HON. DR. EMMANUEL OBARO DONATES ₦3.5 MILLION AT TAKETE/IJEMU DAY 2026, HONOURS MENTOR, RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS MERITORIOUS AWARD
The Member representing Yagba East State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, and APC Candidate for the constituency in the forthcoming General Elections in Nigeria, Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Obaro, has once again reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to community development, cultural preservation and the advancement of Yagba East with a remarkable donation of ₦3.5 million during the Takete/Ijemu Day 2026 celebration.

The annual Ijemu Festival, popularly known as the New Yam Festival, remains one of the most revered cultural celebrations in Takete. It symbolizes gratitude to God for a successful farming season while promoting peace, unity, cultural identity and communal harmony among the people of Takete and the entire Yagba East Local Government Area.
At the colourful and well-attended event, Hon. Obaro announced a total family donation of ₦3.5 million in support of the festival.
He personally contributed ₦1.5 million, while his wife donated ₦1 million and his children also contributed ₦1 million, bringing the family’s total support to ₦3.5 million.
The generous gesture was greeted with thunderous applause from traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and other distinguished guests, who praised the lawmaker and his family for their exceptional generosity and unwavering dedication to the growth and development of their community.
Further demonstrating the unity and strength of the Obaro political family, the Hon. Emmanuel Obaro Ward Coordinators across the ten political wards of Yagba East Local Government Area collectively donated ₦200,000 towards the success of the festival, underscoring their shared commitment to community service and grassroots development.
In an emotional and inspiring address, Hon. Emmanuel Obaro paid glowing tribute to the Executive Chairman of Yagba East Local Government, Hon. Dr. Dare Joshua, whom he described as a dependable leader, trusted mentor and steadfast pillar of support throughout his political journey.
The lawmaker recalled that Hon. Dr. Dare Joshua stood firmly by him during periods when there was little or no political gain, describing such unwavering loyalty as a rare virtue worthy of honour and appreciation.
He publicly acknowledged the Council Chairman as his mentor and leader in whom he is well pleased, expressing profound gratitude for his continuous guidance, encouragement and exemplary leadership.
In a remarkable display of humility, Hon. Obaro stated that despite serving as a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, he does not consider himself to have attained the highest level of leadership experience.
He openly admitted that he is still learning and growing, and requires continuous mentorship, guidance and wise counsel, describing Hon. Dr. Dare Joshua as an exemplary leader whose experience and wisdom continue to shape his political and leadership journey.
Hon. Obaro also commended the organisers of Takete/Ijemu Day for preserving one of the most treasured cultural festivals in Yagba East.
He noted that the annual New Yam Festival remains a powerful symbol of thanksgiving, cultural identity and communal pride, urging the younger generation to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage handed down by their forefathers.
He further charged the people of Takete to continue fostering unity, peace, love and togetherness, emphasizing that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of collective purpose and harmony.
According to him, the remarkable progress already being witnessed in the community should inspire even greater cooperation towards achieving shared developmental goals.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to community development, effective representation, philanthropy and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents, Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Obaro was presented with the prestigious Meritorious Award by the Takete community.
The award, received amidst loud ovation and widespread admiration, stands as a testament to his impactful leadership and numerous interventions in education, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, social welfare and consistent support for cultural and community development initiatives across Yagba East.
The celebration featured vibrant cultural displays, traditional dances, the symbolic presentation of the new yam and goodwill messages from eminent personalities, all highlighting the rich cultural heritage, resilience and enduring unity of the Takete people.
Reaffirming his dedication to public service, Hon. Emmanuel Obaro assured the people of Yagba East that he would remain committed to championing programmes and policies that promote inclusive development, improve the quality of life of the people and preserve the cherished cultural values and traditions of the constituency.
His remarkable generosity, humility, respect for mentorship and unwavering passion for grassroots development continue to distinguish him as a leader deeply committed to the progress and prosperity of Yagba East.
Signed:
ILERI-OLUWA 2027 MEDIA TEAM
18th July, 2026
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 18TH 2026)


