The President of the , Agada Development Association (ADA), Mr. Gabriel Isah, has called on investors within and outside Nigeria to take advantage of the vast mineral deposits in Agada, noting that such investments would stimulate economic activities in the area and yield attractive returns.
Mr. Isah made the call recently while reawakening the Agada Carnival, an event that had been abandoned since the early 90s.
From him, OurWorldGist gathered that Agada which is the largest village in Ogbabede Ward of Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State is richly endowed with mineral resources such as gold, coal, clay, marble, silica, mica, and gemstones, all found in large quantities.
He explained that these resources were discovered in the early 1980s during the administration of Nigeria’s former President, late Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
He, however, lamented that foreign experts who were in the community for exploration at the time left shortly after preparations were completed, following the military takeover of government.
Mr. Isah further noted that Agada, with a population of over 20,000 inhabitants, is surrounded by 53 other villages that are largely agrarian.
He added that the area enjoys good road networks, potable water, solar streetlights, a functional community health centre, and a generally peaceful atmosphere with adequate security.
He assured potential investors that the community, through the Agada Development Association (ADA), is ready to provide all necessary support to investors interested in mineral exploration and agricultural ventures.
The carnival commenced with a road walk on the morning of 25th December 2025, covering villages within Agada’s environs.
This was followed in the afternoon by cultural displays featuring the Idologo Dance led by Egwu Enaché, Hajiya Ikeh Cultural Troupe, representatives of Egwu Lile from all clans, and the Egenaja Bassa Gen Cultural Troupe.
On the eve of 25th December, Ogba cultural dances were also staged, attracting a large crowd from within and outside Agada.
Participating masquerades were rewarded with cash prizes.
The festivities continued with a football match between Agada Super Stars (home-based team) and Agada Super Stars in the diaspora.
In a highly entertaining encounter, the diaspora team emerged victorious with 2 goals advantage to 1
To round off the carnival, ADA held its general meeting on the afternoon of 26th December 2025 at the Agada Market Square, where the association’s activities were reviewed and projections made for the year 2026.
Speaking at the meeting, the Patron of the Association, Elder Francis Egbunu, eulogized sons and daughters of the community who received awards from the association.
He also used the opportunity to address concerns raised by some members regarding the revival of the carnival, explaining that cultural festivals do not conflict with religion.
He emphasized that culture is simply a way of life of a people and that every tribe, community, clan, race, or region has its unique heritage, which must be preserved through annual events such as carnivals to prevent extinction.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Carvinal, Mr Austin Edimeh Ojoh, thanked the leadership of the Association for counting him worthy to serve adding that, he believed the flaws of the community will serve as a lesson for subsequent edition.
Overall, the carnival now declared an annual event was widely commended for its successful revival and attracted participation from nearly all villages in Ogbabede Ward and beyond.
