Takete-Ide centenary festival: Ododo donates N35m for civic centre, pledges to fix road

The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo pleasantly stunned the good people of Takete-Ide, MopAmuro Local Government Area on Saturday 31 October, when he announced a personal donation of N35m for the completion of an ongoing civic center in the community.

The governor also promised and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fix the Orokere-Ayede-Takete Ide- Aghara road where the Owowo bridge is located.

Ododo made the pledge at the Takete-Ide Centenary Celebration and Development Fundraising, where he was represented by the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf.

The governor described the centenary as a celebration of 100 years of history, heritage, and the remarkable journey of Takete-Ide Amuro since its settlement in its present location in 1926.

The governor commended the community’s spirit of self-help, noting that its first primary school, secondary school, and health centre were built through communal efforts before government intervention.

He said the ongoing Civic Centre and Palace projects were important initiatives that will strengthen community administration and preserve traditional heritage, pledging government’s support within available resources.

“On a personal note, I have released funds of N35 million towards the completion of the Town Hall project as my personal contribution to the development of this community,” Ododo said.

On infrastructure, the governor said he was aware of the deplorable condition of the Orokere-Ayede-Takete Ide road, particularly the Owowo Bridge, which had been brought to his attention by his cabinet member from the area.

“Our engineers are assessing the situation, and I want to assure you that we will attend to the road in due course. When we make a promise, we are committed to ensuring that it is fulfilled,” he assured.

Ododo urged youths to sustain the legacy of communal development, embrace education and entrepreneurship, and called on sons and daughters in diaspora to invest in the community.

He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and provide credible intelligence to safeguard lives and property.

The Chief Host and Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, who is also Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communication, said the centenary marked 100 years since the community moved to its present location in 1926.

He called for unity, noting that the community achieved its early schools and health centre through communal efforts.

The Alamuro of Amuro Kingdom, HRM Oba Alfred Modupe Aiyedogbon, said the celebration provided an opportunity to showcase the culture of the people and draw government attention to challenges, especially the bad road and bridge.

He urged communities to embrace self-help, noting that government cannot do everything, and called for peace, saying Amuro remains one of the most peaceful communities in Kogi.

The Baale of Amuro Kingdom, Chief Eric Fiki, said the week-long event was to honour past heroes, celebrate the living and raise funds to complete the town hall and palace projects.

Fiki said the community believes in self-help but still deserves government presence, adding that the community is fully in support of Gov. Ododo and President Bola Tinubu.

Earlier, the National President, Takete-Ide Progressive Union (TIPU), Prince Richard Fiki, said the centenary was about heritage, peace, love and unity, aimed at promoting culture and attracting investment and government intervention in agriculture and other areas.

Highlight of the occasion was conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on personalities for contributions to community development, cultural displays and presentation of gifts to the Special Guest of Honour.