Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended the people of Ekinrin-Adde for their unity of purpose in driving community development efforts.
The Governor gave the commendation in a message to the 2026 Ekinrin-Adde Day, a colourful cultural event attended by dignitaries, as well as sons and daughters of the community from within and outside the country over the weekend.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, the Governor praised the community’s unity, cultural pride, and commitment to development, describing the launch of the ₦750 million Infrastructure Development Fund as a deliberate effort to develop the community.
He said his administration remains committed to equitable development across Kogi State through sustained investment in roads, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth empowerment, and security, assuring that no community would be left behind.
The Governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to states through the Renewed Hope Agenda, and urged residents to sustain peace, unity, and hard work as pillars of lasting development.
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Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum, represented by the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, donated ₦50 million to the community, appealing for the funds to be used strictly for their intended purpose.
Prof. Zulum urged other communities to emulate Ekinrin-Adde, stressing the need for well-meaning sons and daughters to support community projects.
In an interview, the Olu-Adde and paramount ruler of Ekinrin-Adde, His Royal Majesty Oba Anthony Bamigbaiye, CON, said unity of purpose remains key to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
He commended the Ododo administration’s ongoing fight against insecurity in Kogi State and described the proposed State Police as commendable, while stressing the need to involve traditional rulers in the process.
The monarch said the annual celebration brings indigenes together to give thanks and mobilise resources for community projects, since government alone cannot provide everything.
He noted that funds realised over the years have financed key projects, including Ijumu land’s first town hall, the first secondary school in Ekinrin-Adde, and the community’s palace hall.
Cross section of Ijumu Traditional Rulers
Oba Bamigbaiye, however, expressed concern that insecurity had kept many indigenes away from this year’s celebration, and called for unity among all Okun people, stressing that there can be no development without peace.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Prince Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, stated that this ceremony is the 33rd edition, aimed at the Cultural and Tourism Potentials of the country
According to Prince Babajide, the Community has a lot of Projects to execute, appealing to well-to-do individuals to support.
He maintained that apart from celebrating the Culture and Tradition of Ekinrin Adde, the event was an opportunity to honour friends of the Community, who have supported and succeeded in their respective careers.
He used the occasion to pay glowing tributes to the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for his efforts in attracting development to the community, describing him as a builder of men and women.
The Governor also commissioned two 18-seater buses donated to the community by Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, as part of his continued support for the development of his ancestral community.
