At birth, his parents had a premonition that their son was destined to be a leader and counsellor to great men, so they named him Ahmed meaning the highly praised, Usman meaning the “wise, most powerful”. Ododo is the Symbol of Love, Pure and Auspicious. That premonition has been the lot of Hon Ododo Ahmed Usman APC Candidate for Governorship election of Kogi State and former LG Auditor General.
Long before his birth, his family had known respect and maintained a strong voice in the community, main reason they were called Ododo meaning counsellors of great leaders
Trained as a democrat, conflict intervention and resolutionist at Ahmasu Bello University Zaria, this urbane and avid believer in the integrity of hard work and merit in public service, has lived a life of selflessness and sacrifice for the good of the greater society.
Ododo Ahmed Usman or OAU as he is fondly called by friends and associates is a highly detribalised Kogites. He does not discriminate on the grounds of tribe, religion or district. As former LG Auditor General of the State this was very evident in his selection of his immediate aides and staff from all religions, cultures, ethnic groups and regions in the state.
A man who loves wearing mostly white clothes, as a constant reminder of his covenant with a life of purity, is an uncommon bridge builder across the many tribes, religions and senatorial district contours in the state. This makes him comfortable being in any part of the state. On record, he has travelled to all the nooks and crannies of the state, to honour friends and associates, sometimes to the surprise of his hosts.
As former LG Auditor General, he was reputed to have visited nearly all the Local Government Area.
OAU has a super knack for listening, which makes it easy for him to accommodate all shades of opinions and leanings. Forever in pursuit of knowledge, Ododo believes that it is in the maze of the exchange of ideas, convictions and discussions that the best in people and issues can sprout.
His quest for and pursuit of the general good has benefited immensely from his forgiving heart. This was most tested during his election to the position of Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress. It was a very fractious campaign that called to question his personal security at many times. Once the primary election was over, Ododo let go of all acrimonies, choosing instead to rally everyone, including all those who opposed him, together for the common good – a united and forward looking victory in the forthcoming Guber election.
Ododo is a Muslim who believes in religious tolerance and a society where all the religions should co-exist peacefully.
He has an enduring disposition to the welfare of the poor and needy in the society. This has informed his charity works and contributions over the years and personal sacrifices for the education of the poor and underprivileged in the society. No person with need ever leaves his presence without receiving some form of succour. Many Kogites have set up flourishing businesses and schooling as a result of his benevolence.
He is a man of high integrity. His word is his honour. He is fearless in the face of intimidation and threat to personal safety. His mission has been and is still the defence of the superiority of the law and the social contract to manage for public good, public treasury entrusted to his watch.
He has lived up to this promise. Ododo was remained clean of financial scandals in all of his public leadership positions. As former Auditor General he was unblemished, as Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Ododo has been a shining example of selflessness and prudence in the management of public finance. He has been quoted to say that government must show value for money.
His public life has been driven by a quest for a society where the wealthy and strong must use their expertise and strength to ensure a system where the weak can find space and encouragement to excel. Ododo has been an example in the service of humanity.
As a young man, Ododo imbibed early the importance of knowledge and learning. He bagged Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of LagosC ertified Public Accountant (CPA).
To further the frontiers of his learning, Ododo also attended several specialist courses which has helped shape and prepare him for the rigours and expectations of top public office.
Some of the courses include, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Member, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN)M ember, Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
Known for his professionalism, and commitment to upholding financial standards.
He has proven to possess good leadership and managerial skills, with a track record of implementing reforms and improving financial management systems at the local government level.
He is also a strong advocate for transparency, accountability, and good governance in local government administration.
Ododo is a man of many parts who has been able to distinguish himself in all of them.
Ododo’s leadership as exemplary and unparalleled, he has an uncanny ability to be at 100 places at the same time. He is a bridge builder per excellence.
– Adabara Abduljelil, Convener Ododo School to School Campaign, Kogi State
