The National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has been listed as one of the two illustrious sons of Ekinrin-Adde community to be conferred with honorary chieftaincy titles at the 2024 edition of Ekinrin-Adde Day Carnival holding on June 22nd.
This was disclosed in a statement by the spokesperson of the Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA), Adewale Victor Adekanye.
The letter of notice of conferment was delivered to Ambassador Aiyenigba in his Abuja office on Friday June 17, 2024 by a team of the national leadership of the EACDA, led by its General National Secretary, Elder Deinde Toyin Komolafe.
The letter states that the honour is “predicated on your contributions to the development of the community over the past three decades, the honour and esteem you have brought to Ekinrin-Adde through your various noble socio-political engagements and notable nation-building activities at the sub-national and national levels.”
According to the letter to Ambassador Aiyenigba, which was signed by the General National Secretary, “the Araba title symbolizes, represents and underscores all that is true, wholesome and stable- noble virtues that are much evident in your admirable strength of character, high morals, resilience, knowledge, honour, nobility of mond, public spiritedness, passion for engendering and promoting ideals of a good Nigerian society.”
Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba studied Food Science & Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi and qualified as an Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitration (ACIArb, UK).
He recieved the EACDA Distinguished Community Award at the 2022 edition of the Ekinrin-Adde Day Carnival.
He was conferred with Ambassador for Peace Award in 2006, on the International Peace Day, by Universal Peace Federation, an International NGO with Observer Status with the United Nations, UN.
He is a social entrepreneur, political communication consultant, biographer and public affairs commentator who has been published severally in Nigerian mainstream national newspapers.
A recipient of the Okun Torch Bearer Award of Okun Youths for Change in 2013, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba is currently the Chairman, Conference of Spokespersons of Political Parties in Nigeria (CSPPN).
He was recently appointed as Secretary, Elders Council, National Executive Council (NEC) of Okun Development Association (ODA), the apex socio-cultural organization of Okun-Yoruba people of Kogi State.
Ambassador Aiyenigba is a major player in the nation’s third sector. He has held, and currently holding positions of responsibility. These include, but not limited to being: Deputy Country Director, Democracy for Africa Program (DfAP); Convener and Head of Mission, United and Sustainable Nigeria Mission [U.S-Nigeria Mission], a civil society network for national transformation; Chief Operating Officer (COO), CKO Foundation.
At his community level, he has served in various positions and made remarkable contributions to community organizing and growth of his homeland.
Currently, he is the Secretary, Alede Olu-Adde Banquet Initiative. He also served as Secretary, Establishment Committee, Ekinrin-Adde Community Bank (Lagos, 1992); Assistant Financial Secretary, EACDA, Lagos Branch (1990- 1993); Interim Secretary, EACDA, Jos Branch in 1994/1995; Secretary, EACDA National Constitution Review Committee (Kaduna, 1995) and Secretary, EACDA Lagos Branch (2002 -2006).
He served as Secretary, Establishment Technical Committee, Ekinrin-Adde Community Radio (Akogba 88.3 FM) – 2023 and is also Member of the newly constituted Board of Trustees, Ekinrin-Adde Community Radio (Akogba FM 88.3)
Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba is a promoter of good society. He is happily married and blessed with great children