Rector ascribes achievements to Gov. Bello’s strategic transformation initiatives

By Friday Idachaba Lokoja.

Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic Dr Salisu Usman Ogbo, has ascribed the academic and infrastructural development at the Polytechnic to Governor Yahaya Bello’s strategic transformation agenda for the state.

Ogbo gave the indication during a chat with newsmen following the conferment of chieftaincy title of “Oma-Oja Atta’ Igala” on him by the Atta, HRM Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa at his palace in Idah.

He said that the governor was behind every achievement made in the institution adding that the reforms carried out in the effort to reposition the institution were adequately backed and encouraged by the governor.

The Associate Professor of Political Economy noted that the governor, in his zeal to develop the state from all fronts, gave the impetus for the achievements which he described as products of courage and udacity.

Dr Ogbo also attributed his success to the support and cooperation of staff of the Polytechnic as well as goodwill from the general public who encourage positive development in the society.

“I remain eternally grateful to Almighty God and His Excellency, Yahaya Adoza Bello for giving me opportunity to be at the Kogi State Polytechnic this time. Whatever we have done or achieved there, from A to Z, they are all as directed by the governor.

“We have carried out a lot of reforms, we have stepped on toes that would have been enough to make us unpopular but it’s like the more we take such steps, the more popular we become.

“It’s an indication that the people appreciate that the right things were being done. I can give you a typical example of lecturers forcing students to buy textbooks which we stopped.

“It was a very sensitive area to go. But with the members of the public, the parents, students and the good spirited staff members of Kogi State Polytechnic, majority of them on our side, we were able to achieve the desired results”, he said.

On the Chieftaincy title, Ogbo said, “The title means a lot to me. It is an indication that some people, somewhere are watching us and what we are doing at our own micro level and they felt that we have made impact.

“I don’t want to use the word significant. We have made impact in the lives of the people and made contributions to our father land, Kogi state and Nigeria at large.

“For me, it’s an indication that yes, you are doing well and also a technical message from the people saying, ‘we want you to do more’.

“It was on my birthday that representative of Gabaidu, the Eje of Ofu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Akwu Obaje, broke the news that Gabaidu had resolved to give me a chieftaincy title. I did not lobby for it”, he said.

The Rector expressed his appreciation to the Atta Igala for the recognition of his modest contributions and the honour of the chieftaincy title saying that he would remain eternally grateful and committed to touching humanity positively.

It will be recalled that the Associate Professor who has over 60 awards in his kitty was recently honoured with another award as the “Best Educational Administrator of the Year, 2022” by Kogi State council of the the Nigeria Union of Journalists.