The Egbeda-Egga community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State has unveiled an N800 million development appeal ahead of its 2026 Egbeda-Egga Day celebration slated for October 1 to 4.
Themed “Thriving on Our Heritage,” the four-day event is being organised by the Egbeda-Egga Development Union to celebrate the community’s culture, promote unity and mobilise resources for priority development projects.
According to the organisers, the celebration will feature cultural displays, medical outreach, charity outreach, carnival procession, fireworks and a thanksgiving service.
The grand finale will hold on Saturday, October 3, at the Government Special Science Secondary School Field, Egbeda-Egga, by 10 a.m.
Governor Usman Ododo is expected as Chief Guest of Honour, while Hon. Funsho Olumoko will chair the occasion. Hon. Leke Abejide is Chief Launcher, Senator Sunday Karimi is Co-Launcher and Hon. Salman Idris is Special Launcher.
The Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Olusegun William Ayeni, will be Royal Father of the Day, while the Obaro of Egbeda-Egga, Oba Noah Olumide Obademi, will serve as Royal Host. The Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government, Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim, is Chief Host, while EDU President, Dr. Emmanuel Dare Otitolaiye, is Host.
Other dignitaries expected include Hon. James Faleke, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, and captains of industry.
A major highlight will be the conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on Prince Olatunji Olusoji and Hon. Toyin Omole, and posthumous awards for late Pa Jide Ojo and late Adeniyi Mesaiyete, pioneer members of EDU.
Dufil Prima Foods Ltd and Nigerbev Nigeria Ltd will receive Outstanding Corporate Partners Award for their sustained support for the celebration, while Senator Sunday Karimi and Mrs. Zacchaeus Aroniyo Timilehin, General Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Ilorin, will receive Special Recognition Awards. Hon. Mayowa Idris and Hon. Abimbola Aremu will also be honoured as Outstanding Omo-Egga.
Activities will commence on Thursday, October 1, with a personality interview at Akogba FM, Ekinrin-Adde, and a meeting of the Central Planning Committee.
On Friday, October 2, there will be medical outreach at the Egbeda-Egga Health Centre, Jumu’at prayer, charity outreach by the EDU Women Wing, carnival procession, fireworks and welcome party.
The celebration will end on Sunday, October 4, with thanksgiving service at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Egbeda-Egga.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Comrade Mike Olanrewaju, urged all sons and daughters of Egbeda-Egga at home and in the diaspora to return home and participate, describing the event as an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and commit to community development.
The statement was signed by Joseph Aiyejoto.
