Communities that attract tourists to Kogi State have been assured of appropriate institutional support and recognition that will enhance infrastructures in their localities.
Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Wada gave the promise at this year’s celebration of Ogidi Day, a multi-purpose event that encompasses the new yam festival, cultural exhibition and development mobilization by the historical community of Ogidi.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, also assured that communities that attract tourist will have such event enlisted in the official calendar of government’s activities. Capt Wada praised the people of Ogidi for sustaining their heritage and for putting the beauty of the culture of their people on the global map.
While noting that the state government has initiated and sustained the annual cultural carnival where resources across the state are generously exhibited, he appreciated the efforts of Ogidi people in complimenting the tourism objectives of the administration, disclosing that it is a step ahead in promoting the state as the best and most diverse tourist destination in Nigeria.
The Governor, lauded the community for embarking on a fund raising to renovate schools in the area, said the effort will go a long way in complementing the efforts of government in the face of dwindling resources. Awoniyi disclosed that the administration has carried out rehabilitation of many schools across the state, in demonstration of its commitment to restoring glory to public schools in the state, listed St Augustine College, Kabba, Abdul Azziz Memorial School, Okene, Government Secondary School, Dekina, St Charles College, Ankpa and Holy Rosary College, Idah, as some among the several schools rehabilitated by the administration, and commended the initiative of the Ogidi Community in supporting the development of education in the state.
Capt Wada appealed to the people to ensure that peace prevails in the community at all time, and appealed to them to always pursue inclusive development, stressing that development can only be attained in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
The Governor urged for the documentation and adequate publicity of the event, towards preserving the rich and invaluable cultural values of the community, and acknowledged the contributions of Chief Mrs Nike Ekundayo, whom he described as a driver of cultural renaissance, maintained that she has built a high profile of achievements in the preservation, protection and presentation of the culture of Ogidi people.
In his speech, Tunde Ipinmisho, President Ogidi Development Union, said the annual Ogidi festival, is inching its way into the nation’s calendar, said the presence of major organization charged with the preservation of cultural heritage at the event buttresses the claim.
Mr Ipinmisho solicited the support of all and sundry in helping to rebuild decayed educational infrastructures in the community, said the annual event aside attracting global attention is aimed at drawing individuals to assist the community.
Oba Rabiu Sule, the Ologi of Ogidi, commended those who made the event successful, and appealed to sons and daughters of Ogidi to join hands in building a community of their dream.
While noting that development should be a priority of all, charged the people of peace and be united in the development of Ogidi Community.
In a welcome address, Kayode Eniolorunda, Chairman Planning Committee, 2015 Ogidi Day, appealed to all sons and daughters to work towards making the Ogidi Day even a world class annual event, disclosing that the rich culture of the people speaks volume on the unity and togetherness of the people.
Highlights of this year’s Ogidi Day festival was the conferment traditional titles on some personalities, dance performances by troupes from Ondo, Ekiti States and other traditional groups from across Kogi state.
The occasion was also attended by Traditional Rulers from outside and within the state, several tourists from Europe and America led by Mrs Nike Ekundayo, of Nike Arts Gallery who was also on hand to display works of her gallery.
Various branches of Ogidi Development Union from across the country, joined, traditional rulers, hunters and the farmers union in paying homage to the Ologidi of Ogidi, Chief Rabiu Sule who was presented with the new yam for the traditional blessing rites to commence the eating of new yam in the community.
In there separate goodwill messages, Senator Dino Melaye Representing West Senatorial District and Hon Tajudeen Yusuf, Representing Kabba Bunu Ijumu Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, commended the people for coming together for the development of the area.
