By Ojimaojo Y. Abubakar.
The Acting Rector of the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Dr.Usman Ogbo on Friday paid courtesy visit to the Ohimegye Igu of Kotonkarfe, HRM Alhaji Abdurazaq Sani Isa Koto and Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammed Kabir Maikarfi III.
According to the statement signed by the institution’s public relations officer, Uredo Omale, the Ag. Rector appealed to traditional rulers to take him as their son who can make mistake at anytime and called to order.
Dr. Ogbo, who was accompanied by his former PhD supervisor who is the Chairman, Kogi State Local Government Service Commission, Prof. S. A . Ibrahim, Senior Special Assistant to Kogi Governor, Ankpa Federal constituency among others.
While addressing the traditional ruler, the Ag. Rector went down the memory lane by explaining his humble family background and upbringing which he said, he will always be mindful in the discharge of his duties.
He explained that he is the first alumnus of the Polytechnic and indeed the youngest ever to be so appointed as Rector of the institution that was established about 28 years ago.
In his remarks, Prof. S. A. Ibrahim described the Ag. Rector, whose PhD research he supervised at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, as his mentee.
Professor Ibrahim said he has absolute confidence in Dr. Ogbo as someone that will deliver on his mandate as the Rector of the Polytechnic, having held critical positions of responsibilities at the Kogi State University, Anyigba.
He specifically informed the royal father how the Ag. Rector had meritoriously served as the Head, Department of Political Science, Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Consultancy Services and Member of Governing Council of the University among others before his present appointment.
The Ohimege of Kotonkarfe thanked the Ag. Rector and his entourage for choosing his palace as the first point of call. He further explained that since the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic became a critical issue in the country, the visit of the Ag. Rector was the first he ever permitted because of his love for the institution.
“With the wealth of experience of the Ag. Rector as reeled out by his mentor, I have no doubt that he will perform beyond the expectations by turning around the Polytechnic in all ramifications,” he said.
The monarch prayed for the Ag. Rector and assured him of the maximum cooperation and support of his kingdom for him to succeed beyond his predecessors.
Ohimegye also promised to convey the message of gratitude of the Ag. Rector to Governor Yahaya Bello for finding him worthy to be appointed as Ag. Rector of the Polytechnic.
In another development, the Ag. Rector also proceeded to the Palace of the Maigari of Lokoja with his entourage for continuation of the familiarisation tour where he was received by the Maigari, Alhaji (Dr) Mohammmed Kabir Makarfi III.
At the Palace of the Maigari, the Ag. Rector further pledged his unalloyed loyalty while seeking collaborative support from the royal father for peace and tranquility in and around the Polytechnic community.
The monarch offered prayers for a successful tenure for the Ag. Rector while promising to give him maximum cooperation. He specifically asked the Ag. Rector to inform the palace if he notice any act of encroachment into the Polytechnic land by the intruders.
