The President of the Odo-Adde Community Development Initiative (OACDI), Commander Laurence Fabiyi, has called on the community to unite and work collectively towards sustainable development. He made this appeal at the inaugural Odo-Adde Day 2026 Summit in Abuja, where he expressed concern over growing divisions and declining attachment to the community's history and heritage. The summit, themed "Odo'Adde: Our Root, Strength and Inspiration," brought together indigenes, elders, and stakeholders to discuss the community's history, identity, and development.
Fabiyi emphasized that Odo-Adde is more than a geographical location, describing it as a heritage, identity, and destiny that must be preserved and transmitted to future generations. He noted that the community is endowed with significant human and natural resources, as well as a rich history of contributions to society. However, he stressed that greater unity is needed to translate these assets into meaningful development. Fabiyi urged indigenes to put aside individual interests and build a stronger communal structure.
According to Fabiyi, divisions within the community have weakened its collective voice and limited the recognition and influence it deserves. He said the OACDI is working to provide a platform for the nine clans of Odo-Adde to collaborate on issues affecting the community and strengthen their capacity to pursue common interests. This includes securing the services of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to engage Dangote Industries Limited on matters concerning the community and its clans.
The OACDI President announced that the initiative has been registered as a government-recognised trustee and umbrella body for coordinating community affairs. He also disclosed that funds have been raised for a comprehensive survey of the community's ancestral land, while an Access Bank account has been established to facilitate the administration of community funds. Additionally, OACDI has introduced voluntary contributions to support members during bereavement and other difficult circumstances.
Secretary of the OACDI Board of Trustees, Araba Rufus Ayenigba, described the summit as a cultural renaissance initiative aimed at reviving Odo-Adde's identity and increasing awareness of its contributions and potential. Ayenigba highlighted that the community possesses considerable human and natural resources, including marble deposits, and its sons and daughters have made notable contributions in various fields.
Other speakers, including Chairman of the Alakose Round Table, Olukayode Ambolu, and guest speaker, Chief Olodoa of Ikirianide, Dr. Ebitoye Bamisaye, urged Odo-Adde indigenes to preserve their history and cultural traditions, particularly the heritage associated with Alakosẹ. They emphasized the importance of unity, preserving the community's heritage, and creating a stronger platform for shared prosperity and development partnerships.
The organisers expressed hope that the inaugural summit would grow into a wider cultural gathering, encouraging greater participation by younger generations in preserving and promoting the identity of Odo-Adde. The event marked a significant step towards promoting unity and heritage preservation in the community, with a renewed commitment to working collectively towards sustainable development.
Key points
- OACDI President, Commander Laurence Fabiyi, calls for unity and heritage preservation in Odo-Adde community.
