Egbeda-Egga sets N800m development appeal target

The Egbeda-Egga community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State is set to host its 2026 cultural homecoming from October 1 to 4, with an ambitious ₦800 million development appeal fund at the centre of the celebration.

Organised by the Egbeda-Egga Development Union (EDU) with the theme: ‘Thriving on our heritage, building our future,’ the four-day event is expected to attract indigenes of the community, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond.

The celebration will feature cultural performances, medical outreach, charity activities, a grand carnival, traditional dances and an awards ceremony, aimed at promoting unity, preserving the community’s heritage and mobilising resources for development.

Among the dignitaries expected at the final are Governor Usman Ododo; Honourable James Faleke; Senator Sunday Karimi; Honourable Leke Abejide; Honourable Funsho Olumoko; Dr. Folasade Arike Ayoade and Salman Idris.

The event will also feature the conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on Prince Olatunji Olusoji, and Honourable Toyin Omole, in recognition of their contributions to the development of Egbeda-Egga.

The community will honour the memories of late Pa Jide Ojo (Oluganmo), a pioneer member of EDU, and late Mr. Adeniyi Mesaiyete, the union’s pioneer secretary, with posthumous awards.

Dufil Prima Foods Limited, producers of Indomie products, and Nigerbev Nigeria Limited, producers and distributors of Best Wines and Liquor, will receive outstanding corporate partners awards.

Also, Senator Sunday Karimi and Mrs. Zacchaeus Aroniyo Timilehin, General Manager of Seven-Up Bottling Company Limited, Ilorin, will receive special recognition awards.Honourables Mayowa Idris and Abimbola Aremu will be recognised for their contributions.

The final ceremony will hold on  October 3, at the Government Special Science Secondary School playground, Egbeda-Egga.

Governor Ododo is expected to serve as chief guest of honour, Dr. Funsho Olumoko will chair the occasion, while Honourable Abejide will serve as chief launcher.

The Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Ayeni, will be the royal father of the Day, with the Obaro of Egbeda-Egga, Oba Noah Olumide Obademi, as royal host.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that activities will begin on October 1, with a personality interview at Akogba FM, Ekinrin-Adde, followed by a central planning committee meeting. Friday’s programme will include a medical outreach, Jumu’at prayer, women’s charity outreach, a carnival procession, fireworks, cultural displays and a welcome party.

The celebration will end on October 4, with a thanksgiving service at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Egbeda-Egga.

At the heart of the homecoming is the ₦800 million appeal fund, which the organisers said will mobilise support from community members at home and in the diaspora, corporate organisations, government institutions, and well-wishers.

Chairman of the central planning committee, Prince Mike Olanrewaju, urged Egbeda-Egga indigenes to return home, reconnect with their roots and support projects aimed at sustainable community development.