EKINRIN-ADDE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES CULTURAL FESTIVAL DAY WITH CANDOUR, HONOURS GOVERNOR OYEBANJI, ZULUM OF EKITI, BORNO AND OTHERS WITH CHIEFTAINCY TITLES
By Temiloluwa Samuel
The ancient town of Ekinrin-Adde in Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State, was agog on Saturday as indigenes at home and abroad gathered for the 2026 Ekinrin-Adde Day Cultural Festival, celebrated with candour, colour, and deep cultural pride.
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The event, which drew traditional rulers, political leaders, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, featured cultural displays, conferment of awards, and the installation of distinguished personalities with chieftaincy titles in recognition of their contributions to national development and unity.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Prince Babajide Kolade Otitoju, welcomed dignitaries from all walks of life who created time to grace the occasion.
He urged them to relax and enjoy the good climatic weather of the community.
He said the community has, from time immemorial, engaged in communal efforts to develop itself, and pointed out that through such efforts, Ekinrin-Adde remains the first community to build a town hall in Ijumu land and to own the first secondary school.
He appealed to the dignitaries at the occasion to support the ₦750 million fund drive for the development of the community.
The National President of the Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA), Elder Deinde Toyin Komolafe, also used the occasion to commend all sons and daughters of Ekinrin-Adde, both at home and in the diaspora, for their commitment to the development of the community.
He stressed that the annual day cultural festival has become a phenomenon in the annals of cultural celebrations in Nigeria. He said EACDA will continue to provide the needed leadership in harnessing all resources to fast-track the development of the community.
He commended the giant efforts of Hon. James Faleke in facilitating numerous projects for the community, and noted that the annual event will continue to grow bigger as the years go by.
In a major highlight of the festival, His Royal Majesty, Oba Anthony Bamigbaiye CON, the Olu Adde of Ekinrin-Adde, conferred chieftaincy titles on Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayemi Oyebanji, and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and other dignitaries including Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji, who chaired the occasion,
Oba Bamigbaiye said the titles were bestowed in appreciation of the governors’ exemplary leadership, commitment to good governance, and support for communal peace and development across Nigeria.
He noted that Ekinrin-Adde, as a community of “firsts,” has always honoured individuals who embody service, integrity, and dedication to the people.
The festival also witnessed the installation of other prominent sons and daughters into the Omo Atata Hall of Fame, alongside traditional dance troupes, masquerade displays, and renditions of Ekinrin-Adde folklore that thrilled the crowd.
In his goodwill message, the Olu Adde urged indigenes to continue investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in the community, stressing that cultural festivals remain a veritable platform for unity, identity, and attracting development.
The 2026 Ekinrin-Adde Day ended with prayers for peace and progress in Kogi State and Nigeria, as well as a renewed call for sons and daughters of the community to return home and contribute to its growth.
Highlights of the celebration included the commissioning of a sports arena facilitated by Hon. James Faleke, conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving personalities, and the raising of ₦750 million for a community development fund.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 28TH 2026)
