Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has applauded the people of Ekinrin Adde for their unity of purpose aimed at promoting community development effort.
The Governor gave the commendation in a message to the 2026 Ekinrin Adde Day, a colourful cultural event that was well attended by dignitaries as well as sons and daughters of the community from within and outside the country.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, Governor Ododo also commended the people of Ekinrin-Adde for their unity, cultural pride and commitment to community development, saying the launch of ₦750 million Infrastructure Development Fund is an intentional attempt to develop the community.
According to him, his administration is committed to equitable development across Kogi State through sustained investments in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth empowerment and security, assuring that no community would be left behind in the delivery of the dividends of good governance.
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to states through the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is creating opportunities for sustainable national development.
He urged the people to continue promoting peace, unity, hard work and mutual respect, describing them as the pillars of lasting development.
On his part, Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum, represented by the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, donated the sum of N50 million to the Community, appealing for the funds generated to be used for the intended purpose.
Prof. Zulum urged other communities to emulate Ekinrin Adde Community, stressing the need for well-meaning sons and daughters of the Community to support the project.
In an interview, the Olu Adde of Ekinrin Adde and paramount ruler of Ekinrin-Adde Community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, His Royal Majesty, Olu Anthony Bamigbaiye, CON, says unity of purpose is needed is needed to tackle the security challenges bedeviling the country.
He also commended the current onslaught against insecurity by the present administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in Kogi State.
According to him, the proposed State Police is commendable, stressing the need to include Traditional rulers in the Process.
Olu Bamigbaiye said the celebration brings indigenes together to thank God and mobilize resources for projects since government alone cannot provide everything.
He noted that funds realized over the years have been used for specific projects, including the first town hall in Ijumu land, the first secondary school in Ekinrin-Adde, and the palace hall in the community.
Oba Bamigbaiye expressed concern over insecurity, noting that fear has kept many indigenes away from the celebration.
He urged unity among all Okun people, saying there can be no development without peace.
The monarch welcomed the proposed state police and commended the Kogi State Government for its direct response to recent attacks in Iluke, expressing hope that insecurity will soon be a thing of the past.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Prince Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, stated that this ceremony is the 33rd edition, aimed at the fulfilling 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.
