The historic Egbeda-Egga community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State has formally announced its 2026 Egbeda-Egga Day Celebration, tagged “Thriving on Our Heritage,” alongside an ambitious ₦800 million appeal fund targeting key infrastructural and developmental projects across the domain.
Organised under the auspices of the Egbeda-Egga Development Union (EDU), the four-day cultural homecoming is scheduled to take place from October 1 to 4, 2026. According to the organisers, the event aims to foster unity, preserve the cultural identity of the community, and aggregate financial support from indigenous stakeholders, diaspora members, corporate partners, and well-wishers to drive long-term community growth.
Addressing journalists on the significance of the upcoming event, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Comrade (Prince) Mike Olanrewaju, urged all sons and daughters of the soil to return home for the celebration. He noted that the initiative seeks to blend traditional festivities with actionable social development and civic responsibility.
A star-studded lineup of dignitaries is slated to attend the grand finale, which will hold on Saturday, October 3, at the Government Special Science Secondary School Field in Egbeda-Egga. The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ododo, is expected to attend as the Chief Guest of Honour, with Hon. (Dr.) Funsho Olumoko serving as Chairman of the Occasion. Hon. (Elder) Leke Abejide, Member of the House of Representatives, has been designated as the Chief Launcher, while Senator Sunday Karimi will co-launch the development fund alongside Arch. Salman Idris as Special Launcher.
Royal blessings will be led by the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Olusegun William Ayeni, as Royal Father of the Day, and the Obaro of Egbeda-Egga, Oba (Engr.) Noah Olumide Obademi, who will act as Royal Host. The Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim, and the President of EDU, Dr. Emmanuel Dare Otitolaiye, will serve as Chief Host and Host respectively. Other notable expected guests include Hon. James Faleke and the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Folasade Arike Ayoade.
The four-day itinerary begins on Thursday, October 1, with a personality broadcast on Akogba FM, Ekinrin-Adde, followed by a Central Planning Committee assembly at the Egbeda-Egga Town Hall. Activities on Friday, October 2, will feature a community medical outreach at the local health centre, a Friday Jumu’at prayer, charitable initiatives directed by the EDU Women Wing, a community carnival procession, and an evening display of fireworks and cultural performances.
As part of the grand finale, the community will bestow honorary chieftaincy titles on Prince Olatunji Olusoji and Hon. Toyin Omole in recognition of their developmental contributions. Posthumous honors will be awarded to late pioneer EDU members, Pa Jide Ojo (Oluganmo) and former Secretary Mr. Adeniyi Mesaiyete. Corporate recognitions for sustained sponsorship will go to Dufil Prima Foods Ltd and Nigerbev Nigeria Ltd, while Senator Sunday Karimi, Mrs. Zacchaeus Aroniyo Timilehin, Hon. Mayowa Idris, and Hon. Abimbola Aremu will receive special recognition awards.
The multi-day celebration will officially conclude on Sunday, October 4, with a thanksgiving service at St. Michael’s Anglican Church in Egbeda-Egga.
