By joshua Tribute To Sen Ohere @ 60: Kogi Central Hero, Relevant In Age, Service – By Abu Micheal
…The Engineer‑Turned‑Lawmaker Whose Tomorrow Looks Pregnant With The Seeds He Has Sown
By Abu Micheal
Senator Abubakar Sadiku Ohere turned 60 today, July 13, 2026. And in Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Ajaokuta and Ogori-Magongo, the mood is one of gratitude.
For Kogi Central, this is not just a birthday. It is the celebration of a life lived in service, a life that may not be canvassing for votes today, but whose tomorrow looks pregnant, and will no doubt burst forth in the near years because of the many seeds he has sown.
Born on July 13, 1966 in Okene, Engr. Ohere holds an OND and HND in Metallurgical Engineering from Kwara State Polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic, Idah, a Master’s in Mining Engineering from FUT Akure, and an honorary PhD from the State University of New York, 2017.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, FNSE, and member of COREN, COMEG and NSE, he spent two decades in the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, rising to management level before answering the call to politics.
His journey in Kogi politics began in 2016–2019 as Special Adviser and later Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. There, he brought stability, cohesion and dignity to traditional institutions. He deepened grassroots peace, mediated community disputes, and strengthened the interface between government and royal fathers across the state.
Between 2020–2022 as Commissioner for Works and Housing, he redefined infrastructure in Kogi. Roads were opened, bridges completed, and public facilities delivered with a focus on durability and impact. It was during this period that many began to call him “the engineer with a human face.”
In 2023, he captured the Kogi Central Senatorial seat. Though the Court of Appeal overturned the victory after seven months, his brief but eventful stay in the Red Chamber left an indelible mark.
As Senate Committee Chairman on Local Content, a rare feat for a first-timer, he moved motions to strengthen the Local Content Act, oversaw compliance audits in the petroleum sector, and championed indigenous capacity. He was also a strong voice for the resuscitation of Ajaokuta Steel and for bills that prioritized community empowerment and infrastructure.
Ohere’s politics has always been about people.
In education, he paid WAEC fees for 100 students and JAMB fees for over 300 candidates. He built classrooms at Lenon Memorial College and St. Andrew’s School, Okene.
In infrastructure and community support, he completed the Ozuwaya Central Mosque, drilled boreholes in Etahi, Idatochi, New Zango, and Oziokutu, and supplied transformers and solar lights to Anyoke, Adavi Central, Nagazi, Uvete and Akete-Ohu.
In empowerment, he distributed sewing machines to market women and gave N100,000 seed money to 100 youths trained in soap making, detergents, and palm-oil production.
These are not campaign promises. They are footprints.
The numerous voices celebrating a quintessential Leader,
The several tributes at 60 have been unanimous.
The Project Coordinator of Kogi ACReSAL, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, OON, described him as:
“A quintessential public servant, a visionary administrator, and a shining beacon of service whose life continues to inspire a generation of leaders across Kogi State and beyond. As Commissioner for Works, he redefined the face of infrastructure in our State. As Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, he brought stability and dignity to our traditional institutions. And in the Senate, he was a voice of reason, courage, and advocacy for Kogi Central. You are a pride to Kogi State and a true embodiment of leadership with compassion.”
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo noted:
“Senator Ohere embodies purpose, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public good. His blend of technical expertise and grassroots engineering is exactly what Kogi Central needs to finish the projects he started.”
Former Governor Yahaya Bello, CON, in his message said:
“At 60, Senator Abubakar Ohere has every reason to be grateful to Almighty Allah for a life defined by purpose, sacrifice, and selfless service to humanity. He is a dependable ally, seasoned statesman, and consummate public servant whose wealth of experience continues to inspire the younger generation of leaders.”
Community groups from the Lions Club of Ebiraland to youth associations and the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, have also rallied behind him, citing his humility, loyalty to tradition, and bridge-building approach across party lines.
Senator Ohere is many things: a diligent engineer, a compassionate servant-leader, a bridge-builder. But above all, he is a man loved by his people.
In all honesty, he may not be on the ballot today. But the public perception in Kogi Central is clear: his engineering background, proven track record, and Midas touch in every assignment make him the man for tomorrow.
The story of Engr. Abubakar Sadiku Ohere is the summation of a man who has lived for the people. At 60, the seeds are already germinating.
Happy 60th Birthday, Distinguished Senator Abubakar Sadiku Ohere. Kogi Central is proud of you. Kogi State is proud of you. Nigeria is proud of you.
Abu Micheal, Journalist, Publisher, Member ANIPR, MNIM, Editorial Board Member, Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria, MCIA