The leadership of Ogidi Development Association (ODA) has appealed to the indigenes of the community, both at home and abroad, to show more interest in the development of the community in order to make it more attractive to investors.
President of Ogidi Development Association, Mr Femi Oloruntoba, made the appeal at the annual general meeting of the community in Ogidi , Ijumu local government of Kogi state on Monday.
Oloruntoba said the association has expended about N12.8 million in the last two years for the implementation of some developmental projects to enhance the social and economic status of the community.
He listed the projects to include, the purchase of a transformer, renovation of Ogidi Community Secondary School, grading of Ogidi-Kabba road, renovation and furnishing of the community police station and the purchase of two motorcycles for the use of police.
The President stressed further that ODA was also able to attract the attention of the Federal Government to the deplorable condition of the Ogidi-Iyara road, which is currently undergoing rehabilitation by FERMA.
Aside these, he said other self-help projects have been lined up for execution in 2022, listing them to include the community street project, purchase of a patrol vehicle for the police, construction of a library, school laboratory equipment, construction of a youth development centre, and boreholes amongst others.
The President also called on the federal and state governments to come to the aid of the town by implementing projects that will uplift the standard of living of the residents.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of two motorcycles to the police station in the town, launching of two books on the History and People of Ogidi, written by Ogidi Ela Academic Forum, and Cultural dances, reports from branches and presentation of prizes.
The Association also promised the sum of N200,000 for the maintenance and fuelling of the two motorcycles.
The annual event is jointly organised by Onah Gongogo, Otun and Ohi communities that make up the communities.
Prominent among traditional rulers present at the event were the Olojo of Ogidi, Oba Stephen Dada Arogundade, Oluotun of Ogidi, Oba Joseph Alamoh, Olokoro of Ogidi, Oba Samuel Ajayi Sule and Baale of R. O. Oloka.
Eminent indigenes of the town who also attended the event include, Mr. Sunday Thomas, Federal Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer, National Insurance Commission; Chief A.P.S Arogundade, a computer expert; Professor Funlola Alabi, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; the Anglican Bishop of Ijumu Diocese, Rt. Reverend Olanrewaju Ojo.
Others are Mr Ayokunle Olajibu, a Manager with UBA; Hon. Fehinti Dada, a former Chairman of Ijumu Local Government; Mr D.S Kinrin; Hon. Racheal Otitolaiye; Vice Chairman, Ijumu Local Government Area, Mr Sunday Olowo and Hon. Abibat Saliu, treasurer, Ijumu Local Government.
