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…..as Zulum, Oyebanji,Otitoju bag Chieftancy awards
From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
Kogi State governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo yesterday commended Ekirin Adde Community in ijumu local government area of the state for their concerted efforts in transforming their community through self help efforts .
Ododo gave this commendation during the annual Ekinrin adde Cultural day celebration describing Ekinrin adde as a unique community who does not depend entirely on government before embarking on numerous projects to better the lots of it’s people.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo reiterated his commitment to providing equitable developments to all the three Senatorial districts of the state.
Ododo particularly commended the prominent indigenes of the town who he said have contributed immensely in building and renovating schools, roads , medical facilities and water projects for the community and urged other communities in the state to emulate them.
The governor thereafter inaugurated two brand new 18 seater buses donated by Hon James Faleke for the community and also commissioned some projects embarked upon by the community.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the paramount ruler and the Olu adde of Ekinrin adde, Oba Anthony Idowu Bamigbaiye said the annual Ekinrin adde cultural day was set aside to bring all the sons and daughters of the community together to celebrate their rich cultures and to appreciate the goodness of God upon the community.
The Monarch who called on the indigenes both at home and in diaspora to be more formidable and united, urged everyone to contribute their quota to the development of the town even as he commended the illustrious indigenes who have made indelible marks to the community.
Oba Bamigbaiye while thanking governor Ododo for his selfless efforts in transforming the state, called on the governor to provide more infrastructures that will better the lives of the residents of the community.
He thanked the governor for ensuring peace and tranquility reign in the state through his numerous efforts in combating banditry attacks in the area.
The colourful ceremony which was organize to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the town to the whole world was also used to raise #750 million development fund and to give awards to prominent people in the country.
Those given Chieftancy awards were, the governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum who was decorated with award of Olugbega of Ekinrin adde, Governor Oyebanji of Ekiti state , Bobaseye of Ekinrin adde, Prince Olusoji Olatunji the chairman of the occasion was decorated with Aare Maiyedun of Ekinrin adde while a Special Community Impact Award was confered on the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.
Ace and award winning journalist, Kolade Otitoju who is an indigene of the town was also given the overall golden award of the 2026 Ekinrin adde cultural day .
Speaking with newsmen after the award, Otitoju who is the TVC executive director news said the award came to him as a great surprise but said it was a great thing of joy to be recognized and honoured by his root pledging to do all he can to bring his community to global limelight.
Otitoju who called on the youths to embrace hard work, innovation and creativity said there are so many youths who have buried their talents due to indolence and ignorance saying with this new technological age , no youth should be found wanting.
While stressing that young people are blessed with fertile minds and strength, he urged them to go all out and engage in legitimate enterprises and embrace humility and hard work to activate their full potentials so as to fulfill the purpose of God in their lives.
