Kogi Poly Rector Seeks Ohinoyi's Intervention on Illegal Encroachment of Itakpe Campus Land »

The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Usman Ogbo, has appealed to his His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Muhammad Ahmed-Tijani Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebira, to intervene in the ongoing issue of land encroachment at the institution’s Itakpe campus. Prof. Ogbo made this appeal today during a courtesy visit to the Ohinoyi’s palace in Okene, where he led a delegation of the institution’s management team.

The Kogi State government recently approved the perimeter fencing of Itakpe campus, a significant development aimed at enhancing security and protecting the institution’s assets. The project, which commenced earlier this week, is expected to bolster the overall safety of students, staff, and infrastructure within the campus. However, the fencing project has been met with resistance from some individuals who have encroached on the institution’s land over the years.

During the visit, the Rector expressed deep concern over the encroachment activities, which he described as a threat to the educational institution’s expansion plans and a potential source of conflict in the community.

According to Prof. Ogbo, the land at the Itakpe campus is vital for the future development of the Polytechnic, including the establishment of facilities that would enhance the learning environment for students. However, he lamented that some individuals have illegally taken over parts of the land, erecting structures without proper authorization. “The illegal encroachment on our land is not only unlawful but also detrimental to the progress of the Polytechnic. We have all the necessary documentation and approvals for this land gotten as far back as when we were part of Kwara state, and it is disheartening to see such activities being carried out with impunity,” Prof. Ogbo stated.

The Rector expressed hope that the intervention of the Ohinoyi, as a respected traditional ruler and custodian of the land, would help restore order and prevent any escalation of the situation.

Professor Ogbo also used the visit to formally inform the Ohinoyi about his recent reappointment as Rector by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and asked the traditional ruler to help extend his gratitude to the governor. He took his time to reel out the numerous and unprecedented achievements recorded under his administration, promising to continue to do his best to transforming the institution to the admiration of the governor and the good people of Kogi State.

In response, the Ohinoyi of Ebira, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Muhammad Ahmed-Tijani Anaje, expressed joy over the reappointment of Prof. Ogbo as Rector. He said the Rector’s reappointment is well-deserved as he has proven to be a positive impact on the institution, noting that his record in Kogi State Polytechnic are laudable and a sound justification for another term. He commended the Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo for the decision.

The Ohinoyi who promised to intervene in the encroachment issue by inviting all parties involved to a meeting aimed at resolving the matter amicably, however stated that he would not condone any act that would stand in the way of the progress of the institution.

The Mornach who further praised the Rector for his efforts in unifying the diversity of tribes and ethnicity within the campus, and for improving staff and students welfare, assured Prof. Ogbo that he would convey a letter of appreciation to the Governor of Kogi State, expressing gratitude for the reappointment.

He noted that Ododo is a vibrant governor who has, despite his short time in office so far, surpassed the expectations of many. He commended the governor for his proper handling of the recent nationwide protest which Kogi State abstained from due to their trust and believe in him.

The Ohinoyi also used the occasion to venture into other topics of agriculture and rotational governorship in Kogi State. He urge the public to engage in agriculture as a way of combating current food crisis across the country, revealing that he has directed all his workers to own a farm no matter how small.

The Mornach further suggest that the traditional institution in the state, though non-political, should look into advising political actor to adopt a rotational system of governorship whereby the position would be rotated among the three senatorial districts. This he said would promote cohesion, reduce tension and cost of running for the office.