By Joseph Aiyejoto.
Governor Ododo, Faleke, Karimi, Olumoko, Abejide, Other Dignitaries Expected as Community Honours Distinguished Citizens and Corporate Partners
The historic Egbeda-Egga community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State is set to host its 2026 Egbeda-Egga Day Celebration from October 1 to 4, bringing together sons and daughters of the soil, friends, in-laws and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond.
Themed “Thriving on Our Heritage,” the four-day cultural homecoming is designed to celebrate the community’s rich heritage, strengthen bonds of unity and launch a major development fundraising initiative targeted at raising ₦800 million for priority community projects.
The celebration, organised under the auspices of the Egbeda-Egga Development Union (EDU), will feature cultural activities, healthcare outreach, charitable initiatives, a grand carnival, traditional performances and honours and awards ceremony recognising individuals and organisations that have contributed to the growth and development of Egbeda-Egga.
A major highlight of the celebration will be the conferment of Honorary Chieftaincy Titles on Prince Olatunji Olusoji and Hon. Toyin Omole, in recognition of their contributions to the progress and advancement of the community.
The honours programme will also feature a Posthumous Award in recognition of the contributions of the late Pa Jide Ojo (Oluganmo), pioneer member of EDU and the late Mr. Adeniyi Mesaiyete, the pioneer Secretary of the Union.
Other award categories include the Outstanding Corporate Partners Award, Special Award of Recognition and Award of Recognition for Outstanding Omo-Egga Citizens.
Dufil Prima Foods Ltd, producers of Indomie products, and Nigerbev Nigeria Ltd, producers and distributors of Best Wines and Liquor, will receive the Outstanding Corporate Partners Award in recognition of their consistent support for the Egbeda-Egga Day celebration over the years.
Special Awards of Recognition will be presented to Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, and Mrs. Zacchaeus Aroniyo Timilehin, General Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company Ltd, Ilorin.
Hon. Mayowa Idris and Hon. Abimbola Aremu will also be recognised for their outstanding contributions as Omo-Egga.
According to the organisers, the awards are intended to celebrate individuals and institutions whose service, leadership, philanthropy, partnership and commitment have contributed meaningfully to the advancement of Egbeda-Egga.
The grand finale of the celebration will hold on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Government Special Science Secondary School Field, Egbeda-Egga, commencing at 10:00 a.m.
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ododo, is expected as the Chief Guest of Honour, while Hon. (Dr.) Funsho Olumoko will serve as Chairman of the Occasion. Hon. (Elder) Leke Abejide, Member of the House of Representatives, is the Chief Launcher.
The Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Olusegun William Ayeni, will serve as the Royal Father of the Day, while the Obaro of Egbeda-Egga, Oba (Engr.) Noah Olumide Obademi, is the Royal Host.
Other distinguished personalities expected at the event include Hon. James Faleke, Member of the House of Representatives; Dr. (Mrs.) Folasade Arike Ayoade, Secretary to the Kogi State Government; Senator Sunday Karimi, Co-Launcher; and Arch. Salman Idris, Member of the House of Representatives and Special Launcher.
The Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim, is the Chief Host, while the President of Egbeda-Egga Development Union, Dr. Emmanuel Dare Otitolaiye, is the Host.
The grand finale will feature cultural performances, traditional dances, music, indigenous cuisines and colourful displays celebrating the history, identity and traditions of the Egbeda-Egga people.
The activities will commence on Thursday, October 1, with a personality interview at Akogba FM, Ekinrin-Adde, scheduled for 5:00 p.m., followed by a meeting of the Central Planning Committee at the Egbeda-Egga Town Hall.
On Friday, October 2, activities will include a medical outreach at the Egbeda-Egga Health Centre, Jumu’at prayer at the Egbeda-Egga Central Mosque, a charity outreach organised by the EDU Women Wing and a grand carnival procession through the community.
The day will conclude with fireworks, cultural displays and a welcome party at the Town Hall.
The celebration will end on Sunday, October 4, with a Thanksgiving Service at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Egbeda-Egga, at 9:30 a.m.
At the heart of the 2026 celebration is the proposed ₦800 million Appeal Fund, which seeks to mobilise resources from community members at home and in the diaspora, corporate organisations, government institutions, friends of Egbeda-Egga and other well-wishers.
The fund is intended to support the execution of priority development projects and advance the community’s collective aspirations for sustainable growth.
The initiative reflects the organisers’ conviction that cultural celebrations should extend beyond festivities to promote community mobilisation, social responsibility, unity and long-term development.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Comrade (Prince) Mike Olanrewaju, called on all sons and daughters of Egbeda-Egga to return home and participate actively in the event.
He stated that the celebration would provide an opportunity for the people to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their shared heritage, honour distinguished contributors and renew their commitment to the progress of the community.
The organisers have invited friends, in-laws, distinguished guests and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond to join Egbeda-Egga in marking the 2026 celebration.
With its blend of cultural heritage, healthcare initiatives, charitable outreach, recognition of distinguished individuals and corporate partners, and development fundraising, Egbeda-Egga Day 2026 is positioned as a platform for collective renewal and community advancement.
It is a celebration of the past, an affirmation of the present and a shared commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous future.
Egbeda-Egga Day 2026: Thriving on Our Heritage, Building Our Future.
