The Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association, EACDA, has unveiled a comprehensive N750 million development agenda aimed at accelerating rural transformation through investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, digital inclusion and community infrastructure.
The initiative, unveiled during a world news conference, in Abuja ahead of the community’s annual international festival, underscores a growing commitment by community leaders to leverage cultural platforms as vehicles for sustainable development and economic empowerment.
The President of the Association, Elder Deind Komolafe said the briefing was convened to acquaint the public with the objectives, programmes and developmental priorities that will shape this year’s festival and broader community agenda.
He explained that beyond celebrating culture and heritage, the event has evolved into a strategic platform for mobilising resources, attracting partnerships and driving interventions capable of improving the quality of life of residents.
According to him, preparations for the festival are already underway both within Nigeria and among members of the diaspora, reflecting growing interest in community-led development initiatives.
Elder Komolafe announced plans to raise N150 million for the construction of a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre aimed at expanding access to digital learning and computer-based examinations for students in the community.
He noted that the proposed facility would help bridge the digital divide by providing students with opportunities to participate in national examinations and acquire technology-driven skills required in the modern economy.
He said the week-long festival, scheduled to hold from June 30 to July 7, would feature programmes carefully designed to promote education, youth empowerment, tourism, cultural preservation and economic development.
According to him, major highlight of the event will be a youth symposium bringing together government officials, development experts and community leaders to discuss issues of leadership, peacebuilding, security, entrepreneurship and community development.
He stressed that the association also plans to promote indigenous knowledge systems through food exhibitions and cultural showcases aimed at preserving traditional practices while encouraging healthy lifestyles and strengthening local identity.
As part of efforts to stimulate economic activities, he explained that there are plans to intensify support for agricultural development through improved farming practices, community partnerships and initiatives that promote food security and rural livelihoods.
Speaking during the briefing, a Board Member of the Association, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, commended government officials, development partners and prominent Nigerians who have supported previous editions of the festival and contributed to the community’s development aspirations.
He noted that funds raised during earlier editions had supported educational initiatives, community infrastructure projects and social intervention programmes, adding that the association remains committed to transparency and accountability in the utilisation of resources.
He expressed optimism that this year’s festival would not only strengthen unity among sons and daughters of Ekinrin-Adde across the world but also generate the investments, partnerships and policy support required to accelerate sustainable development and position the community as a model for grassroots-driven transformation in Nigeria.
