Maigari of Lokoja Honours PAAU VC, Prof. Salisu Usman, With Traditional Title
By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
The Maigari of Lokoja, HRH. Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, has conferred the prestigious traditional title of Wakilin Karatu Lokoja (Education Ambassador of Lokoja) on the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Salisu Ogbo Usman.
The conferment was conveyed in an official letter delivered by a delegation led by the Secretary of the Lokoja Traditional Council during a visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office on Tuesday.
Speaking on behalf of the Maigari of Lokoja, the Secretary of the Council, Mohammad Maikarfi Usman, congratulated Prof. Usman on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, describing it as well deserved.
He urged the university administrator to replicate at PAAU the remarkable achievements he recorded during his tenure as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, noting that his outstanding performance formed the basis for the honour bestowed on him.
According to him, Prof. Usman’s administration at the Polytechnic was transformational, marked by purposeful leadership, impactful reforms, infrastructural development, and the successful eradication of cultism and related activities within and around the institution.
The council secretary further praised the Vice-Chancellor’s integrity, leadership qualities, and commitment to educational advancement, describing them as worthy of recognition.
He disclosed that the title of Wakilin Karatu Lokoja, meaning “Education Ambassador of Lokoja,” was conferred on Prof. Usman by the Maigari of Lokoja in his capacity as Chairman of the Lokoja Traditional Council.
He added that with the conferment, the Vice-Chancellor had become a member of the Lokoja Traditional Title Holders’ Council and would henceforth bear the traditional salutation, “Daudu.”
The delegation noted that the honour was in recognition of Prof. Usman’s wealth of experience, professionalism, personal integrity, and unwavering dedication to educational development in Lokoja and beyond.
Responding, Prof. Usman expressed profound appreciation to the Maigari of Lokoja and the Traditional Council for finding him worthy of the prestigious honour.
He described Lokoja as his second home and recalled that remarkable progress was recorded during his tenure at Kogi State Polytechnic.
The Vice-Chancellor thanked former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, for appointing him first as Acting Rector and later substantive Rector of the Polytechnic.
He also appreciated the current Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for renewing his appointment as Rector and later elevating him to the position of Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
According to him, the successive appointments reflected the confidence and satisfaction of the Kogi State Government with the reforms initiated and implemented during his administration at the Polytechnic.
Prof. Usman noted that he spent less than one year into his second tenure as Rector before being appointed Vice-Chancellor, describing the development as unprecedented.
He also recalled receiving letters of commendation from two Governing Councils he served under, which he said demonstrated consistency, dedication, and confidence in his leadership abilities.
The Vice-Chancellor reiterated that one of the landmark achievements of his administration at Kogi State Polytechnic was the eradication of cult-related activities and the restoration of peace and discipline within the institution and neighbouring communities.
He added that throughout his tenure as Rector, the institution did not witness violent student protests or disturbances, attributing the feat to inclusive leadership and effective engagement with stakeholders.
Prof. Usman formally accepted the traditional title and dedicated the honour to Yahaya Bello and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for giving him the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership qualities in public service.
