Celebrating a Living Legend: Professor Ogbo’s Iconic Contribution to Kogi State

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Today, the Kay Galaxy Event Centre in Lokoja was hub of celebration and admiration, as Professor Usman Ogbo, the highest employer of labor in Kogi State, was honored as a true icon of integrity and leadership. The event saw a full house of notable personalities, including the Kogi State Governor represented by the House of Assembly Speaker, the Accountant General of the state, alongside first-class monarchs, esteemed professors, and eager youths, all coming together to pay tribute to a man whose dedication to service has transformed lives.

Professor Ogbo is widely recognized for his undiluted commitment toward uplifting the academic landscape of Kogi State Polytechnic. His benevolent nature and genuine desire to help others were further showcased as he chose to celebrate his birthday by unveiling a “SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION AND HOSTING A PUBLIC LECTURE. This act not only underscores his godly compassion but also highlights the empathy he carries for those suffering from health challenges like “Sickle cell disease”.

As a proud member of the Kogi State Polytechnic staff and a direct beneficiary of his quality leadership, I can personally attest to the profound impact he has had on our institution because I also attended the institution when it was in a sorry state.

Prior to Prof Ogbo emergence as rector, the polytechnic struggled in various aspects, but under his stewardship, it has been transformed into a world class educational establishment that competes on a global scale. Significant improvements in infrastructure, health facilities, social amenities and the welfare of both staff and students have taken place during his tenure, lingering promotion challenges were rectify and proactive stance against malpractices and commitment to enhancing the academic environment has brought about a renaissance within our polytechnic community and today we are all proud alumni of the Kogi State Polytechnic.

Professor Ogbo has not only prioritized the needs of the institution but has also drawn attention to the urgent necessity for job creation within our state. Through his innovative introduction of new departments and the construction of world-class facilities, he has facilitated an enabling environment for thousands of unemployed youths, here I benefited as I was employed as a young technologist in the department of Science Laboratory Technology.

His efforts have rightfully earned him the title of the ‘”FATHER OF EMPLOYMENT” in Kogi State, a legacy initiated during the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello and nurtured under the current leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Unarguably, Professor Ogbo has never shied away from acknowledging the source of his stream water, an influential figure who have always supported him. He speaks with reverence of former Governor Yahaya Bello, whom he describes as a courageous leader willing to make decisive choices for the greater good, especially for those who have historically been overlooked (The Children of No Body). Professor Ogbo recounts the challenges he faced during the early days of his appointment, where detractors(Destiny Killers) tried to undermine his capabilities through misleading petitions. However, former Governor Yahaya Bello, recognizing his potential, disregarded these efforts and appointed him nonetheless.

This pattern of support continued with the new administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who also brushed aside frivolous petitions to reaffirm Professor Ogbo’s role as rector against all odds.

The overwhelming presence of distinguished personalities at the celebration of Professor Ogbo including the House of Assembly Speaker, the Accountant General, esteemed monarchs, and ambitious youths is a historical milestone and it also depict his well respected status in the community and the profound impact he has made in the academic and social landscape of Kogi State.

Abdulhameed Ivavah
Writes from Ajaokuta LGA.


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