By Ignatius Okorocha

National President of Ekinrin-Adde Community,Elder Deinde Toyin Komolafe said the community is reputed as a pace-setter in social development initiatives noting that through self-help, the community has an unparallel records of first among communities in Ijumu local Government of Kogi State.

Making this declaration at a World Press Conference in Abuja on Wednesday,Elder Komolafe noted that the year 2026 and 33rd Ekinrin-Adde Day celebrations, for some obvious reasons among which includes; the Seven hundred and fifty million naira Infrastructural Development Fund as a self-help-driven community, which is a week-long events.

The celebration he explained includes: the new Yam Festival on the 20th June, EACDA Prayer Day on 21st, EACDA Culinary Day (where our traditional meals/soup will be on display), 22nd Music Extravaganza Day, 24th, first ever Ekinrin-Adde Youths Carnival with symposium, 25th,Clubs and Associations Day & Ground breaking and foundation laying ceremony of College of Nursing Science Ekinrin-Adde, 26th Akogba Mountain Hike, 40th Graduation anniversary of Class of 1986-Commissioning of Legacy Project.Medical Outreaches, Educational Interventions, and our flagship event EACDA OMO-ATATA AWARDS NIGHT.

According to the National President,” 27th, which is the Grand Finale of Ekinrin-Adde Day Celebrations, Swith the Launching of 750 Million Infrastructural and Community Development Fund.

“There will also be Awards and Honourary Chieftaincy to various illustrious Sons and Daughters including friends of the community from across various part of the country, which further confirmed our tendency to give the annual festival a national outlook and make it an International Tourists destination.

“We are intentional in upscaling our cultural heritage to global stage with our collaboration with Nigerian Tourisms Development Authority (NTDA) and the introduction of new and innovative contents such as; Essay Competition, Foods Exhibitions, cultural wears display and processions (Homage to our Traditional Council) by various Branches of Ekinrin-Adde communities’ home and abroad, traditional marriage protocols renaissance, Native Eulogies of various clan’s renaissance and various competitions with fantastic cash prizes to be won.”

The community he disclosed will be playing host to a number of dignitaries from across the Country, which includes H.E the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ahmed Ododo as the Chief Guest of Hounour, Special Guests of Honour includes; H.E Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum CON, Executive Governor of Borno State, H.E. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Chairman of the Occasion is Asiwaju Prince (Dr) Olatunji Olusoji, Asiwaju of Ayere Kingdom and Chairman Grosvenor Group, Chief Launcher, Rt. Hon. Abdul Ibrahim Halims MHR, Deputy Leader, House of Representative, Abuja, Chairperson, Dr. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination-Presidency, and a host of other dignitaries. Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke will be on ground along with Prince Babajide Kolade Otitoju.

Ekinrin-Adde Day festival he noted is in the contemporary of the popular Ojude Oba of Ijebu Ode and the yearly Lisabi Day in Abeokuta, as well as other of such days that have become defining features of many communities across Yoruba land in Nigeria.

“Ekinrin-Adde community is a remarkably modern Okun-Yoruba community in Ijumu LGA, in the West Senatorial District of Kogi State. It is renowned for its prodigious Human capital and natural resources endowment and has produced eminent sons and daughters who have made significant contributions to national development, pre and post -independence.

“The community is reputed as a pace-setter in social development initiatives. Through self-help, the community has an unparallel records of first among communities in Ijumu local Government of Kogi State; first Secondary School, first Maternity, first Posta Agency, first to have two secondary schools and first to have community banks- IBWA in 1985, (which later became Afribank) and Ekinrin-Adde Community Bank in 1992.”

The community he further explained is the native home of some highly esteemed individuals in Nigeria, notable for their strategic positions and contribution to National development.

These includes but not limited to the following:

Justice John Afolabi (JSC), OFR, CFR, CON, the first Okun man and Kogi compatriot to get appointed to the Supreme Court, he retired meritoriously in November 2015.

Gen. Oshanupin Rtd, former GOC,3rd Armored Division, Jos, former Commander Brigade of Guards Aso Villa Abuja. He was most recently recognized with National Honour by Mr President on June 12th 2026S.

Navy Commander LMO Fabiyi, former Director, Legal Services, Nigerian Navy.

Col. Tunde Fagbemi Rtd, former Deputy Chief of Staff, State House, Abuja and former Director, Legal Services, Nigerian Army.

Chief Felix Ikumapayi MFR, who retired as Director Operations, Department of State Services (DSS).

The famous Olympic Football Gold Medalist, Abiodun Obafemi, MON of the Atlanta ’96 fame.

Prof. Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, the immediate Past Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.

Prof. Solomon Ibileye the current Vice Chancellor of Same Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State- an unprecedented feat of meritorious succession byS many communities in Nigeria.

Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba, National Publicity Secretary of Social Democratic Party -SDP Here Present.

Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Chairman, House Committee on Finance, House of Representative, National Assembly, Abuja, who amongst several honours, was recently inducted into the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, (GAC) the highest advisory and decision-making body of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hon. Jutice Alaba Omolaiye Ajileye PhD. Rtd, renowned Jurist and author.

Bishop Funke Adejumo of Agape Ministry, renowned clergy and motivational Speaker

Prince Babajide Kolade Otitoju (BKO), who have strived to represent our community well in his capacity as a journalist and an investigative one at that, all glory to God with the most recent National Honour by Mr President. And many others too numerous to mention.

By David Owei

The people of Ikire today trooped out en masse to host Governor Ademola Adeleke as he presented staff of office to the new Akire of Ikireland, his Royal Majesty, Oba Olanrewaju Tajudeen Akinola, Akintula 1.

Former Deputy Governor of the state, Benedict Alabi hailed the state governor for implementing continuity on the chieftaincy succession for Ikireland, expressing happiness that the current administration retained and implemented the settlement agreement concluded under his former boss, Gboyega Oyetola.

The main host, Senator Lere Oyewumi who was full of prayers for the town and the governor said the Ikire people won’t forget this positive action by the state government, noting that the governor has deepened and sustained peace in the land.

From the main express road to the palace, residents jubilated as the governor who spent his early school days in the town acknowledged cheers and shout of “Imole” in a slow procession to the venue of the coronation.

Accompanied by Deputy Senate Minority leader, Senator Akogun Lere Oyewumi, an entrenched populist leader of Ikire, and with his Eminence, Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup and other top royal fathers in attendance, Governor Adeleke affirmed his administration’s commitment to due process, rule of law and chieftaincy tradition of each towns, adding “I have done the right thing for Ikire people.

“In filling the vacant stool of Akire of Ikire, the Terms of Settlement made at the Appeal Court, Akure in the year 2025 was used. It is pertinent to mention that the stool of Akire of Ikire generated crisis in the year 2021 over the Supreme Court Judgment of 2014 which affirmed that Lambeloye Ruling House that produced late Oba Olatunde Falabi had no legal right to Occupy the stool of Akire of Ikire as at the time it did when a vacancy occurred in 1987.

“The aftermath of the crisis made the last Administration in Osun State in collaboration with all the Five (5) Ruling Houses of Ikire to resolve and jointly agree on the amendment of 1958 Akire Chieftaincy Declaration which paved way for Aketula Ruling House to be the next Ruling House whenever a vacancy
occurred.

“In order to uphold and affirm the efforts of government in resolving the crisis, the Terms of Settlement made was affirmed by the Court of Appeal, Akure in 2025 which clearly stated that Prince Olanrewaju Tajudeen of Aketula Ruling House shall be installed as the next Akire of Ikire whenever the stool became vacant provided that he is alive”, the governor noted.

The governor spoke further: “Kabiyesi, you are a son of destiny. I particularly rejoice with you and felicitate with your fellow Royal Fathers who are also here to celebrate this occasion with you.

“Now that you are on the throne of your fore-fathers, the period of administering the community has begun. See yourself as the father of all citizens of Ikire at home and in the diaspora. Do all you can to unite everyone behind you and daily seek the growth and development of Ikire. Irewole Local Government, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole. Cooperate with my Administration and mobilize your people to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the
State.

“My administration has brought a lot of development to Ikire and I urge you all to troop out massively on August 15th 2026. Kabiyesi, I am a son of Ikire by adoption. My early days while growing up were spent in this great town. So I enjoin Ikire people to vote for my party, the Accord, the first on the ballot, to ensure the continuity of the good governance we are all enjoying”, the governor noted.

Calling himself an adopted son of the land, the governor recalled his affinity with Ikire, seeking for continuous support of the people for his government and continuity beyond 2026.

The new Akire in his response appreciated the sincerity and passionate commitment of the governor to the peace and development of Ikireland, assuring the governor and the people that he would not waiver in supporting peace and progress of the town and the state.

By Philip Ezuma, Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Niger Delta, stressing the need to continually promote the rich traditions of ethnic nationalities across the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the Niger Delta Arts and Culture Expo in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the cultural event reflects Nigeria’s enduring strength in unity despite its diversity.

The event, with the theme: “Rhythm of the Niger Delta: Music, Dance and the Heartbeat of Our People,” brought together stakeholders and cultural groups from across the region, displaying traditional music, dance, and artistic expressions in a vibrant celebration of heritage and unity.

The NDDC Managing Director, represented by the Akwa Ibom State Representative on the NDDC Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, described the Arts and Culture Expo as a powerful platform to celebrate the region’s rich heritage through music, dance, and indigenous expressions.

He stated: “What we have witnessed today is a clear demonstration that culture remains the soul of our people. It cannot be diminished by technology. The Niger Delta has once again shown its rich, vibrant and beautiful heritage.”

Ogbuku added that the event reinforced the bonds of love, unity, and shared identity among the people of the region, while also showcasing their appreciation for the Commission’s efforts to promote cultural integration.

He noted that the NDDC continued to gain recognition for its developmental strides, including the successful hosting of the second Niger Delta Games in Benin, Edo State, and the completion of projects across the region.

Ogbuku said further: “Our story has changed. Today, the NDDC is receiving commendation at the highest level, including President Bola Tinubu. With continued support, we can assure that the best is yet to come.”

In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Ambassador Amaba Ogbuku described the Expo as a powerful reminder of identity and cultural pride.

“Without culture, we are nothing. It defines who we are and reminds us of our heritage wherever we find ourselves in the world,” she said.

She urged participants to embrace unity and uphold the values that bind the people of the Niger Delta together.

Also speaking, the NDDC Director of Culture and Women Affairs at NDDC, Mrs Ahunna Imoni, said the Arts and Culture Expo highlights the region’s uniqueness and diversity.

She noted: “Culture brings us together. It tells our story, reflects our values, and connects us across generations. This event is not just about performances, but about unity, pride, and shared identity.” ###.