknowledged the distinguished academics, professionals, business leaders and other eminent personalities who attended the celebration.
Their presence added intellectual depth, prestige and broader relevance to the event, while their identification with Egbeda-Egga demonstrated the enduring bond between the community and its accomplished sons and daughters.
The celebration thus served not only as a cultural homecoming but also as an important meeting point for ideas, relationships, experience and opportunities for community advancement.
The presence of past Presidents of EDU, including Chief J. O. Fatoba and Engr. J. S. Omowaiye, was particularly appreciated as a demonstration of continuity, institutional memory and collective ownership of the Union’s history.
The CPC and EDU recognised the contributions of these former leaders and expressed appreciation for their continued interest in the affairs and development of Egbeda-Egga.
The participation of the various clans, clubs, societies, community organisations and other groups also gave the celebration a truly inclusive character. Their presence demonstrated that Egbeda-Egga Day is increasingly becoming a platform through which the different components of the community come together to celebrate their shared identity and common aspirations.
The EDU Women Wing received special commendation for its outstanding commitment, sacrifice and active participation in the success of the celebration.
The women were deeply involved in mobilisation, organisation and several other aspects of the event. They also demonstrated their spirit of care and community service by reaching out to members of the community with clothes, bags, shoes and other items.
Their contribution once again demonstrated that the strength of any community lies in the collective efforts of its men, women and young people. Of particular interest was the medical outreach sponsored by a daughter of the community. The CPC and EDU saw this gesture as worthy of emulation.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Comrade (Prince) Mike Olanrewaju, expressed appreciation to the people of Egbeda-Egga for their sacrifices, dedication and spirit of service.
He noted that the commitment of individuals, families, clans, groups, donors, volunteers, community organisations and other stakeholders was a major part of the colour, warmth and success of the 2026 celebration.
He commended the various sub-committees and volunteers for their dedication and teamwork, stressing that the success of the celebration was a collective achievement.
Beyond the glamour, festivities and cultural displays, the 2026 Egbeda-Egga Day Celebration provided an important platform for mobilising support for community development.
The fundraising activities reflected the determination of the people to translate their collective aspirations into tangible projects, improved infrastructure and better opportunities for present and future generations.
The celebration therefore represented not only a moment of reunion and entertainment, but also an expression of collective responsibility and a renewed commitment to building a stronger community.
In a separate message of appreciation, the President of EDU, Dr. Emmanuel Dare Otitolaiye, expressed profound gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the celebration.
He thanked the Obaro of Egbeda-Egga, members of the Traditional Council, other traditional rulers, past Presidents of EDU, political leaders, academics, professionals, members of the Diaspora, invited guests, donors, community organisations, clans, clubs, societies, volunteers and the entire people of Egbeda-Egga for their support and participation.
He particularly commended those who travelled from near and far to identify with their ancestral home, noting that the impressive turnout was a powerful demonstration of the people’s enduring love for Egbeda-Egga and their determination to contribute to its progress.
The EDU President also appreciated the various planning committees and volunteers whose dedication ensured the successful coordination of the activities.
He reiterated the Union’s commitment to transparency, unity, inclusiveness and purposeful community development, while calling for continued cooperation among all sons and daughters of Egbeda-Egga.
The 2026 Egbeda-Egga Day Celebration has come and gone, but it has left behind far more than memories of music, culture, colour and glamour.
It has renewed the bonds of community, strengthened the people’s connection with their heritage and reaffirmed a shared determination to build a more united, prosperous and progressive Egbeda-Egga.
The historic first-time use of the open field, the impressive gathering of traditional rulers and community leaders, the participation of past EDU Presidents, the strong representation of clans, clubs and societies, and the presence of Egbeda-Egga sons and daughters from across Nigeria and the Diaspora combined to make the 2026 celebration a truly memorable occasion.
Indeed, the glamour may fade, the music may stop and the celebration may end, but the spirit of Egbeda-Egga lives on.
Together, We Build a Stronger and Greater Egbeda-Egga.
Written by Joseph Aiyejoto, Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee Egbeda-Egga Day Celebration 2026
