The presentation of the award of high performance to the Governor of the state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, by the President General of ODA,Dr Ahmed Yusuf(right ).The Chairman, Okene Local Government Area, Ahmed Enesi Nuhu received the award on behalf of the governor.The President General of ODA, Dr.Ahmed Yusuf, presenting the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland Dr, Mohammed Tijani Anaje with the award of Life Patron of the association at the occasion.
The Chairman, Okene Local Government Area, Ahmed Enesi Nuhu(left), who represented Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo,looked with rapt attention.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Mohammed Tijani Anaje , flanked by his parafinalia of office as well as some other prominent indigenes of Okengwe-Ehi.
Saturday, November 9, 2024, will be remembered as a spectacular day in the 90-year history of the Okengwe Development Association (ODA).
On this unforgettable day, at the fascinating Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland,Dr Mohammed Tijani Anaje, Okene in Central Senatorial District of Kogi State, the association stood tall among its peers, setting a new standard for recognizing exceptional leadership and celebrating the heart of community values.
The popular Rambo dancers in Ebiraland thrilling the audience with captivating dances .The little girl that stole the show at the event with her unique style of music.
At the heart of this colourful occasion are the Governor of kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr.Mohammed Tijani Anaje ODA honored with the prestigious award of leadership for high governance and life patron of the association respectively.
Some Islamic clerics that prayed for the governor, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Egbiraland and peaceful development in kogi state.
A representative of the Christian community in the area also committed Egbiraland,the state and the government, to meaningful development and peace at the occasion.
Dr.Ogirima Bello(left), receiving his late father’s post humous award from the President General,ODA,Dr.Ahmed Yusuf.
Other indigenes of Okengwe-Ehi, who have made remarkable contributions to politics, the economy, and community development, were also honored with well-deserved awards.
One of the side attractions that made the occasion thick.
The event was a vibrant celebration, offering the Ebiras another chance to showcase their melodious songs and dazzling dances. Meanwhile, fledgling entertainers; Rahama and Onono, who captivated the crowd with their beautiful voices, earning a shower of naira from the audience, who applauded their exceptional talent and entertainment flair.
A male musician who held audience spell bound with his thought provoking song.during the event.
Governor Ododo, represented by Enesi Ahmed Nuhu, the Okene Local Government Area Chairman, thanked ODA for the honour, assuring that it would spur him to do more for the people of the state.
Ododo,who promised Kogites of open policy of his administration, urged those in the local government to channel their issues demanding his government attention through their councils for prompt action.
He, however, urged the people of the area to cooperate with those rehabilitating the roads to ensure a peaceful completion and to treat projects in their locality as their own by guarding them jealously.
Speaking to his elated subjects, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Muhammed Tijani Anaje, urged them to continue maintaining peace and cherishing unity.
The first-class traditional ruler, however, expressed concern over the erosion of culture and values in Egbiraland, noting that many parents no longer teach their children the native language.
He also emphasized that while it is his statutory responsibility to attend to his subjects, they must adhere to protocol in seeing him,reminding them that he is a father to all.
The Ohinoyi, who assured that the traditional council in Kogi Central is capable of easing tensions between farmers and herders in the area, however, cautioned farmers to avoid leasing their lands to herders in exchange for money, as it could be difficult to reclaim such property when needed.
He commended the governor for his good governance and urged him to intensify efforts in that direction.
Many of the speakers at the event did not gloss over former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and his impact in the political, economic and social development of kogi central Senatorial district as also praised him for laying a solid foundation on which the current administration in the state is effectively building on.
The President General of ODA,Daudu, Dr. Ahmed Yusuf, in his address of welcome at the culturally thrilling event depicts the glowing picture of ODA.
He said:” Okengwe Development-Ehi is once more making history by this humble gesture of recognizing and honouring the heroes of our time today. “Okengwe District, with ODA as an umbrella association has been a reference point to all other communities in Ebiraland and beyond.We have remained a united and indivisible family, despite several challenges over time.
“The strength of our unity,built on a strong foundation by our forefathers, translated to several achievements in terms of self-help community projects such as schools hospital,bank and others too numerous to mention.”
The achievements of ODA notwithstanding, the president general passionately appealed to Governor Ododo to “kindly give special attention to the development of Okengwe”.
Dr. Yusuf,described Okengwe as governor’s ” pride home” further urged that Okengwe needs the state government’s assistance in the areas of education, health facilities and youth empower and others.
He commended members of the organizing committee and other principal officers for their tireless efforts that heralded the huge success of the programme.
In a similar vein, the chairman of the occasion, Engr. Abdulraheem Ohieku, represented by Dr. Ogirima Bello, emphasized that Okengwe has much to be grateful for, having produced sons and daughters who have made significant and are still making contributions to Kogi State’s political, economic, social, and educational development.
Among these remarkable individuals, he highlighted three former Heads of Service, a former Accountant General, a former Secretary to the State Government, a globally recognized ICT expert, as well as numerous permanent secretaries, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the state’s progress.
Dr.Ogirima Bello(left) receiving his late father’s post humous award from the President General of ODA, Dr.Ahmed Yusuf.
By the time the highly the fun-fill event concluded around 2 p.m., the Okengwe Development Association had become the talk of the town. People from all walks of life, both near and far, attended and marveled at the display of the rich culture of Egbira people, particularly the thrill by the little Onono, holding the audience spell bound and captivated, applauding the association for its outstanding contributions.
The leadership of ODA also gave post humours award to the late Ohindase of Okengwe,Chief Stephen Bello, for his peaceful reign and service to humanity.
The event not only showcased exemplary leadership but also stressed the power of unity and social cohesion.
The Okengwe Development Association has proved to be a beacon of hope, setting a new standard for community-driven efforts in fostering stronger bonds and enriching social interactions.
Ahmed, a publisher, is the Publicity Secretary,ODA, Lokoja branch.
1 Comment
Long live ODA
GOD Bless Ebira people and Ebiraland