New Ondachi of Ogbani, Alh. Alhassan Zakari Dubu, Pledges Peace, Development As He Ascends Throne, laud Gov. Ododo.
…. Seeks Support For Health Centre And Schools
As he mounts the seat of his forefathers as the Ondachi of Ogbani (Wa’ari) of Ohikwo Village, Ganaja, His Royal Highness, Alh. Alhassan Zakari (Dubu) II, has pledged to make peace and development the hallmark of his reign.
The traditional ruler praised the administration of Gov Usman Ahmed Ododo for his support to the traditional institution in the state, assured of the entire support of his community now and beyond 2027.
The traditional ruler made the disclosure in a chat with the Nigerian Post Newspaper, says his major priority, is to see the development of Ohikwo-Ganaja, the once unknown quiet community that stretches from Mallam Hassan Junction to Wada Estate and beyond, and which is now thickly populated.
While expressing confidence in the goodwill of government and development partners, the new Ondachi noted that the community would be greatly encouraged if it could in the near future benefit from basic social amenities such as a Primary Health Centre, a Government Primary School and a Junior Secondary School.
“My joy will be full the day this community owns its own Primary Health Centre, its own Government Primary School and its own Junior Secondary School,” the new Ondachi said.
Speaking ahead of his turbaning ceremony scheduled for Friday, 6th and Saturday, 7th November, 2026, at the Palace of the Anaja Gaku of Ganaja, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Jibril, the Ondachi-elect observed that despite its rapid growth, the community is still lacking in basic infrastructure.
He said the absence of a Primary Health Centre, Primary School and Junior Secondary Schools remains his major concern, as children trek long distances daily to access education, while mothers, the elderly and the sick struggle to access basic healthcare.
He expressed hope that the Kogi State Government, relevant agencies, development partners, NGOs and well-meaning individuals would in due course support the community in providing these critical facilities that will address the health and education needs of the teeming population.
The new Ondachi said his greatest desire upon assumption is peace and development.
According to him, Ohikwo-Ganaja is home to diverse people from different ethnic groups, religions and backgrounds, all living together as one family. Sustaining peace, he said, is therefore not an option but a necessity.
He described Ohikwo-Ganaja as the fastest growing community within a 16-kilometre radius of the state capital, Lokoja, a community whose population grows daily as people troop in from all parts of the country in search of land, livelihood and a peaceful abode.
“My greatest desire upon assumption is peace, because of the diverse people residing in this community. We are the fastest growing community within 16 kilometres radius of the capital, and that is why we need sustained peace. But peace must go with development,” he said.
His Royal Highness is not a stranger to Ohikwo. He joined the pioneer founders of the community from its earliest days, standing with the founding fathers to clear the land, build homes, establish families and lay the foundation for what has today become one of the most vibrant settlements in Lokoja.
His journey from a pioneer settler to the throne is therefore a story of loyalty, sacrifice and deep-rooted belonging. He grew with the community, suffered with it, and laboured for its growth long before it became the toast of the capital city.
His Royal Highness, Alh. Alhassan Zakari (Dubu) was born on June 15th, 1972, to the family of late Mallam Alhassan Abubakar Ejikwo and Mallama Adama Yusuf Abubakar of Irenu-Okwozose, Koton-Karfe, in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He began his educational journey at L.G.E.D Primary School, Shafa-Abakpa, Nasarawa State, between 1984 and 1990, and proceeded to Government Science Secondary School, Shafa-Abakpa, between 1992 and 1999.
On completion of his secondary education, he ventured into business, dealing in farm produce, to earn a living, a period that grounded him in the realities of grassroots enterprise and community life.
As Allah would pave the way, he was employed into the Kogi State House of Assembly on September 20th, 2000, as a Clerical Officer. Through diligence, loyalty and uncommon commitment to duty, he rose through the ranks to become the Head of Protocol Department, a position he held with distinction and honour.
Beyond the civil service, HRH Alh. Alhassan Zakari Dubu distinguished himself in community security and service to humanity.
He served as Commandant, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) from 2013 to 2016, and later as Commandant, Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) from 2017 to 2026, where he played a vital role in safeguarding lives, property and the forest corridors of the state.
In his unrelenting quest for education, he enrolled at the Kogi State Polytechnic, where he obtained a Diploma in Public Administration and is currently rounding off his academic pursuit.
In recognition of his track record, integrity and acceptability by his people, His Royal Highness was appointed Ondachi-Ogbani (Wa’ari) of Ohikwo Village on September 7th, 2026, by His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State.
His appointment was received with joy and celebration across Ogbani Ward, Ohikwo and the entire Ganaja community, as a choice that reflects the will of the people and the blessing of tradition.
The turbaning proper holds on Friday by 2:00pm, while a grand reception in honour of the new Ondachi will follow on Saturday.
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, and the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Aliyu, are expected as Special Guests of Honour and Chairmen of the Ceremony at both the turbaning and the reception.
Traditional rulers, political leaders, community leaders, friends, well-wishers and sons and daughters of Ganaja, both at home and in the diaspora, are expected to grace the historic occasion.
He is happily married to Mallama Ramatu Adamu Zakari and Mallama Hajara Ndanusa Zakari, and blessed with nine (9) children.
The new Ondachi-Ogbani (Wa’ari) is widely described as a personality endowed with the wisdom, patience and administrative ability to lead Ohikwo Village and its inhabitants to enviable heights, and to achieve the desired goals of unity, peace and development.
As he ascends the stool, the people of Ogbani Ward look forward to a reign marked by peace, inclusiveness, cultural renaissance, youth empowerment and socio-economic growth.
A new chapter has indeed begun. A new Ondachi has come, with a clear vision: peace and development for Ohikwo-Ganaja.
