Dr. Usman Salifu Ogbo: A Journey of Self-Growth, Loyalty, and Consistency »

By Abdul Mohammed Lawal.

The life of a destined individual often unfolds as an adventurous journey, marked by positivity
and a constant presence in the spotlight, even when they may attempt to shy away or hide at times. Fate seems to seek them out, adorning them with crowns of success. The humble
beginnings and rise to glory of Assoc. Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo, stand out as a remarkable story of humility as a defining attribute.

From a young age, Assc. Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo exhibited the ability to inspire trust and dependence in others. ‘Presido’ as he was fondly called consistently lived up to the expectations placed upon him, fostering a virtue that became even more pronounced as he became an academia and pursued leadership positions. His journey journey reflects a commitment to inclusivity, showcasing his capacity to carry people along as he ascends the ladder of life.

Ogbo has always been driven by a pursuit of greatness, exhibiting a tenacious and persistent nature. This determination, often perceived as stubbornness, those who shared in his Aluta experience during his undergraduate days at the prestigious Bayero University Kano (BUK) knows more than just that. Stories abound of how he advocated for the education of Ankpa youths and played a pivotal role in helping many deserving individuals gain admission to his alma mater while still a student himself.

As he transitioned into mainstream academia with the support of his benefactor, Professor Shamsudeen Onyilokwu Amali (OFR), a distinguished Professor of Theatre and Drama, Ogbo’s strong-willed nature and ability to earn people’s trust continued to influence his career. The University of Illorin (UI) became a second home for many from Ogbo’s cherished Ankpa. This impactful trait became even more evident when he transferred as a lecturer to Department of Political Science in the then Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and I personally witnessed his impactful presence during this period.

During Prof. Hassan Isah’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the institution, the impact of his leadership and dedication to serving the people became evident in a relatively short period. He became a trusted advocate for students, fiercely protecting their interests and sometimes challenging the system to ensure fairness. Those who were involved in student unionism at KSU during Ogbo’s time would have fascinating stories to share. His influence and commitment persisted beyond Prof. Hassan Isah’s term, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in the academic environment.

When the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged in 2015, ushering in the New Direction Administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Assoc. Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo, in his outspoken and seemingly radical manner, launched a campaign against what ensued. His frustration as a Political Scientist stemmed from how the Federal Government handled the situation following the death of His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu, which presented a unique challenge to democracy.

Being a typical Igala man, Ogbo anticipated that the academic world’s perspective would have favored a fresh primary election for the leading APC candidate, but this was not the case. Ogbo did not hold back his resentment for this process, which resulted in some viewing him as a scapegoat that certain individuals within the educational system wanted to undermine. However, he remained undeterred by these challenges to his influence. His unwavering spirit to stand by his beliefs made him a challenging target, earning admiration even from those who sought to undermine him.

As time passed, the situation fluctuated from better to good, then from good to bad, and eventually deteriorated to the worst. Throughout this period, the attention-grabbing actions of Assoc. Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo consistently drew the focus of the then Igala-born Chief of Staff to the governor a, Chief David Edward Onoja. Onoja aimed to assemble a formidable group of intellectuals around the New Direction Administration and saw the immeasurable possibilities that Ogbo would bring on board.

The average Kogite viewed that the challenges of the ongoing pressure and expectations would drive Ogbo away from the Kogi State educational system, he remained and even laughed off concerns. However, after a prolonged period of back-and-forth exchanges, a small government gesture that he dismissed initially gave him a new perspective on the battle he was engaged in. Assoc. Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo encountered a serious situation involving his late brother, who was a prominent trader known as ‘Iyawo Senior’.

His brother became bedridden due to life-threatening complications that arose during a business trip to the eastern part of Nigeria, requiring urgent surgery. Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo was deeply strained and unable to find the necessary assistance to save his brother’s life, with the entire family relying on him. Despite reaching out to contacts far and wide for help, his efforts were unsuccessful. Ultimately, he resorted to selling some of his properties to raise funds, which still fell short of the required amount.

He even put a price tag on his only car to secure the remaining funds needed to save his family from the potential loss of an exceptional son, brother, father, and husband. In his state of helplessness, Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo received a call from Chief David Edward Onoja, which initially he was hesitant to answer due to his focus on more immediate concerns rather than engaging in government-related matters. However, this call was different. Upon answering, he expressed genuine concern about the situation with Ogbo’s younger brother and conveyed the government’s willingness to assist. Chief Onoja then gave the phone to His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who appealed to Ogbo to set aside their disagreements temporarily and join forces to save a life.

Banking details for the hospital were swiftly provided, and the government promptly covered the costs of the necessary operation. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, luck was not on the side of the Usman family, as their beloved family member passed away shortly after the operation.

The heartbreak and pain of the situation drove Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo into a period of temporary hibernation. He withdrew from his usual activities, seeking solace in his safe space to heal and begin anew. However, the deep pain remains fresh even today, with no amount of success able to erase it. But despite his reluctance to accept further assistance, the government continued to offer unwavering support, recognizing Ogbo’s humanity and remaining committed to engaging with him. This period, and the subsequent decisions made, marked a new phase in the life of this academic and political figure.

After much deliberation, Usman Salifu Ogbo agreed to attend a meeting with the New Direction Administration, following months of mourning his brother. This particular gathering proved transformative, opening his eyes to perspectives he had overlooked from the outside. In that moment, he realized the intrinsic beauty of what he had been denying himself from knowing.

What surprised Ogbo even more was the composition of the attendees—aside from one Ebira individual, everyone else present at the meeting were Igalas, the same community he had been advocating for in his fight against the government. This experience marked a profound shift in his outlook, and life was never the same afterwards.

After returning home, Assoc. Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo took several months to reflect on his newer perspectives and how they could improve governance in Kogi State. During this time, the atmosphere of witch-hunting had ceased, and he began to thrive once again in the academic environment. Gradually, this relationship developed, and when the opportunity arose to appoint a new Rector for Kogi State Polytechnic (KSP), Lokoja, the government recognized Ogbo as the most qualified candidate for the role. Assoc. Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo initially served in an acting capacity before being permanently appointed. This decision proved to be one of the best made by His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello during his two terms in office.

This newfound relationship with the government created many enemies for Assoc. Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo, particularly among his fellow Igala people. However, this alliance proved beneficial when during the declaration of the 2019 Kogi State gubernatorial election, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello looked Ogbo in the eyes and declared, ‘Doctor, this is your victory.’ Ogbo has been a crucial figure in leveraging the opportunities presented to him and is willing to go beyond conventional boundaries to uphold his beliefs. His unwavering commitment often extends to actions that some may find uncomfortable, yet loyalty remains a cherished value for him. From a distance, I admire his steadfast dedication and unwavering principles.

I am a firm advocate for human development, and Kogi State is in great need of such initiatives. From my vantage point as an observer, I commend Assoc. Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo for his outstanding contributions in this area. The remarkable transformations during the recruitment process at the KSP, aimed at enhancing its manpower for excellence, could only have been achieved under his leadership. This merit-based exercise was not influenced by favoritism, allowing sons of ordinary citizens to rise as educators for the next generation. I personally know numerous individuals who benefited from this scheme, and it is truly commendable.

The transformative leadership and achievements during Ogbo’s tenure at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, will be recounted when the adventure draws to a close. I will tell a full story.

It is worth noting that I have never received support from Assoc. Prof. Usman Salifu Ogbo in any form, even when I presented my book ‘THE BIRTH OF HOPE’ to him, it received little attention. However, this does not diminish my gratitude towards him for the impactful work he has accomplished within his sphere of influence. This is not a praising-singing loyal employee. I hope that by publishing the story of his efforts, it will explain why his convictions aren’t unshakeable and inspire other Kogites to prioritize serving humanity as a moral obligation rather than merely a choice.