Hon. John Olusegun Oniwaye Ogede1, fondly known as JOOO, is a distinguished public servant, youth mobilizer, and community development advocate from Aherin Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria.
Born about four decades ago into the family of Hon. and Late Mrs. Oniwaye Alex Adeyemi, popularly known as OGEDE, Hon. Ogede1 has consistently demonstrated passion, vision, and commitment to service and leadership.
Educational Background
Hon. Ogede1 began his educational journey at Demonstration Primary School, Kabba, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to Michael Omonogun Memorial Secondary School, Lokoja, earning his Senior Secondary School Certificate.
Driven by his passion for knowledge, he enrolled in a six-month Diploma Programme in Computer Operations at Prime Concept Integrated Services Limited, after which he gained admission into Kogi State University, Anyigba, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies.
Upon completing his undergraduate studies, he fulfilled the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Lokoja Study Centre. During his service year, he continued to advance academically, earning a Master’s Degree in Public Administration immediately after his NYSC.
A firm believer in lifelong learning, Hon. Ogede1 further obtained a B.Sc. in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), solidifying his intellectual grounding in governance, social harmony, and conflict management.
Leadership and Student Unionism
Hon. Ogede1’s leadership journey began early in life. At Demonstration Primary School, Kabba, he served as Punctuality Prefect, setting the tone for a lifetime of discipline and responsibility.
In Michael Omonogun Memorial Secondary School, he distinguished himself as the Pioneer President of the Literary and Debating Club and also served as Games Prefect for his set.
His leadership and advocacy extended into higher education, where he played significant roles in student unionism. At Kogi State University, he served as:
• Assistant General Secretary, Okun Students’ Union (KSU Chapter)
• Social Director, Bunu Students’ Union (KSU Chapter)
• Treasurer, Okun Students’ Union (KSU Chapter)
• President, Bunu Students’ Union (KSU Chapter)
Due to his credibility and commitment, he was unanimously elected as the Pioneer President of the NYSC Gender Vanguard CDS Group, Lokoja, during his service year — a testament to his leadership influence and community orientation.
Community Engagement and Youth Development
Beyond the campus environment, Hon. Ogede1 has been deeply involved in community development and youth empowerment. He served as President of the Aherin Students’ Union, demonstrating selfless service and fostering educational progress among young people.
At the national level, he contributed immensely to the Bunu Students’ Union (BSU) where he served as Assistant Editor-in-Chief between 2014 and 2017 respectively.
His efforts in youth engagement were pivotal — he revived the sporting culture within BSU by facilitating the Engineer Ibisagba John Football Competition in 2013, which later inspired the IDRUFEM 2014 Tournament, a historic and unifying event that remains a landmark in BSU’s history.
A passionate advocate for education, Hon. Ogede1 donated textbooks to the 2016 BSU Executive, which were distributed across secondary schools in Bunu land — a gesture that continues to impact young learners in the district.
Political and Public Service Career
Hon. Ogede1’s commitment to governance and community advancement naturally transitioned into active politics. In 2018, he contested for the Kogi State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His dedication and competence earned him appointment as Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties to the former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, a position he held with distinction between 2019 and 2023. In this role, he demonstrated diligence, loyalty, and effectiveness in public administration and legislative coordination.
Personal Life
Hon. John Olusegun Oniwaye Ogede1 (JOOO) is happily married and blessed with three wonderful children. A devoted family man, he continues to exemplify humility, service, and leadership rooted in faith, education, and humanity.
