Ojotule Michael Support Group to honor Kogi Deputy Governor, Reps Abejide, Deputy Speaker Nwuchiola, Solid Minerals Commissioner Bashir Gegu, AG Oyiza Onumoko, DG Govt. House Oricha, others with leadership awards on October 18
By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
The stage is set for the Prince Ojotule Michael Support Group’s maiden Stakeholders Interactive and Award Presentation. The support group will through its convener, Prince Ojotule Michael will formerly present leadership awards to some prominent Kogi leaders who have excel both in Government and in private sectors for their various contribution to the State
The occasion will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Children Amusement Park in Lokoja.
Those to be presented with Ojotule Mecheal Support Group Leadership award include, Kogi State Deputy Governor, Elder Salifu Joel Oyibo has been supportive to his principal and Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, since their election on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2023 gubernatorial election.
Salifu Joel Oyibo’s background includes being a teacher and a politician.
His political commitment has been highlighted as focused on prioritizing the welfare of the people and infrastructural development in Kogi State.
He has emphasized support for Governor Ododo’s administration, pledging loyalty and underscoring the importance of unity and inclusive governance to drive progress.
He is also recognized as the political leader of Kogi East and has engaged in activities supporting communal harmony and development.
He will be conferred by Ojotule Michael Support Group Leadership award for his commitment and support to Kogi State Government.
Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, a Nigerian politician born on May 8, 1975. He represents the Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopa-Muro Federal Constituency in Kogi State in the House of Representatives
He is affiliated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party.
Abejide has a background in economics with a bachelor’s degree from Ahmadu Bello University and an MBA from Bayero University Kano.
He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 and re-elected for a second term in 2023.
Abejide is known for his active role in his party and constituency, including recent public stances against party coalitions and internal disputes within the ADC
He is notable for his philanthropic work through the Leke Abejide Foundation, supporting education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, including paying WAEC fees for students and providing interest-free loans for women empowerment.
He has also sponsored significant legislative reforms in customs and excise management.
Rt. Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, representing Ibaji Constituency. She is the first female Deputy Speaker Kogi State. She has been recognized for representing her constituency and Ojotule Michael Support Group Leadership award aim to acknowledging her contributions
Engineer Muhammed Abubakar Bashir Gegu, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources in Kogi State. He is a trained chemical engineer who graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2009.
Engr. Bashir Gegu has served as Commissioner for Solid Minerals under different administrations, including Governor Yahaya Bello and now under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s APC government.
He manages the state’s mining policies, regulations, and partnerships with investors to harness Kogi’s rich solid mineral resources for sustainable economic development.
He hails from Gegu Beki in Koton Karfe-Kogi Local Government Area and Ojotule Michael Support Group will recognized him as a dedicated, result-oriented, and compassionate leader with a background in politics, governance, and entrepreneurship.
Gegu has held various key roles in Kogi State politics and administration since January 29, 2020, and continues to serve actively in his current role
Hajiya Habitat Oyiza Tijani Onumoko is the first female Accountant General of Kogi State. She is a highly accomplished financial professional with a rich academic background, holding a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Accounting and Finance from prestigious institutions.
She is known for her dedication, integrity, and hard work in public service.
Dr. Habibat Onumoko has served in various significant roles within Kogi State’s civil service, including Treasurer in Okene local government, Director of Finance and Accounts, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs.
She is also the founder of the Fair Win Women Advancement Association (FAWWASS), a social-political organization empowering women across Kogi State.
Her philanthropic efforts are widely recognized, and she has received several awards for her contributions.
She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in Nigeria and a Fellow of Forensic Accountants.
Her leadership and dedication have made her a respected figure and a symbol of hope, especially for women and girls in the State
She will be honoured by the Ojotule Michael Support Group Leadership award
Alhaji Dr. Umaru Oricha Shuaibu, PhD, the Director General of Government House Administration in Kogi State. Ojotule Michael Support Group will recognized him as a servant leader with an enduring passion for his role and responsibilities.
He has been noted in various public and community engagements in this capacity. His leadership and administrative roles have been highlighted in reports and media, reflecting his influence and contributions to the government administration in Kogi State
Others are technocrats who have contributed immensely using links and connection towards bettering the lot of the Statel
Global Times Nigeria reports that the upcoming event seeks to convene key stakeholders, supporters, and community leaders to deliberate on strategies for grassroots mobilization, youth empowerment, and community development.
Themed “Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness for Democratic Sustainability: Insights from Governor Ododo’s Governance Experience,” the event will feature the Kogi State Deputy Governor, Elder Joel Salifu, as the distinguished Chairman of the occasion.
The member representing Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro federal Constituency Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims at the House of Representatives and the Kogi state Accountant General Doctor Habibat Oyiza Tijani Onumoko are special guests of honor.
A statement by the organizing committee named Doctor Friday Achema as the guest speaker, while Hon Samuel Juliana Funmilayo will be the chair lady of the occasion.
The ceremony will also include a special award presentation to recognize individuals and groups who have contributed to the progress and vision of the support group.
Prince Ojotule Michael, known for his commitment to leadership and community service, is expected to deliver an inspiring address during the program.
As the chief host, Prince Ojotule Michael has encouraged invitees to be punctual to the event, which commences at ten o’clock in the morning.
