Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on communities across the state to complement government efforts in providing basic infrastructure and improving the living conditions of residents.
The Governor made the call during the Ekinrin-Adde Community Day celebration in Ijumu Local Government Area, where members of the community launched development projects valued at N750 million.
Represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo, Governor Ododo described the initiative as a demonstration of the power of collective action in advancing grassroots development. He commended the people of Ekinrin-Adde for investing in projects aimed at improving the welfare of the community.
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The Governor stressed the need for rural communities to complement the government’s efforts in the provision of basic necessities of life and urged other communities across the state to emulate the spirit demonstrated by Ekinrin-Adde in this direction.
“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 that the celebration has actually championed the promotion of the people’s history, their vibrant culture, identity, and heritage over the years.
Governor Ododo also called on the people of the area to continue to embrace peace, unity, hard work, and love for one another, which had facilitated their development efforts.
He lauded President Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope development initiative, which he said had impacted the lives of Nigerians across the country.
The Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ibrahim Haruna, who also spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the event, Mr. Olusoji Otitoju said that the annual ceremony was put in place to mobilise for community self-help development and promotion of the people’s cultural heritage.
According to him, “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.”
He praised Governor Usman Ododo for his efforts to secure the lives and property of Ekinrin-Adde people in the wake of the rising insecurity in Okunland.
He urged the people to be security conscious and always be ready to provide information that would assist security operatives track criminals, bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists.
Haruna admonished youths in the area to focus on ventures that would provide self-employment for them as white-collar jobs are no longer available.
The Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Oyebanji, and that of his Borno counterpart, Babagana Zulum, sent representatives to grace the occasion.
Governor Zulum of Borno State donated N50 million towards the launch of N750 million for execution of Self-Help Projects in Ekinrin-Adde Community.
The Governors, through their representatives in separate speeches, urged indigenes of Ekinrin-Adde Community to join hands in contributing to the development of their fatherland.
Meanwhile, a renowned media personality, Mr. Babajide Kolade Otitoju has been honoured with the prestigious Ekinrin-Adde Grand Star Award, the highest recognition bestowed by the Ekinrin-Adde community.
Speaking with journalists shortly after receiving the award at the 2026 Ekinrin-Adde Annual Festival on Saturday, Otitoju expressed deep appreciation for the honour, describing it as a memorable milestone in his life.
“I am truly happy for this honour done to me by my community. Interestingly, the planning committee kept the award a secret until a few weeks before the festival. This recognition means so much to me, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life,” he stated.
He commended the leadership of the Ekinrin-Adde Development Association, particularly its national president, as well as traditional rulers in the community for finding him worthy of the award, which is given to only one person annually.
Otitoju noted that his efforts over the years have been geared towards fostering unity, peace, and sustainable development within the community.
“Progress and development cannot be achieved where people are working in opposite directions.
“Our people have come to realise that unity is key, and when we are united and focused, the sky is our starting point,” he said.
He urged indigenes, especially those in the diaspora, to remain committed to the growth of their hometown by contributing meaningfully to its development.
According to him, the recently launched ₦750 million development fund is aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs within the community, including education and road rehabilitation.
“Our secondary school requires urgent infrastructural support to improve the quality of education. Some subjects still lack teachers, and there are roads within the community that need rehabilitation.
“Individuals can take up such projects as part of their contributions,” Chief Otitoju said.
He stressed that the government alone cannot meet all developmental needs, calling on citizens to complement government efforts.
“We cannot leave everything to the government because resources are limited. As responsible citizens and indigenes, we must support efforts to develop our community,” he noted.
Advising Nigerian youths, Otitoju encouraged them to embrace hard work, diligence, creativity, and integrity as guiding principles for success.
“Young people must strive to stand out positively. They are naturally creative and endowed with fertile minds. With hard work, honesty, and respect for values, they can achieve greatness,” he advised.
Otitoju also called for renewed respect for cultural values, noting that many young people are gradually losing touch with their heritage.
“It is important to honour our culture and preserve our family values. These ideals are essential wherever we find ourselves,” he said.
Otitoju urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain connected to their roots, organise regular meetings, and channel their resources towards community development.
“The development of our community should remain our collective goal. We must always think about what we can do to improve the lives of our people,” he said.
The Ekinrin-Adde Grand Star Award is widely regarded as the community’s most prestigious honour, reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to its unity and development.
