…Launches N600m Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Fund
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
GOVERNOR Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi has called on communities to prioritize investing in infrastructure development as he commended Ekinrin-Adde Community in Kogi West Senatorial District for its development initiatives.
Governor Ododo made the call while launching a N600 million Infrastructure Development Fund initiated by Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA) at the 2025 Ekinrin-Adde Day Festival on Saturday.
Ododo, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu, described infrastructure as the backbone of development as he praised the community’s proactive approach to improving infrastructure and fostering sustainable development.
He stressed that the N600 million Infrastructural Development Fund would support important projects such as road grading and repairs, water supply improvements, and enhancements to educational and health facilities.
“I am proud to see the Ekinrin-Adde community taking proactive steps towards improving infrastructure and fostering sustainable development.
“Infrastructure is the backbone of any developing community, and investing in it is important for ensuring a better quality of life for everyone”, he said.
The Governor also highlighted the state’s success in fighting insecurity, citing the recent arrest of 26 suspected kidnappers and their collaborators.
The Chief Launcher and Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Usman Bello Kumo from Gombe State said he was drawn to the occasion by his mentor, Hon. James Abiodun Falake, a citizen of Ekirin-Adde.
He described Faleke as a role model in politics, admired for being “detrabalized” and loyal to his principles as he stressed the importance of preserving the culture of a people, saying, “Forgetting our culture implies forgetting our history.”
Kumo launched the Infrastructure Development Fund with N100 million for the project with an additional N20 million donation.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs described the Ekinrin-Adde 2025 Cultural Day as a “bold developmental step” worthy of emulation by all communities.
Enikanolaiye, who was represented by his wife, Chief Mrs Adunni Enikanolaiye, urged the people and the invited guests to show commitment by supporting the initiative of the Ekinrin-Adde community by making generous donations to the cause.
In his opening remarks, the National President, Ekirin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA), Elder Deinde Toyin Komolafe, described the community as an “indissoluble entity under God and wired for super achievements through oneness.”
“The Ekinrin-Adde Day festival has become a defining feature in our community, and for 32 years, and still counting, the success building blocks of the Day have been consistently laid per time by each administration, thereby reinforcing the sustainability of the vision.
He extolled the doggedness and commitment of Hon. James Abiodun Faleke whom he described as the architect of modern Ekinrin-Adde and commended other compatriots for their passion and love for the community.
The Chairman, Planning Committee for the 32nd Ekinrin-Adde Day Festival, 2025, Prince Babajide Kolade-Otitoju of TVC “Journalists’ Hangout”, described the people of Ekinrin-Adde Community as a united community under God.
“Despite our diversity as a small community, we want to celebrate that unity. And we are happy to have our friends join us in this celebration. We are a people of God, which explains why we are progressing as a community in Kogi”, he said.
Prince Babajide Kolade-Otitoju commended the Leadership quality of Chief James Abiodun Faleke, describing him as an example of what Ekirin-Adde can give, not just to Nigeria, but the world.
Expressing his absolute believe in the oneness of the people, Prince Babajide emphasized, “Our community remains indivisible, Our community remains indomitable. Our community remains the pride of Okun land and Nigeria.”
The state Commissioner for Information, Chief Kingsley Femi Fanwo who was conferred with an honourary Chieftaincy title of “Fimogboye of Ekirin-Adde” appreciated the community saying, Iam very elated to be associated with the good people of Ekinrin-Adde.
He said that the conferment with a title of the highly reward Kingdom would only consolidate on his already well established relationship saying, “I count it a great privilege to be so honoured. | promise not to fail in my responsibility as a bonafide son of the soil.”
The highlights of the occasion were the conferment of Chieftaincy titles on worthy sons and daughters of the community as well as presentation of Certificates of Recognition to worthy “EkirinAdde Ambassadors amidst display of cultural dances.
