By joshua WEMI JONES CELEBRATES OKEBUKUN’S CULTURAL HERITAGE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO UNITY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
…..Education Commissioner Joins Egunda Festival, Pays Homage to Olu Okebukun and Engages Youths, Women and Community Leaders on Pathways to Sustainable Development
OKE-BUKUN, KOGI STATE — Friday, August 28, 2026 — The historic community of Okebukun in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State came alive on Friday as indigenes, residents, friends and well-wishers converged for the annual Egunda Festival, a colourful celebration of the community’s rich cultural heritage, enduring unity and shared identity.
Among the distinguished personalities who graced the occasion was Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, Commissioner for Education in Kogi State and a proud son of Okebukun, whose participation further underscored his enduring bond with the people and his commitment to the preservation of indigenous culture.
As part of his engagement, Jones paid a courtesy visit to the Olu Okebukun, HRH Oba Timothy Omonile, where he paid homage to the traditional institution and held discussions centred on cultural preservation, community cohesion and sustainable development.
The Commissioner also held a robust interactive session with youths, women and community leaders, providing a platform for frank discussions on the aspirations, challenges and development priorities of Okebukun.
During the engagement, Jones reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that will promote the welfare and advancement of the community. He assured the people that they would continue to benefit from the dividends of democracy under the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, while encouraging them to sustain their support for the government’s development agenda.
He emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, unity and constructive engagement in building a stronger and more prosperous community, particularly through the empowerment of young people and women.
The Egunda Festival, beyond its colourful cultural displays and communal festivities, remains an important institution for preserving Okebukun’s indigenous heritage, transmitting traditional values to younger generations and strengthening the bonds that unite the people.
Jones’ presence at the festival was therefore widely viewed as more than a ceremonial appearance; it represented a reaffirmation of his connection to his roots and his determination to remain actively engaged with the aspirations of his people.
He congratulated the Olu Okebukun, HRH Oba Timothy Omonile, and the entire Okebukun community for the successful staging of the annual festival, commending their dedication to preserving the community’s cultural legacy.
The Commissioner was accompanied by Hon. Nathaniel Taiwo, Special Adviser to the Governor; Elder Simon David, Chairman, APC, Odod-Ape Ward; and Hon. Timothy Alabuja Jojo, APC House of Assembly Candidate for Kabba/Bunu Constituency I, among other community leaders and stakeholders.
The gathering ultimately reinforced the enduring message of Egunda: that a community’s culture is not merely a reflection of its past, but a powerful foundation upon which its unity, identity and future development can be built.
Signed
Media office of the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Kogi State