Ekinrin-Adde Day: Senator Karimi Donates ₦10 Million, Calls for Greater Support in Education and Healthcare
The ancient town of Ekinrin-Adde in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State came alive this weekend as sons and daughters gathered to celebrate the 2025 edition of Ekinrin-Adde Day — a festival rooted in tradition, unity, and community advancement. The event was marked by cultural displays, civic speeches, and philanthropy — most notably the ₦10 million donation by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District.
Senator Karimi, who has consistently shown commitment to grassroots development, made the donation during the public gathering at the town square, while also calling on wealthy individuals, private sector actors, and government bodies to join hands in addressing the pressing challenges of education and healthcare in the region.
A Celebration Beyond Culture
Ekinrin-Adde Day is not just a cultural event — it is an annual homecoming that serves as a platform for communal reflection, planning, and reinvestment. This year’s celebration brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, youth groups, academics, and members of the diaspora, all united under one goal: to build a better Ekinrin-Adde.
The town, known for its hospitality and rich history, used the occasion to launch new initiatives in infrastructure and community welfare. Key moments included the unveiling of a town hall renovation project, youth skill acquisition center plans, and scholarship disbursements to outstanding students.
Senator Karimi’s Message: Empowerment through Education and Health
In his goodwill message, Senator Karimi stressed that sustainable development must be people-centered, with education and healthcare at the core.
“Our people cannot truly be free until they are educated and healthy,” Karimi said. “It is not enough to celebrate culture. We must also build capacity, empower the youth, and invest in institutions that shape the future.”
The senator’s ₦10 million contribution was designated for:
Scholarship grants for underprivileged students
Medical support programs for vulnerable residents
Equipment upgrades for local health centers
He also promised to support efforts aimed at attracting federal attention to Ekinrin-Adde’s educational institutions and public hospitals.
Royal Appreciation and Community Response
The Oba of Ekinrin-Adde, Oba Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu (Ahe Maworo I), praised the senator’s generosity and leadership, noting that community development is a collective responsibility.
“We are grateful for Senator Karimi’s support. He has shown that he is not only a politician, but a partner in progress,” the monarch said.
Other community leaders echoed similar sentiments, urging youth to remain focused, peaceful, and visionary.
A Model for Other Communities
Ekinrin-Adde continues to stand out in Kogi West as a town where cultural pride meets civic progress. With coordinated efforts from indigenes at home and abroad, and leadership from figures like Senator Karimi, the town is positioning itself as a model for rural innovation and development.
As the sounds of drums, chants, and praise songs faded into the evening, one thing became clear — this year’s Ekinrin-Adde Day was not just about tradition; it was about transformation.