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Odo-Adde community leaders have called for unity, cultural preservation and collective action to drive development, warning that internal divisions and the pursuit of immediate gains could undermine the community’s future.

The call was made on Saturday at the inaugural Alakose Summit 2026 in Abuja, organised by the Odo-Adde Community Development Initiative (OACDI) with the theme, “Odo-Adde: Our Root, Strength and Inspiration.”

President of OACDI, Cmdr. LMO Fabiyi (Rtd.), said the summit was designed to reconnect sons and daughters of Odo-Adde with their heritage and establish a shared vision for the community’s progress.

“Mutual suspicion and mistrust have been the bane of our unity and progress that must be condemned totally to the dustbin of history for us to move forward individually and collectively,” Fabiyi said.

He identified disunity, declining participation in community affairs and inadequate appreciation of Odo-Adde’s history as major challenges, urging members to work together to protect their heritage and secure a better future.

Fabiyi said OACDI, which serves as the umbrella body for Odo-Adde and its nine clans, had raised funds for a global survey of the ancestral land in preparation for obtaining ownership certification from the local government.

He also said the organisation contributed to securing Odo-Adde’s host-community status in relation to the operations of Mangal Industries Ltd., adding that a member of its think tank signed the final agreement.

However, he expressed concern that some community members had disregarded the organisation’s advice over dealings with the company in pursuit of immediate financial benefits.

The OACDI president said the community’s cultural revival would centre on the Alakose snail, which he described as a distinctive symbol of Odo-Adde’s identity. He proposed an annual celebration to promote the heritage and give the community a stronger cultural presence.

He also challenged young people to prepare for leadership and reject dependence on handouts.

“I challenge you to prepare yourself, never to settle for handouts and crumbs because the future belongs to you,” he said.

Chairman of the Alakose Round Table, Kay Hambolu, described the summit as a non-political and non-religious forum established to promote Odo-Adde’s unity and development.

Hambolu said the planning team was tasked with reviving the Alakose identity, documenting the community’s traditional Orikis and recognising distinguished sons and daughters for their contributions.

He disclosed that 15 people had been selected for recognition across categories including exemplary leadership, community inspiration, community mobilisation, posthumous honours and community service.

He said the summit would become an annual event, providing opportunities to celebrate deserving members and strengthen the community’s sense of belonging.

“Alakose is the pride of Odo-Adde identity just as Okin is to Offa,” Hambolu said, calling on the community to reclaim and promote its cultural symbol.

He urged members to prioritise long-term development over immediate personal benefits, describing the summit as a platform for building a culture of shared responsibility, resilience and progress.

The organisers said a dedicated WhatsApp platform had also been created to enable Odo-Adde sons and daughters at home and abroad to discuss community affairs and contribute ideas.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).