The Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA) has unveiled plans to raise a ₦750 million Infrastructure and Community Development Fund as part of activities marking the 2026 Ekinrin-Adde Day celebration, aimed at accelerating grassroots development and positioning the community as a major cultural and tourism destination.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Prince Babajide Kolade Otitoju, disclosed this at a world press briefing in Abuja to herald the 33rd edition of the annual Ekinrin-Adde Day Festival scheduled to hold from June 20 to June 27, 2026.
Otitoju said the community was determined to sustain its tradition of self-help development while showcasing its rich cultural heritage to a wider national and international audience.
According to him, the grand finale of the festival will feature the launch of the ₦750 million Infrastructure and Community Development Fund to support critical projects and improve the welfare of residents.
“This year’s celebration is strategic because it focuses on the launch of a ₦750 million Infrastructure and Community Development Fund. As a self-help-driven community, we remain committed to investing in projects that will improve the lives of our people and strengthen the future of Ekinrin-Adde,” he said.
He described Ekinrin-Adde Day as one of the emerging cultural festivals in Yorubaland, comparable to the renowned Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode and Lisabi Day in Abeokuta.
“Ekinrin-Adde Day festival is in the contemporary of the popular Ojude Oba of Ijebu Ode and the yearly Lisabi Day in Abeokuta, as well as other cultural celebrations that have become defining features of communities across Yorubaland,” he stated.
Otitoju noted that Ekinrin-Adde, an Okun-Yoruba community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has distinguished itself through remarkable achievements in education, healthcare, commerce and community development.
He highlighted the community’s pioneering role in establishing some of the earliest social infrastructure in the area, including the first secondary school, maternity centre, postal agency and community banking institutions in Ijumu Local Government Area.
The veteran journalist also paid tribute to several illustrious sons and daughters of the community who have distinguished themselves in public service, academia, the military, the judiciary and other sectors.
Among those recognised were retired Supreme Court Justice John Afolabi, retired military officer Gen. Oshanupin, former DSS Director of Operations Chief Felix Ikumapayi, Olympic gold medalist Abiodun Obafemi, former Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, current Vice-Chancellor Prof. Solomon Ibileye, House of Representatives member Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, SDP National Publicity Secretary Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba, and renowned clergywoman Bishop Funke Adejumo.
Otitoju said the festival would feature a wide range of activities designed to celebrate culture, promote unity and encourage development.
These include the New Yam Festival, prayer sessions, culinary exhibitions, music extravaganza, a youth carnival and symposium, medical outreach programmes, educational interventions, a mountain hiking event, cultural displays and the EACDA Omo-Atata Awards Night.
A major highlight of this year’s celebration, he said, would be the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed College of Nursing Sciences in Ekinrin-Adde.
He added that the community was working closely with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) to elevate the festival into a globally recognised cultural event.
“We are intentional in upscaling our cultural heritage to the global stage through our collaboration with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority and the introduction of innovative programmes such as essay competitions, food exhibitions, cultural wear displays, traditional marriage renaissance and native eulogies of various clans,” he said.
According to him, the long-term vision is to transform Ekinrin-Adde Day into an international tourism attraction capable of drawing visitors and investors from across Nigeria and beyond.
Otitoju disclosed that the event would attract prominent personalities from across the country, including Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who is expected as Chief Guest of Honour.
Other dignitaries expected at the festival include Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination Dr. Hadiza Bala Usman, Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abdul Ibrahim Halims, and Chairman of the occasion, Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji.
He said the annual celebration remains a rallying point for community development, cultural preservation and economic advancement, while strengthening the bond among Ekinrin-Adde indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
Otitoju subsequently invited Nigerians, tourists, development partners and cultural enthusiasts to participate in the week-long festival and experience the rich heritage and developmental strides of the historic Okun-Yoruba community.
Shedding more light into the proposed infrastructure fund, the National President of EACDA, Elder Dehinde Toyin Komolafe, said the proceeds would be deployed primarily to establish an ICT centre that would enable students in the community to participate in computer-based examinations such as WAEC, NECO and other national assessments.
“We are launching a ₦750 million infrastructure development fund targeted principally at building an ICT centre where our children will be able to write their examinations and also constructing market stores to complement the aesthetic value that our market requires,” Komolafe said.
He explained that the association had consistently utilised funds raised during previous editions of the festival to execute impactful projects across the community.
According to him, recent interventions include the renovation and upgrading of the community event centre, rehabilitation of the customary court, installation of water facilities, procurement of furniture and public address systems, as well as the provision of interest-free loans to women and youths.
“Last year, God helped us marvellously. We raised funds and deployed them to various infrastructural needs, including water projects, support for women and youth empowerment, and renovation of key public facilities,” he stated.
Komolafe added that the association’s flagship Awards Night would honour distinguished Nigerians and illustrious sons and daughters of Ekinrin-Adde for their contributions to public service, community development and nation-building.
Among those slated for recognition are Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who will receive honorary chieftaincy titles.
Former EACDA President, Mr. Olajide Ayimiko, is expected to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, while Prince Babajide Kolade Otitoju will be decorated with the community’s highest honour, the Grand Star Award.
Also speaking, the Publicity Secretary of EACDA, Pastor Emmanuel Ajibola Ogungbuyi, described the annual celebration as a rallying point for sons and daughters of Ekinrin-Adde across the world.
He said the festival continues to promote unity, cultural preservation and community development, while creating opportunities for greater engagement among indigenes and friends of the community.
In his remarks, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, a members of the Board of Trustees of Ekinrin-Adde Community Radio commended the planning committee for expanding the scope of development initiatives associated with the festival.
Aiyenigba expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would surpass previous outings, noting that several prominent Nigerians and development partners are expected to participate in recognition of Ekinrin-Adde’s enduring contributions to grassroots development and community self-reliance.
The grand finale on June 27 is expected to attract top government officials, business leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders from across the country.
