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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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Soludo’s Economic Blockade of Onitsha Is ‘Declaration of War’ Against Igbo People
A U.S.-based organization, The Rising Sun Foundation, alongside the global coalition for Biafra restoration, has warned Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, condemning his blockade of Onitsha’s business district and accusing him of betraying the Igbo people. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Dr. Maxwell Dede, representing The Rising Sun Foundation in the United States, the foundation described Soludo’s actions as “tyrannical” and a “flagrant betrayal” of promises he made four years ago to support a grand dialogue on the Igbo people’s future within or outside Nigeria.
“Governor Soludo stands accused of a profound and treacherous betrayal. Four years ago, he courted the support of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the aspirations of millions, publicly pledging to facilitate a grand dialogue for the Igbo people. Today, he actively persecutes the very people and principles that propelled him to power,” the statement said.
The group criticized the governor for deploying predominantly non-Igbo military and police personnel to blockade economic arteries, describing the move as “the act of a tin-pot dictator, not a democratic leader.”
It further claimed that the Onitsha crisis is “not a result of merchant disobedience but of gubernatorial failure and dictatorial impulse”.
“The governor is strangling the economic lifeblood of the people he swore to serve, shattering the fragile peace he claims to protect,” the foundation said.
It also condemned Soludo’s perceived comfort with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government, calling it evidence that Soludo is “a politician of convenience, not conviction.”
The Rising Sun Foundation warned that any harm inflicted on peaceful protesters or merchants exercising their rights would be interpreted as “an open declaration of war against the Igbo people and their fundamental human rights. The blood will be on Soludo’s hands.”
The group added that the world should hold the Government House in Awka responsible for any breakdown of law and order, insisting that “Governor Soludo fired the first shot with this unjust and provocative blockade”.
“We are a peaceful people, but we say no more killings. The era of Igbo governors colluding to spill the blood of Igbo youths is over. We will not stand idly by and watch history repeat itself,” the statement said.
The foundation also announced it was initiating steps to have Soludo declared persona non grata internationally for what it described as gross violations of democratic norms and economic rights, asserting that “his welcome on the international stage will be rightfully rescinded.”
Calling on international observers, human rights organizations, and the Nigerian federal government to take action, the foundation said, “The siege on Onitsha must be lifted. The path to peace in the South-East is through justice, dialogue, and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—not through military barricades and economic suffocation.”
The group warned the governor, “Governor Soludo, you are at the brink. Pull back. Respect the people. Honor your forgotten promises. The world is watching.”
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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New Year: Gov Ododo Calls for Unity, Commitment to Security of Lives, Properties
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has called for Unity of the people in complementing government’s efforts to tackle rising insecurity in the state.
The Governor also solicited people’s support through hard work, and sustained patriotism as his administration intensifies efforts to deliver people-oriented governance. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Ododo who made the call in his New Year message to the people of the state, thanked Almighty God for protection and guidance throughout the past year, noting that the period tested the resilience of the people but also strengthened their collective resolve.
The Governor said that despite challenges, the state recorded modest but significant gains across key sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth and women empowerment, attributing the progress to discipline, unity of purpose, and the cooperation of citizens.
According to him, the New Year presents renewed hope and a stronger resolve by his administration to do more through prudent resource management, inclusive governance, and policies aimed at improving the quality of life of the people, expanding opportunities for youths, empowering women, and strengthening the state’s economy.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed that security remains a top priority of his government, assuring residents of deeper collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders to sustain peace across the state, stressing that meaningful development can only thrive in a secure environment.
He called on all Kogites to continue to reject division and embrace cooperation, describing the state’s diversity as a strength that must be harnessed to build a Kogi that works for everyone, both in urban and rural communities.
Reiterating his pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and compassion, the Governor expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in shared prosperity and greater accomplishments for the state.
Governor Ododo also urged continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President’s reforms have strengthened the economy and expanded resources available to sub-national governments for development.
He wished the people of Kogi State a peaceful, prosperous, and fulfilling New Year, while praying for continued progress for the state and the nation.
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One Community, One Honour: Item Okpi Kingdom Celebrates Prof. Arunma Oteh’s Global Legacy
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
The ancient town of Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State was agog on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, as the Item Development Association (IDA) Incorporated trustees hosted the 2025 Item Day Celebration, a historic edition specially designed to honour a single, outstanding personality — Chief, Prof. js">
The celebration, held at the playground of Akanu Item Primary School, Akanu Item, was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, clergy, captains of industry and sons and daughters of Item from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Themed “Building a Greater Item Through Collective Action: The Work Continues,” the 2025 Item Day marked a significant departure from previous editions that featured multiple awardees. This year’s event was deliberately structured around a single award and traditional honour, in recognition of Prof. Oteh’s exceptional contributions to the growth and development of Abia State, Nigeria, Africa and the global community.
A major highlight of the event was a Grand Civic Reception in honour of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose presence further underscored the importance of the occasion.
At the ceremony, the Item Development Association formally presented the Item Grand Merit Award to Chief Arunma Oteh, OON, describing her as a worthy daughter of the soil whose global achievements have brought immense honour to Item Okpi Ancient Kingdom, Abia State and Nigeria at large.
The award plaque cited her “distinguished leadership and transformative contributions to global development and in appreciation of the great honour this has brought to our community.”
Prof. Oteh was also specially celebrated for her consistent role as a global ambassador of the Amaba-Ukwu Item community, projecting its image positively across international platforms. This singular contribution, the organisers noted, was a key reason she was singled out for the prestigious award.
The event was chaired by Chief Ojay Obasi Eke (Udoka), with Chief Chukwuemeka Ogwo, MBA (Ugwuchukwuemere I of Item) serving as Co-Chairman.
Other dignitaries present were Hon. Dr. Ibekwe Nnamdi Chimdi, Member representing Bende North Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly; Hon. Okwu Ukoha, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly; and Hon. Uwabunike Bassey, Executive Chairman (Mayor) of Bende LGA.
Traditional blessings were led by the Royal Father of the Day, HRH Eze Jerry Akpala Igwe (JP), Chairman of the Item Traditional Rulers Council, alongside HRM Eze Silas Okafor Igwe (JP), the Okpi of Item, and other royal fathers.
Religious leaders, including His Grace, Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, Archbishop of Umuahia, also offered prayers for the community and the awardee.
The newly conferred Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State, Alhaji Chief Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, congratulated Prof. Arunma Oteh on the well-deserved honour.
He described her as a pride of Item and a shining example of what dedication, integrity and excellence can achieve, noting that her global impact has placed Amaba-Ukwu Item firmly on the world map.
He prayed for greater strength and wisdom for her to continue serving humanity and inspiring future generations.
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Prof. Arunma Oteh expressed profound gratitude to the Item Development Association, the people of Amaba-Ukwu Item, the traditional institution, the Abia State Government and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
She pledged to continue projecting the image of her community globally, describing the honour as a renewed call to service.
Prof. Oteh urged sons and daughters of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State and Nigeria at large to embrace courage, resilience and hard work, stressing that “the sky is only the beginning of success for those who dare to dream and work relentlessly.”
She thanked Governor Alex Otti for his support for community development initiatives and commended the leadership of IDA for sustaining the vision of unity, selfless service and progress captured in the association’s motto: “Faith in God and Selfless Service to Our People.”
A Historic Item Day led by Dr. Cyril Onyekachi O. Kalu, President of IDA, and Ambassador Dr. Anthony Chukwudum Okorie, Chairman, Board of Trustees, the 2025 Item Day Celebration has been widely described as historic — not only for honouring one of Item’s most illustrious daughters, but also for reaffirming the community’s commitment to collective development and global relevance.
For many attendees, the celebration was more than an award ceremony; it was a statement of identity, pride and a renewed resolve to build a greater Item for generations yet unborn.
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