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The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has hailed sons and daughters of Ekinri-Ade Community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State for their unwavering commitment to Self-Help Projects that continue to impact the lives of their people.
This is as the Governor of Bornu state, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, lauded Babajide Kolade Otitoju of TVC television for his in-depth and relentless reportage on the activities of insurgents, which helped to stem the tide in Borno state.
Governor Ododo gave the commendation while speaking at the 2026 Ekinri-Ade Community Day celebration, held in the area, over the weekend, to Advance and showcase its development and cultural heritage.
Ododo, who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo, at the event, noted that the launch of N750 million development projects is a welcome commitment of the people of the community to build a better future through collective action.
The Governor stressed the need for rural communities to complement the government’s efforts in the provision of basic necessities of life and urged other communities across the state to emulate the spirit demonstrated by Ekinri-Ade in this direction.
“My administration will continue to remain committed towards the development of Kogi State, both in the urban and rural communities, to boost the living conditions of citizens. We have invested heavily in roads, education, agriculture, and other basic infrastructure to improve the living standard of the people”
He said that the celebration has actually championed the promotion of the People’s history, their vibrant culture, identity, and heritage over the years.
Ododo also called on the people of the area to continue to embrace peace, unity, hard work, and love for one another, which had facilitated their development efforts.
The Governor lauded President Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope development initiative, which he said had impacted the lives of Nigerians across the country.
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum hailed Babajide Kolade Otitoju, a proud son of the community and the chairman of the central planning committee, for his commitment to the growth of his community.
He described Otitoju as an embodiment of an investigative journalist whose reports have shaped the country in its fight against insecurity.
Zulum, represented by the Speaker of Bornu State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan , said the state is happy to have Otitoju as a friend whose journalistic contributions have galvanized the state in its Security and development initiatives.
“We are proud to have Babajide Kolade Otitoju as our friend. He is more of an indigene than just a friend. He will report on issues affecting our communities that we don’t even know. And when we probe, we will find it to be true. We have enjoyed his relationship with us. He is a man of honour and integrity. He carried his integrity to journalism practice, and no wonder, the height he has attained in his profession. We are here today to extend our appreciation to him and his community for standing by us during our difficult times”, he disclosed.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ibrahim Haruna, who also spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the event, Engr. Olatunji Olusoji said the annual ceremony is put in place to mobilize sons and daughters and their associates across the globe for community Self-Help development and promotion of the People’s cultural heritage.
According to him, “The people of Ekinri-Ade Community are determined to improve the quality of life in the area. We as a community will continue to embark on partnerships that would attract development”
He praised Governor Usman Ododo for his efforts to secure the lives and property of Ekinri-Ade people in the wake of the rising insecurity in Okunland.
He urged the people to be security-conscious and always be ready to provide information that would assist security operatives in tracking criminals, bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists.
Haruna admonished youths in the area to focus on ventures that would provide self-employment for them, as white-collar jobs are no longer available.
Governor of Ekiti state, Abiodun Oyebanji, and that of his Boronu counterpart, Babagana Zulum, sent representatives to grace the occasion.
Highlights of the occasion were the N50 million donated by Governor Zulum to the community ,Hon. Abiodun Faleke donated two 18-seater buses, even as the indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, donated handsomely to the launch.
