In recognition of his outstanding achievements and positive impact in Kogi State Polytechnic over the last 10 months, the Acting Rector, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman has been honoured with series of accolades, awards and certificates.
The latest of such recognitions have come from political action groups, student associations, civil society organisations, clubs and notable virtual platforms operating within and outside Kogi State.
One of the groups which honoured the Acting Rector with a Certificate of Credence was the Coalition of Political Parties and Nigeria National Volunteer Services/Diaspora Affairs.
At the presentation in the Acting Rector’s office on Monday, 8th of February, 2021, Honorable Ibrahim Itodo who led the group described Dr Usman as a leader who has showed dexterity, resilience and hard work which have yielded uncommon results as reflected in the human and environmental renewal of the institution.
Honorable Itodo said history would not forget Dr Usman who has taken a risk to do the needful which has become a reference for other institutions in and around the state.
On their part, the Dekina Students Association, Omala Students Association (both of Kogi State Polytechnic Chapter) and Rotaract Club of Lokoja, each respectively conferred Award of Excellent Performance, Positive Impact in Humanitarian Service and Distinguished Performance on Dr. Usman as he marked 10 months in office as Acting Rector.
In their separate presentations, Comrades Achema Shaibu, Adama Murtala Muhammed and Rotaractor Abuh Abubakar(who spoke for the Associations and Club) said the conferment of awards were their own ways of appreciating the good work embarked upon by Dr Usman in the institution.
While charging him not to relent in positively transforming the status of the institution, they promised to always support and encourage the Acting Rector to do more.
Earlier in the day (Monday) the Ofu Students Association, Kogi State Polytechnic Chapter, celebrated the Acting Rector in a very unique manner by cleaning the environment and presenting cleaning materials as part of their campaign to “Keep Kogi Poly Clean”.
The students said that the campaign was deemed necessary to appreciate Dr Usman because no award would adequately capture the indelible mark he has made in the institution.
While presenting the cleaning materials, Comrade Akor Obile who spoke on behalf of the group, pledged their total support to the Dr. Usman led administration.
On Saturday, 6th of February, 2021, Dr Usman was among the award recipients at the Third Edition of Kogi Social Media Awards, where he was decorated with the “Media Achiever’s Award”, for positively projecting the image of Kogi State Polytechnic.
The Convener of the award, Dansofo Usman Jnr, said Dr Usman has effectively promoted the educational policies of Governor Yahaya Bello, a record he described as worthy of emulation.
In separate reactions to the honours bestowed on him, Dr Ogbo Usman expressed gratitude to groups and associations for acknowledging the efforts he has made so far.
He also appreciated the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for the privilege to serve.
He said that being the youngest ever and first alumnus to be appointed as Acting Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, it has become incumbent on him to perform so as to create similar opportunities for future generations.
He noted that his emergence as Acting Rector was an opportunity to break barriers, adding that his tenure would focus more on bringing about ethics and values as well as breeding great future leaders through quality learning.
He recalled that within his ten months in Office, the Polytechnic has been blessed with School of Agricultural Technology (with four new departments) four directorates and one unit, a development that has placed the institution among the comity of great citadel of learning in the country.
Dr Usman Ogbo who has received over 15 awards and certificates of excellence since he assumed office said, he has also turned down over 20 of them due to time constraint and to avoid distraction from the set goals.
He urged the youths to always be on the side of the law and shun any act capable of affecting their reputation and that of their families, just as he promised to continue to train them both in character and learning.
It could be recalled that Dr Usman was appointed as the Acting Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello on 7th of April, 2020.
He has turned around the fortunes of the institution positively, prompting commendations and accolades by various youths, students groups and political bodies within and outside the State.
Compiled By:
Uredo Omale (Mrs.)
Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit.
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.