As popular saying goes; “some are born great, some achieve greatness, some love greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them”, Hon Saidu Akawu Salihu (SAS) seems to belong to both categories of the idiomatic expression culled from book “Longs Fellow”.
In the history of contemporary politics of Kogi/Lokoja Federal Constituency today, one name which easily has made itself well pronounced is Hon. Saidu Akawu Salihu, a.k.a SAS, a political strategist, reformer of political structures, grassroot generalissimo, a man of calibre which no other people can contend with; a former Member representing Kogi/ Koton Karfe State Constituency, an outstanding perfectionist with exclusive leadership experience, a political tactician and seasoned administrator.
SAS, is a leader committed to good governance in Kogi State and Nigeria. A strong believer in the unity and progress of the Kogi State and Federal Republic of Nigeria and an apostle of positive change in Nigeria.
A firm nationalist of undisputable patristic enthusiasm, a diplomat of no mean feat and a former Secreatry General: Ahamdu Bello University Sociological Students Association, (Abussa),1985-1986.
President: Koton-Karfe Student Union(Kosu)1986-1987),Coordinator: Association of senior staff of banks and other Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) NISTF (Bauchi Chapter), Chairman Kogi State projects monitoring and Evaluation committee (2003 – 2005); Member, Joint National Planning Board (2003 – 2005) Member: Kogi State Executive Committee on Assessment of Abandoned projects in Kogi State University, Anyigba (2004 – 2005) Member: Kogi State Millennium Development Goals Committee 2005 and one time Chairman Impact Assessment Committee of Kogi Refugees in Kano religious riots 2005.
He was a Member Kogi State Tsunami Disaster Relief Committee, Member National Council on water 2005 – 2007,Chairman: Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association, Kogi State Chapter, 2006 – 2008.
SAS, as he is known by his teaming admirers and followers alike, is an inspiring leader and handler of men, a loving husband and father, a charming and tactful friend, his contribution for the welfare of his own followers brought him the reward of victories not only in his immediate Constituent but beyond ,his mercy and courtesy towards his oppositions are the gratuitous expressions of the Akawu’s own character.
A man who grew up in Koton Karfe but rose through the ranks as a focused disciplined and Galadima of Igu kingdom (Koton Karfe) never left anyone in doubt that he is created to positively influence the lives of many people in virtually all areas of human experience; politics, careers, professions, leadership and self-development.
A political stalwart, Galadima insisted from youth that he is that light which must shine bright in the lives of men and charge their fortunes for good.
Hon. Saidu Akawu Salihu was a onetime Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Kogi state, from 2003 to 2005, Commissioner of Water Resources and Rural Development 2005-2007 and Member, Kogi State House of Assembly, 2011-2015,he was elected Chief Whip of the KSHA
Hon. Akawu started his working career with Kwara State Civil Service as education Officer II between 1989- 1990.
As a lawmaker he held the following responsibilities; Chairman Environment, Land and Physical Development, information and public enlightenment, vice chairman committee on education; member, public account, water resources, appropriation.
He is currently serving as Chairman Governing Board of Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria 2018- date and Member of Board, FCT UBEB, 2018 to date.
Chairman, APC Reconciliation Committee, Lokoja/Koto federal Constituency, July 2018; Member 2019 APC Presidential campaign Council, Deputy Director General, APC Campaign Council 2019, Kogi state and Member, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN)
In a quest to offer his services for the greater benefit of the Nigerian people, Hon. Akawu left the Kwara State Civil Service to join the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund,where he held the following positions: Compliance Officer II 1990 – 1992, Compliance Officer I 1992 – 1996. Assistant Manager 1996-1998 and SESZA Nigeria Limited, Area II, Garki-Abuja
as Chief Executive Officer.
Hon. (Chief) Saidu Akawu Salihu(SAS) is holder of Bsc (Hons), MPA,FCAi and traditional chieftaincy title holder of the Galadima Of Koton-Karfe
EDUCATION:
- Primary School Leaving Certificate 1976.
- GCE O’Level, 1981.
- IJMB / A’ Level, 1984
- B. Sc (Hons) Sociology (2nd class upper) 1987
- MPA 1998
- Ph.D public administration 2018.
He was a founding Member of the strongest and biggest party in Africa the All Progressives Congress (APC), SAS is a democratic engineer, he included a lot of young, energetic youths women and elders and when he was a member Kogi state House Assembly.
Hon. Saidu Akawu Salihu, a.k.a SAS, Galadima of Igu Kingdom (Koton Karfe), has sincerely turned to his fatherland to build a natural of social, political discipleship which today had much influence on the socio-political development of Kogi/ Lokoja Federal Constituency, Kogi State and Nigeria in general.
He is a leader, and even when some people do not think along with him in his brave efforts, they have since understood that this is one.
– Musa Tanimu Nasidi writes from Lokoja.
