By George Mgbeleke

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, Bayelsa

The Convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable and Publisher of Blue Economy Newsmagazine, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo has commended the Nigerian Navy for transforming from a force of 250 personnel in 1956 into Africa’s leading naval power, with over 34,000 personnel and more than 150 ships.

Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Dr. Kiyaramo also applauded the Navy for taking 2,200 civilians selected at random through an online raffle from Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar to sea under its historic 70th anniversary initiative.

As Special Assistant to the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), he said the successful execution of the “Sail With The Nigerian Navy” program on May 25, 2026, was a clear testament to the Navy’s commitment to creating awareness about the blue economy.

“For the Navy to meticulously select civilians through an online raffle and coordinate their boarding of active warships from key naval hubs in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Calabar speaks volumes about the cordial relationship between the Navy and civilian communities in its operational bases,” Dr. Kiyaramo stated.

“In Lagos alone, approximately 1,500 civilians sailed aboard NNS Kada, DB Abuja, and DB Lagos, journeying from Apapa jetty into the Atlantic,” he added.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the initiative aimed to strengthen civil-military relations and give Nigerians firsthand experience of the nation’s maritime space.

The 70th anniversary celebrations continue with an International Fleet Review on June 1, where President Bola Tinubu will commission new platforms and the 6th Sea Power for Africa Symposium from June 2–3. The jubilee concludes on June 4 in Lagos.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has declared its former President, Mr. Femi Fadina, a matter of history, stating that he should “lick his wounds quietly” while the association moves forward. ATPN also reaffirmed that his expulsion remains valid.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Saturday, National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo disclosed that the First Deputy President, Prince Ayodele Arokoyo, has since been appointed Acting President of the association, pending the election of a substantive president at the next Annual General Meeting.

“Mr. Fadina should accept his fate and recover privately instead of fighting publicly or making false claims. As a forward-looking professional body, ATPN is too busy building the industry to carry extra baggage or entertain unnecessary distractions.

“We use this medium to reassure tourism stakeholders, members, partners, and government agencies that ATPN remains functional and focused under the leadership of Acting President Prince Arokoyo.
We urge all stakeholders to work with the Acting President,” he added.

Dr. Kiyaramo further advised the public to disregard Mr. Fadina’s media claims that he is still the substantive president of ATPN

He said ATPN is a premier, member-driven professional trade association founded in 1990 dedicated to promoting domestic and inbound tourism and serves as the unified voice for tourism businesses, advocating for industry standards, policy reforms, and consumer protection across the country.