By Afolabi Joseph-Raji.
Abdullateef Muhammed, a 200 Level (ND2) Student of Arts and Design in Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, had a wonderful opportunity to be recognized and appreciated by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State.
The young Abdullateef was honored during the graduation ceremony and presentation of start-up kits to 250 Kogi Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Program (KOYESA) trainees which was held at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja on Saturday, 1st March 2025.
Abdullateef was also designated as the Governor’s Official Artist at the event.
The interesting sequence of events began with Abdullateef’s decision to appreciate the Governor with his beautifully crafted pencil art portrait of the Governor, following the Governor’s decision to revive, increase, and eventually disburse bursary allowance to Kogi students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Abdullateef Muhammed is one of the 8,750 Students who benefited from the students’ bursary allowance.
Governor Ododo had earlier approved and disbursed N316.7million for the payment of bursary allowance of N30,000 each to 8,549 undergraduates, and scholarship support of N300,000 each to 201 graduates of Law in the Nigeria Law School in January, 2025.
In a bid to express his gratitude in a tangible way, Abdullateef decided to utilize his talent to do a beautiful portrait of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo using Pencils.
The young talented Artist painstakingly spent days on the artwork amidst his busy academic schedule, not even knowing whether he will be able to present the artwork to the Governor or not.
However, just like The Almighty God showers his favour and blessings upon the handwork of the diligent, a senior friend of Abdullateef, Abdulganiyu Mohammed, encouraged him to present the artwork to the Executive Chairman of Kogi State Scholarship Board, Mr. Afolabi Joseph-Raji.
This, Abdulganiyu said he believed that Mr Afolabi would most likely appreciate the work and possibly do his best to facilitate it getting to the Governor in order to convey Abdullateef’s heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Servant of Kogi State.
Upon contacting Mr. Afolabi, he in turn presented Abdullateef and his beautiful artwork to Hon. Wemi Ojo Jones, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, and Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, PhD, the Secretary to the Government of the State, who both appreciated the talent and initiative of the young Student.
They, thereafter facilitated access for the presentation of the artwork to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The Chief Servant of Kogi State, in his usual, yet uncommon way, received the artwork with grace and utmost appreciation to the young man.
The governor then went further to announce the engagement of Abdullateef as his Official Artist in appreciation of his talent and to encourage other home-grown budding talents in Kogi State.
The atmosphere at the event was filled with joy and appreciation for the Governor’s kindness and thoughtfulness in recognizing and appreciating Abdullateef Muhammed’s efforts.
