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Ekinrin-Adde Sets the Stage for Historic 2025 Festival
- Launches N600m Development Fund
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
As the lush green hills of Ekinrin-Adde prepare to echo with the sounds of drums, chants, laughter, and the vibrant presence of its sons, daughters, and friends from across the globe, the stage is set for what promises to be the most historic edition yet of the Ekinrin-Adde Day Festival. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Ekinrin-Adde Day, like the renowned Ojude Oba Festival of Ijebu and Lisabi Day in Abeokuta, has evolved into a symbol of cultural pride and developmental self-determination for the people of this iconic community in the western senatorial district of Kogi State. Nestled within the heart of Ijumu Local Government Area, Ekinrin-Adde is no ordinary town. It is a trailblazer, a pacesetter in grassroots-driven development, and a model for other Nigerian communities.
This year, the festival carries a deeper significance with the official launch of a ₦600 Million Infrastructural Development Fund. This ambitious community-driven initiative seeks to accelerate critical projects across the town, reinforcing Ekinrin-Adde’s long-standing tradition of self-help and collective responsibility.
At a pre-event World Press Briefing held in anticipation of the grand celebration, Dr. Deinde Komolafe, the National President of the Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA), captured the spirit of the event with solemn pride. He described the annual festival as “a sacred meeting point between our past, our present responsibilities, and our collective future.”
He stressed that Ekinrin-Adde Day is not just a cultural festival but a reaffirmation of resilience, innovation, unity, and shared purpose.
Dr. Komolafe extended a passionate call to all sons and daughters of the land, as well as well-wishers and development partners, urging them to support the fundraising campaign that will shape the town’s next chapter.
Indeed, Ekinrin-Adde is no stranger to milestones. Historically, it holds the enviable record of being the first community in Ijumu LGA to establish a secondary school, a maternity centre, a postal agency, a community bank in 1985—known then as IBWA, later evolving into Afribank and ultimately Ekinrin-Adde Community Bank in 1992—and the first to host two secondary schools. These achievements underscore the community’s unrelenting spirit of progress through collective action.
Adding her voice to the ongoing preparations, Dr. (Chief) Mrs. Bukola Olorundami Ayeni, the National Vice President 3 of the EACDA, emphasized the critical role of women in shaping the community’s fortunes. She noted that from the earliest days of self-help movements to present-day development strategies, women have remained the pillars of strength and commitment. “The Ekinrin-Adde Day gives us a platform to showcase our cultural beauty and to remind the world that women are central to our community’s renaissance,” she stated.
In a tone that blended administrative clarity with cultural pride, Engr. Babalola Kayode Sunday, the National General Secretary of EACDA, spoke on the importance of preserving Ekinrin-Adde’s evolving story.
“We are not just celebrating heritage—we are making history. This festival gives us the opportunity to document our legacy, build stronger unity, and inspire the next generation. What we do now will echo in generations to come,” he affirmed.
The 2025 festival is set to be richer in content and more engaging than ever. For the first time, a structured essay writing competition will feature as part of the event.
Designed to stimulate intellectual engagement among the youth, the competition is championed by Professor Gbenga Ibileye, the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies at the Federal University, Lokoja. As the Chairman of the Essay Competition Sub-Committee and a respected scholar from the community, Prof. Ibileye sees this initiative as a crucial bridge between culture and intellect. “It’s about teaching our young people that tradition and critical thinking go hand in hand. This competition allows them to write themselves into history,” he said.
The festival will also feature traditional food exhibitions, vibrant cultural fashion displays, processions by community branches from home and abroad, re-enactments of native marriage rites, clan-based oral poetry, and numerous cultural contests—all set to enthrall guests and dignitaries.
These elements are expected to not only elevate the aesthetic of the festival but also deepen the understanding and preservation of Ekinrin-Adde’s rich heritage.
Prince Babajide Kolade Otitoju, the ace broadcaster with TVC News and a proud son of Ekinrin-Adde, spoke emotionally about the festival’s broader significance. Known for his incisive commentary on the popular “Journalists’ Hangout,” Otitoju reflected: “Ekinrin-Adde Day shows what is possible when communities take ownership of their development. It is a story worth telling and an example the world should see.”
From the media frontlines to the pulse of public mobilisation, Emmanuel Ogungbuyi, the National Publicity Secretary of the EACDA, shared insights into the festival’s expansive reach. “We’re bringing home the sons and daughters of Ekinrin-Adde from across continents. From North America to Europe, from Lagos to Lokoja, this festival is becoming a global movement. This year’s celebration will redefine cultural tourism in Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole,” he declared with conviction.
Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, a proud son of the land and the National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), added a thoughtful reflection on the transformative potential of the festival. He described Ekinrin-Adde as a grassroots model of what can be achieved through unity and vision. “This community is a living testament to what development looks like when driven from within. What we have here is not just heritage—it’s a strategy, and the world should come and learn from us.”
This year’s edition will also honour the accomplishments of notable figures from Ekinrin-Adde who have made indelible marks on national development and many others friends of the community from across the country whose their contributions will continue to uplift the name of the community.
As the countdown to June 21 begins, the excitement across the community is palpable.
Preparations are in full swing, with hospitality arrangements, rehearsals, and logistics being fine-tuned. But beyond the fanfare lies a deeper aspiration—the dream of a better, stronger, more united Ekinrin-Adde that thrives through its people’s collective vision.
To tourists, cultural enthusiasts, investors, and development partners across the world, the Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association extends an open invitation to witness a festival that promises not only colour and music but meaning, inspiration, and a window into one of Nigeria’s most progressive indigenous communities.
Ekinrin-Adde Day 2025 is not just another cultural event. It is a powerful narrative of identity, achievement, and collective ambition. For those seeking to witness culture in motion and development in practice, this small town in Ijumu is the place to be.
On June 21, come to Ekinrin-Adde – where heritage meets hope, and culture becomes a call to greatness.
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I will not be intimidated by any military – Wike
By Wumi Tewogbade (rtd), Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Minister Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, said he will not be intimidated or blackmailed by any military personnel from doing his job. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Wike stated this when he went on an unscheduled visit on a plot of land that was allegedly being illegally developed in Gaduwa, Abuja.
According to the Minister, he had earlier instructed the Director Development Control, Muktir Galadima, to go and demolish an alleged illegal development ongoing in plot 1946, Gaduwa district, Abuja, owned by the former Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Awaul Zubairu Gambo.
But when the staff of Development control got to the property to effect the directive of the FCT Minister, they were forcefully driven out of the property by security acting on the former Chief of Naval staff, directives.
So the Director of Development control went to report back to the FCT Minister, who immediately came to see what was going on.
Wike while speaking to journalists said, “You are aware that the land departments and the development control have been mandated to see where the illegal development is going on and land grabbing. And when this was brought to my attention, I did instruct them to make sure that nothing takes place in as much as they did not have any legal paper in terms of regional approval or even the acquisition of the land. And when they came here, I was informed that the soldiers of the former Naval Chief, chase them away and I thought probably they would be acting illegally.
“And so today while I was in the office, while they came to implement the directive that was given to them by myself, I was called that the military have taken over the place and I have to come by myself to see things for myself. It’s really unfortunate. And you heard what the officers said, he was sent by the former chief of Naval Staff”.
The FCT Minister noted that the Naval Chief, should have approached him for discussion instead of taking law into his hands, “And I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position and he said that he has a problem cannot approach my office to say, look, this is what is going on, this is what is going on. But simply because he’s a military man, he could use that to intimidate Nigerians. I’m not one of those kind of persons that will succumb to blackmail or intimidation”.
He said there is no documents to prove, the Former Chief of Naval staff is actually the owner of the property in question.
“And where are the documents. And the Director of Development Control said, look, I was here. I said bring the documents, you don’t have the documents.
“Bring the approval for building, you don’t have it. And how can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who don’t have the military? What about those who don’t have security? It has gotten to a level where when government officials are doing, carrying out their job, you go and bring security to intimidate them. And this government official, I will not accept that”.
He said, “I’ve spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and I’ve spoken to the Chief of Naval Staff and they have assured me that, please, they have to resolve the matter. And we’re not coming here to have a shootout with anybody to cause chaos and all. But what I can say, I would not allow it to happen.
“The way we have done and carried out our jobs in other areas is the same way it will be done here. We will not allow this illegal development, simply because he was a former Chief of Naval Staff. I would not allow that”.
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ICT
Digital Economy and eGovernance: Stakeholders Endorse Bill, Demand Institutional Role Definition
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Stakeholders across Nigeria’s digital and technology ecosystem have expressed support for the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025, describing it as a vital step toward establishing a comprehensive legal framework that will strengthen digital governance, boost innovation, and accelerate socio-economic development. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
However, they urged the National Assembly to address potential overlaps between the proposed law and the mandates of existing agencies to prevent institutional conflict and regulatory burden.
The submissions were made on Monday during a Public Hearing convened by the Joint Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on ICT, Cybersecurity, Digital and Information Technology at the National Assembly, Abuja.
Among groups that presented their position was the Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR), which commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and federal lawmakers for the initiative.
Presenting NADIR’s memorandum, its Legal Adviser, Barrister Yunus AbdulSalam (SAN), said the Bill represents a significant legislative intervention aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s digital governance ecosystem and regulating emerging technologies. He, however, cautioned that certain provisions appear to replicate functions already assigned to agencies such as NITDA, NCC, and NDPC.
Such duplication, he warned, could “trigger constitutional and institutional disputes, raise compliance costs, and discourage private sector participation and investment.”
He recommended that the National Assembly adopt a “consolidation and amendment approach,” extracting the Bill’s innovative elements and integrating them into the existing Act, rather than creating new regulatory overlaps.
Responding, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, said the Bill would enhance Nigeria’s digital competitiveness, strengthen e-governance service delivery, improve transparency, and boost the ease of doing business, particularly in the ICT sector.
He noted that the digital economy currently contributes about 20 percent of Nigeria’s GDP, adding that the passage of the Bill would unlock greater opportunities for job creation, innovation, and revenue growth.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Digital and Information Technology, Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide, said the engagement reflects Nigeria’s commitment to building a transparent and innovation-driven governance structure. He emphasized that collaboration among lawmakers, regulators, and industry players marked “a new phase in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.”
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, lauded the National Assembly for advancing the Bill and assured that stakeholder concerns would be considered to guarantee a balanced outcome. He said the proposed framework seeks to enable seamless data sharing across government institutions and foster stronger synergy with the private sector.
He also highlighted the Bill’s provisions on Artificial Intelligence (AI), describing AI as a strategic tool that could enhance Nigeria’s productivity and global digital competitiveness.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, stressed that Nigeria must adopt a modern digital legal framework to benefit from ongoing global technological shifts. He cited the application of AI in agriculture for real-time access to data on best practices, weather patterns, and input quality as an example of the potential impact on food security.
Stakeholders present at the hearing included the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Galaxy Backbone, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), among others.
Declaring the hearing open, the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, who represented Senate President Godswill Akpabio, described the Bill as a bold step toward aligning Nigeria’s governance and economic policies with global digital realities.
The Bill, if passed into law, is expected to play a transformational role in Nigeria’s digital economy comparable to the telecommunications liberalization policy of 2001.
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Igala Nation Backs Ododo/Tinubu 8 Years Mandate
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, has reaffirmed the unity and firm support of the Igala nation for the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, declaring that the governor’s eight-year tenure is sacrosanct and backed by the people of Kogi East. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Comrade Joel Salifu made the declaration at the 2025 Kabba Day Celebration.
The Deputy Governor who represented his boss at the occasion stated:
“I want to categorically tell you that I am an Igala by tribe and from Kogi East. By the grace of God, I am a leader of the Kogi East APC. There is no other person that can deliver the voice of the people of Kogi East apart from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and my humble self.”
He stressed that the current administration remains united and resolute in delivering good governance, warning against divisive politics or misinformation.
“If there’s anybody, let them not talk from behind. Whatever message they have, let them not come to confuse you. In this government, I am the leader and voice of the Igala people, and what I will tell you is nothing but the truth; Ododo’s eight years in office is sacrosanct,” he said.
The Deputy Governor further disclosed that the entire Igala nation has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for their continued leadership, stressing that the people of Kogi East are united behind their vision of renewed hope, and transformational leadership.
“All the Igalas have resolved, united, and have endorsed President Tinubu and Governor Ododo for their second term of eight years in office, to enable them continue the good works they are doing,” he declared.
Turning to the traditional rulers, Comrade Joel Salifu commended the Okun people for their intellectual strength and political maturity.
“My dear people of Okun nation, I know you for being focused, determined, and very intelligent, having produced the largest number of Professors in the state. With that record, nobody should deceive you because of their selfish political interest. Continue to disappoint them,” he urged.
The brief remark was received with cheers, showing the growing rapport between Kogi East and Kogi West senatorial district under the leadership of Governor Ododo, a synergy rooted in unity and collective progress of the state.
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