Ogidi Day 2026: Kogi Philanthropist Donates N10m, Inaugurates Solar-powered Borehore

Residents of Ogidi community in Kogi State received a major development boost at the 2026 Ogidi Day Festival as the Asiwaju of Ayere and Bashorun Akinjagula of Ogidi Kingdom, Prince Olatunji Olusoji, donated ₦10 million towards the construction of the proposed Ogidi Ela Modern Community Centre.

The philanthropist also commissioned a solar-powered borehole aimed at improving access to clean and safe drinking water for residents of the community.

The interventions were unveiled during the annual 2026 Ogidi Day celebration, which attracted indigenes, traditional rulers, government officials and other dignitaries from within and outside Kogi State.

The proposed community centre, designed to accommodate about 2,500 people, is expected to serve as a multipurpose facility for social gatherings, cultural events, educational programmes and other development-oriented activities. Community leaders described the donation as a significant contribution towards the realisation of the project.

Speaking at the event, Prince Olusoji said the initiatives reflected his enduring commitment to the welfare and development of the people, stressing that service to the community remains one of his foremost responsibilities as a traditional title holder.

He explained that the solar-powered borehole was conceived to address the water needs of residents while contributing to sustainable infrastructure development at the grassroots level.

Prince Olusoji also called on residents of Ogidi and Kogi State at large to continue supporting the administrations of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom he said have continued to record notable achievements in governance and development.

According to him, the support and cooperation of citizens remained vital to sustaining developmental gains and accelerating progress across communities.

“As a title holder in this community, I consider it both a duty and a privilege to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of our people. These interventions are my own way of complementing government efforts and improving the quality of life of our citizens,” he stated.

The donation and commissioning of the borehole were met with excitement by residents and community leaders, who described the gestures as further proof of Prince Olusoji’s commitment to humanitarian service and community advancement.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Youth and Student Matters, Comrade Oladele John Nihi, described Prince Olusoji as a blessing to humanity, noting that his philanthropic interventions have positively impacted lives across Kogi State and beyond.

He commended the Asiwaju of Ayere for consistently supporting people-centred projects and initiatives that promote community development and social welfare.

Responding on behalf of the community, Otunba Shuaib Ipinmisho expressed appreciation to Prince Olusoji for the donation and the provision of the solar-powered borehole.

He described the interventions as timely and impactful, assuring the donor that the facilities would be properly maintained and utilised for the benefit of the community.

The Ogidi Day Festival remains an important platform for celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the community, strengthening unity among its people and mobilising support for development initiatives. Prince Olusoji’s contributions at this year’s event further underscored the role of private philanthropy in driving grassroots development and improving the quality of life of local residents.