Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has warned criminal elements terrorizing the people of the state to desist from crime or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.
Governor Ododo who gave the warning on Saturday during the 2025 Ekinrin-Adde Day festival organized by Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA), said that his administration would not leave any stone unturn in its effort for a full blown war against crime to enable the citizens sleep with their two eyes closed.
While stressing that Kogi state is not, and will never be a safe haven for criminal activities, the Governor called on the people of the state to support government in its efforts to combat insecurity, assuring that every possible measure would be taken to rid the state of crime.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy Comrade Joel Oyibo, commended Ekinrin-Adde community for launching a groundbreaking 600 million Naira Infrastructural Development Fund aimed at improving infrastructure and fostering sustainable development in the community.
“Infrastructure is the backbone of any developing community, and investing in it is crucial for ensuring a better quality of life for everyone. This fund raising is a show of dedication and commitment of the members of this community to make a positive impact on the lives of its people.
“The 600 million naira Infrastructural Development Fund will enable the Ekinrin-Adde community to carryout important projects like road gradings and palliative repairs, water supply improvements, enhancement of educational and health facilities, among others” he said.
The Governor assured the community of government full support for the initiative, noting that his administration would work closely with the Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association to ensure the success of the fund, saying “together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community that thrives for generations to come”
In his speech the National President of EACDA, Elder Deinde Toyin Komolafe averred that Ekinrin-Adde Day festival has become a defining feature in the community, maintaining that, for 32 years the success buildingblocks of the Day have been consistently laid per time by each administration, thereby reinforcing the sustainability of the vision.
“We gather here today from far and near and from all parts of the country, and even from our diaspora community to celebrate the values we hold dear; the cherished value of communality; value of love for one’s homeland; value of unity, and the value of self-help and purposefulness.
“We do not take for granted the amazing enabling grace of God Almighty in keeping us together and highly bonded by the glue of true love and fraternity beyond the reach of agents of darkness and their bifurcating machinations.
“We salute the doggedness and commitment of a worthy son of the soil Hon. (Dr) James Abiodun Faleke for being the architect of modern Ekinrin-Adde and indeed all other compatriots for their passion and love for our community, we say a big thank you”
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman, planning committee Ekinrin-Adde Day celebration Prince Babajide Otitoju revealed that the event was put together to celebrate the rich cultural values and unity as well as fund raising for provision of key amenities to the people of the community.
While affirming the contribution of the community to the peace and development of the Okun land and Kogi State in general, Prince Otitoju lauded the effort of Rt. Hon. James Faleke for doing a lot for the development of Ekinrin-Adde.
The highlight of the occasion was the declaration of winners of the 2025 essay completion titled “Ekinrin-Adde, My Ekinrin-Adde” which was won by Iyanu Eyitayo of the department of history federal university Lokoja, while Taye Emmanuel Oluwatosimi of the federal university of technology Minna took second and Adiola Blessing also of federal university Lokoja came third position in the highly competitive essay writing involving many students of Ekinrin-Adde origin.
The event also saw the conferment of Chieftaincy titles on notable personalities, including the State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, as Aare Fimogboye of Ekinrin Adde. Traditional ceremonies such as the presentation of the New Yam, Iwo Olori, and Ere Iyawo were also part of the festivities.