The Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA), has commenced construction of 25 shops at the Ekinrin-Adde main market and distributed school uniforms to 565 students in the community, in a bid to boost the local economy and support the welfare of the younger generation.
The two programs, held consecutively at the main market and the community event center, drew royal fathers, members of the Ekinrin-Adde traditional council, community leaders, men of God, youth, and students alongside their teachers.
Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony, the National President of EACDA, Elder Deinde Toyin Komolafe, thanked the royal fathers for their immense support and encouragement, which he said culminated in the EACDA’s achievements.
The President disclosed that the shops are part of the current administration’s legacy projects, adding that they will serve market men and women while generating revenue for the community.
He revealed that the project was originally conceived by the Olu Adde and paramount ruler of Ekinrin-Adde, His Royal Majesty Olu Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu, who had envisioned an expansion of the market.
Moving to the event center for the school uniform distribution, Elder Deinde Komolafe said the gesture was part of EACDA’s effort to impact students positively, stressing that the association plans to touch every sector of the community.
He recalled some of the EACDA’s past interventions, which include a food bank for widows and interest free loans for farmers.
According to him, the uniforms are meant to help less privileged students overcome low self esteem in the future. He noted that many adults developed low self esteem from their formative years because of torn school uniforms.
The president also stated that the uniforms were sewn by indigenous tailors, emphasizing EACDA’s commitment to patronizing local vendors and boosting the community’s economy.
Also speaking at the event center, the Olu Adde of Ekinrin-Adde , Olu Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu dismissed the rumor making the rounds that the Universal Basic Education (UBE) school has folded up, describing it as untrue and urging parents to enroll their wards in the school.
He said he had spoken with the Deputy Executive Secretary (services) of UBE, Hon. Tunde Ajibulu, who confirmed that the school is still alive and running. The monarch also commended the teachers for coordinating the students.
In the same vein, the Akinrin of Ekinrin, His Royal Majesty Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, encouraged the students to prioritize their education and shun any behavior that could affect it.
The Akinrin also counseled teachers to be disciplined and to take full responsibility for teaching, caring for, and praying for their pupils to succeed in life, noting that the joy of every teacher is to see their students succeed.
Speaking in an interview, the Principal of UBE 1 Model School, Ekinrin-Adde, Mrs. Orishafunmi Rebecca who is also the Chairperson of the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), commended EACDA for the initiative.
She described it as the first of its kind, adding; “Since I’ve been in school, this is the first time I’m able to see this type of initiative, most especially the one that includes the UBE and primary schools. It’s a very great initiative.”
The day’s activities underscored EACDA’s commitment to community wide development through initiatives that promote economic empowerment, education and social welfare.
The EACDA reaffirmed its determination to sustain interventions that directly impact the lives of residents and contribute to the continued growth and development of Ekinrin-Adde.
Emmanuel Ajibola Ogungbuyi
National Publicity Secretary -EACDA
