Governor Ododo Hails  Ekinrin-Ade Community On Development Strides

By ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has commended the Ekinrin-Adde community for launching a  six hundred million Naira Infrastructure Development Fund.

The governor gave the commendation at the weekend, through this second in command, Comrade Salifu Oyibo, when he graced the 2025 Ekinrin-Adde Day celebration in Ijumu Local Government Area of the state.

The governor who lauded the community’s foresight to improving infrastructure and fostering sustainable development, ranked the community high in the comity of communities in the state.

As he put, “I’m proud to see the Ekinrin-Adde community taking proactive steps towards improving infrastructure and fostering sustainable development as this fund raising is a show of dedication and commitment of the members of this community to make a positive impact on the lives of its people.”

The governor highlighted the significance of infrastructure development stating that “Infrastructure is the backbone of any developing community and investing in it is crucial for ensuring a better quality of life for everyone.”

He assured the community of the state’s full support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in building stronger and more resilient communities.

Away from Ekinrin-Adde, Governor Ododo also commended the state’s security agencies for their recent successes in combating insecurity, including the arrest of 26 suspected kidnappers and their collaborators whose activities have rocked the state in recent time.

“We’re focused, determined and committed to making sure that the state is free from all crimes and the people can sleep with their two eyes closed and carry out their businesses freely,” he said.

The Governor therefore urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities while warning criminal elements to desist from crime or face the law.

“This Government is out for a full-blown war against crime, so Kogi is not, and will never be a safe haven for criminals,” he emphasized.

Ealier,  Mr. Babajide Kolade Otitoju, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee said that the event was put together to celebrate the rich cultural values and unity of the community despite their diversities and to raise funds for the  provision of key amenities to better the lives of the people of the area.

He affirmed the contributions of the community to the peace and development of the Okun kingdom and the state in general.

Part of the activities marking the 2025 annual programme was the confinement of Chieftaincy titles on prominent sons and daughters of the community and the essay competition that was won, as the overall winner, by a Federal University Lokoja student, Iyanu Ibitayo of Department of History and International Studies.

The academic success was announced at the venue by Professor Gbenga Ibileye who doubles as the Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, Federal University Lokoja.