By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of kogi state has assured the people of Ekuzi Community in Akpasu and Irenedu Wards of Kogi Local Government Area of his administration’s dividends of democracy to boost development in the area.
Represented by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, the governor gave the assurance during the Ekuzi Day celebration organized by the Ekuzi Development Association (EDA) in Okofi.
He reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises, including infrastructural and community development in the area.
Ododo reaffirmed that his administration would soon start to implement strategic projects to enhance the community’s infrastructure, economy, and social wellbeing.
Commending the Ohimege Igu of Kotonkarfe, Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, for fostering peace, the governor urged Ekuzi’s diverse ethnic groups to coexist harmoniously to enhance communal progress.
The guest speaker at the event,Prof. Umar Musa Esikaku, highlighted Ekuzi’s predominant fishing occupation.
He advised residents to adopt modern scientific farming, assuring them that such techniques would boost their productivity and ensure sustainability in the community.
Prof. Esikaku also urged Ekuzi leaders and residents to prioritize education, modern practices, and unity to transform the community into a model of progress in Kogi State.
In his remarks, the Akumagu of Ekuzi, Alhaji Salihu Adamu Ramat, described the occasion as historic.
He disclosed that the Ekuzi Development Association(EDA), established in 1981, has consistently promoted unity and progress in the community.
Dr. Salihu, the Ohimege Igu, lauded EDA’s efforts in organizing the event, emphasizing that peace is crucial for development.
He called on all ethnic groups in the area to maintain harmony for the collective good.
Traditional leaders,including the Ohinoyi of Okofi, Yunusa Haruna, and his Edegaki counterpart,Isa Alhassan, praised the celebration for showcasing Ekuzi’s rich culture and tradition.
They commended the organizers of the award ceremony for recognizing contributions of individuals to the growth of the community.
Our correspondent reports that the highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving individuals.
The award include posthumous honors for prominent figures such as Alhaji Ahmed Angulu, a former Minister of Internal Affairs during the First Republic, Alhaji Abu Egbunu, a former NEC commissioner, and Alhaji Adamu Osuku, a former House of Representatives member.
Community members at the occasion expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to continue working towards the development of Ekuzi in their various comments.
The celebration featured colorful cultural displays by the Egbura, Bassa, and Ganagana ethnic groups, which underscored the area’s rich diversity.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
