Communities in the country have been urged to preserve their culture in order to attract infrastructure development that will ensure security, better living standards.
This was disclosed by stakeholders in their various contributions during the 32nd Ekinrin-Adde Kingdom Day packaged by Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association in Ijumu local government of Kogi state over the weekend.
All the stakeholders noted that it will be a disservice to the generation yet unborn for any community not to invest and develop its culture, stressing that morality bequeathed by culture will stem any form of insecurity bedevilling the society of today.
Usman Bello Kumo, the Chief Whip House of Representatives, pointed out that any community that forgets its culture has forgotten its history, adding that every community should strive to invest, develop and preserve its culture to attract institutions of infrastructure, since it remains the backbone of any form of development in the society.
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Kogi state governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, commended the rich cultural heritage of Ekirinade community, even as he praised the initiative of the launching of the N600m Infrastructural Development Fund to secure a better quality of life for everyone in the enclave.
He said,” Infrastructure is the backbone of any developing community, and investing in it is important for ensuring a better quality of life for everyone.
“This laudable initiative is coming at a time when the government is winning the war against insecurity in the state, particularly in Kogi West.
“As a government, we pledge our full support to this noble initiative, and we will work closely with the Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association to ensure the success of this fund
“Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community that thrives for generations to come”.
Represented by his deputy, Joel Salifu Oyibo pledged their support, saying, the initiative will assist the government in the war against kidnappers, bandits and other social vices in the region of the state.
In the same vein, Sola Enikanolaiye, the chairman of the occasion, who equally is the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to president Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the outing provides a great opportunity for all sons and daughters of Ekinrin Adde Kingdom to socialise and share reminisces of their past and a vision of a brighter and greater future for the community.
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He said, “It is an occasion to re dedicate ourselves to the ideals of unity, love, harmony, progress and development of the community.
“It’s also an opportunity for friends of this great and progressive community to partake in the joint endeavour of addressing the socio-economic, cultural and development aspirations and needs of the citizens of Ekinrin Adde”.
Enikanolaiye, a former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and who was represented by his wife commended the Ekinrin Adde Community Development Association for the giant strides it has continued to make in the execution of projects of socio -economic transformation of the community, adding that the Association has worked unrelentingly to foster peace, harmony and the unity of the community, urging it to keep the flag flying for a better kingdom.
Babajide Kolade Otitolu, the chairman Central Planning Committee, said the occasion remains an unbroken umbrella that unites the citizens of the community over the years.
“The language unites us; so we are out celebrating our unwavering unity that binds us in love and aspiration in Ekirinade Kingdom.
“We commend Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, a son of the land, representing Ikeja federal constituency in Lagos state at the House if Representatives for showcasing the community to the nation and the outside world.
“His doggedness in his contributions to the development of the community is highly impressive, which has endeared him into the hearts of all and sundry within and outside the community”, he said.
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However, Olu Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu ( Ahe-Maworo 1), Olu Adde and paramount ruler of Ekirin Adde, enjoined government at all levels to assist in developing the culture of the land in order to enthrone morality, stem youth restiveness and institute of infrastructure for socio-cultural and economic development.
The highlight of the occasion was the conferment of traditional titles of the lands to eight persons, including sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in various fields of human endeavour.
Also, Awards and gifts were given to the first, second, run-up and winner of an essay competition that centred on Ekirinade Kingdom.
