Permit me to use this medium to formally congratulate the entire good people of Okunland, government and people of Kogi state, as well as numerous others on the establishment of Kogi State University, Kabba, by the Kogi state Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello.
The legendary and foremost African, late Nelson Mandela espoused in one of his most popular speeches that, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The good people of Okunland; from our days in the old Kwara and now Kogi state, as the greatest hub of education in both states, have always canvassed, pushed for, and desired the establishment of a University. Realizing that education is the most singular tool, and platform through which any, and all negative barriers can be broken, and the march towards meaningful growth and development of our communities can be birth, there has been, in times past and most recent, vagaries of genuine agitation for the establishment of University in Okunland by sons and daughters of the blessed land.
With the provisional license granted to the Kogi state Government for the establishment of Kogi State University, Kabba, by the National Universities Commission early this week, it signals the dawn of new thing in our collective desire for meaningful growth and development not only in Kabba (the host community of the newly created University) but the entire Okunland, Kogi West District, the entire Kogi State and Nigeria.
As I join others in commending the Kogi State Government for this laudable and courageous development, let me enjoin His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello to match words with action by ensuring that necessary funds and human resources are deployed towards fulfilling his promise and desire that, “admitted students will be matriculated in the University before the end of my tenure as Governor of Kogi state.” Equally, I wish to commend members of the Kogi State Executive Council, and others in Kogi state government who played different and divergent roles in the establishment of Kogi State University, Kabba.
One cannot forget the Fatherly role of all traditional rulers in Okunland as ably led by His Majesty, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba, and Chairman of Okun Traditional Council. Not forgetting our religious leaders and followers for all your respective and collective prayers and intercessions. For all Elders, Leaders, and numerous others across the entire communities, towns and villages in Okunland, I say a big thank you.
One is confident that with the establishment and takeoff of the Kogi State University, Kabba, as well as the Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Mopa, these will lead to the creation of more academic institutions in Okunland, and drive numerous developmental strides across the length and breadth of our land.
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Tajudeen (TeeJay)
Immediate past Member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency and Kogi West PDP Senatorial Candidate
Tuesday, June 27, 2023.