Kogi state Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and two others have appealed to communities across the country to complement government efforts in providing basic infrastructure to improve the living standard of residents.
Governor Ododo, Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum, including Governor of Ekiti state , Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji made the appeal during the Ekinrin-Adde Community Day celebration in Ijumu Local Government Area, where members of the community launched development projects fund valued at N750 million.
Governor Ododo who was represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo, described the initiative as a demonstration of the power of collective action in advancing grassroots development.
“My administration will continue to remain committed towards the development of Kogi State, both in the urban and rural communities, to boost the living conditions of citizens. We have invested heavily in roads, education, agriculture, and other basic infrastructure to improve the living standard of the people”, he said.
He noted that the cultural day celebration has championed the promotion of the people’s history, their vibrant culture, identity, and heritage over the years, which should be encouraged.
Governor Ododo urged the people of the acommunity to continue to embrace peace, unity, hard work, and love for one another, to facilitate their developmental efforts.
Equally, the Borno and Ekiti states governors who were honoured by the community with tradditional title of the land urged other communities in the nation to emulate the people of Ekirin-Adde to facilitate development in their areas.
“We should not left everything to the governments alone . Sons and daughters within and diaspora should join hands together and promote development in the society .
“The communities should demostrate commitment to fast track development of their areas for government to come in to compliment their efforts”, said governor Zulum who was represented by the speaker of the Borno state House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Abdulkareem Lawal .
The Chairman of the occasion , Mr. Olusoji Otitoju says that the annual ceremony was put in place to mobilise for community self-help development and promotion of the people’s cultural heritage.
He said :”The people of Ekinrin-Adde Community are determined to improve the quality of life in the area. We as a community will continue to embark on a partnership that would attract development”.
Represented by the Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Ibrahim Haruna, he called on the people of the community to be security conscious, and be ready to provide information that would assist security operatives to track criminals, including bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists terrorising the areas of the state .
Also, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of this year’s edition, Prince Babajide Kolade-Otitoju says the annual cultural festival is aimed at the fulfilling cultural and tourism potentials of the country.
Chief Kolade -Otitoju, an ace journalist who anchors popular programme: “Journalist hangout” at TVC Television stated that the event offers opportunity to honour friends of the community and excelled in different fields of humanity.
Chief Otitoju who was honored with the Prestigious Ekirin-Adde Grand Star Award in the 2026 edition for his outstanding service to his community described the recognition as one of the greatest honour of his life.
“I’m deeply honoured by this recognition. This award will remain one of the greatest moments of my life, and it will inspire me to do even more for my community”, he said.
He commended the national president of the Ekirin-Adde Association, the traditional institution, and all sons and daughters of the community for their unwavering support and encouragement, which, he claimed have continues to spur him to champion initiatives that promote development of his community.
However, the Paramount ruler of Ekinrin-Adde Community, His Royal Majesty(HRM), Olu Anthony Bamigbaiye(CON) has expressed concern over fragile security bedevilling the community.
Oba Bamigbaiye stressed that the insecurity incidents had affected socio-cultural and economic activities, claiming that fears had gripped the residents of the communities due to its impacts .
He stressed futher that the situation needs unity of purpose to tackle the prevailing security challenges , noting that there can be no development in any community in this nation without peace.
“Fear of Insecurity has kept many indigenes away from the 2026 edition of our cultural celebration that has been a unifying factor “, he said .
The highlight of the occasion was the commissioning of two 18-seater buses donated to the community by Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke and presentation of awards to friends of the community, including Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum, Governor of Ekiti state , Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji , Hon.James Faleke and Prince Olatunji Olusoji, the chairman of the occasion and several others.