The 36 Political Elevation Group, 36 PEG, a non-partisan civic platform committed to political education, leadership development, and inclusive governance under the leadership of Prince Dan Olaitan Dada, President, celebrates the life and service of Alhaji Dr. Taofiq A. Isa of Odokoro-Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi West.
According to a statement by President of the Group, Prince Dan Olaitan Dada said Dr. Taofiq Isa stands out as a testament to the PEG philosophy: “Disappointment in Disguise → Restoration.”
His journey from grassroots mobilization to public office, through trials and back to service, mirrors the national story we champion – that no setback is final when purpose is clear.
STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT, 36 PEG:
“Dr. Taofiq Isa represents the leadership profile 36 PEG seeks to elevate across the 36 states. From ward-level mobilization in Odokoro-Gbede to serving as Kogi State ALGON Chairman and now DG of KUIMCA, his career proves that political relevance is built on consistency, loyalty to structure, and the courage to serve beyond titles. As President of 36 PEG, I commend his resilience and his pivot to infrastructure and revenue delivery for Kogi. With Ijumu II Constituency restored by INEC for 2027, his experience is now a strategic asset for democratic participation and development.” – Prince Dan Olaitan Dada, President, 36 Political Elevation Group
Why 36 PEG Recognizes Him:
1. Grassroots to Governance: From Administrator of Ijumu LGA in 2016 to elected Chairman in 2020, Dr. Isa built his profile from the ward level. He served as Kogi State ALGON Chairman through both caretaker and elected eras, becoming the longest-serving ALGON leader in the state. That record shows staying power, loyalty to structure, and deep understanding of local government – the bedrock of Nigeria’s federalism.
2. Resilience in Adversity: The Dino Melaye case of 2017 and subsequent suspension by the Assembly would have ended many political careers. But Dr. Isa chose the path of law, due process, and community reconciliation. His release on bail and return to Odokoro-Gbede was not just personal victory. It was a lesson for youths: even in darkness, faith in institutions and patience can lead to dawn. This aligns with 36 PEG’s core message: “Never lose hope in any condition, because darkness of night always ends with light of the day.”
3. Service in Infrastructure and Revenue: Today, as Director General of Kogi State Utility and Infrastructure Management & Compliance Agency, KUIMCA, Dr. Isa has pivoted from politics to service delivery. KUIMCA’s mandate – revenue generation, infrastructure standards, compliance monitoring – is central to Kogi’s development under Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo. His declaration that “we are poised to turn around the fortunes of the agency” reflects the PEG objective of transforming public institutions from symbolism to substance.
4. Loyalty and Party Cohesion: In 2024, he publicly congratulated Gov. Ododo and APC on a peaceful state congress, describing Engr. Aliyu Momoh Ezzu’s emergence as “unity, maturity, and collective resolve.” In an era of factionalism, 36 PEG values leaders who prioritize party stability over personal ambition. That is political elevation in action.
STATEMENT OF RESPECT FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL, 36 PEG:
“From the office of the Director General, I hold Dr. Taofiq Isa’s leadership style in the highest esteem. His ability to transition from political contest to administrative responsibility demonstrates maturity, discipline, and a service-first mindset. At KUIMCA, he is showing that governance is not about noise, but about compliance, standards, and measurable outcomes. This is the kind of leadership 36 PEG wants our coordinators to emulate – leaders who fall, learn, and return stronger to build institutions that work for the people.” – Hon. Chief Sanmi Isola Oluleye, Director General, 36 Political Elevation Group.
Deliverables & Lessons for 36 PEG Coordinators:
1. Stay the Course: Dr. Isa’s career proves that political relevance is not about one election. It is about consistency, structure, and service across administrations.
2. Reinvent for Impact: From LGA chairman to infrastructure DG, he shows that leaders must evolve. Today’s politics demands delivery, not just rhetoric.
3. Grassroots is Power: His base in Odokoro-Gbede, Ijumu II Constituency – one of the newly restored seats INEC announced for 2027 – positions him strategically for PEG’s mobilization. The restored constituency needs leaders who know the terrain and can deliver.
4. Character Beyond Controversy: 36 PEG does not endorse controversy. But we recognize growth, rehabilitation, and contribution. Dr. Isa’s post-2023 focus on revenue, compliance, and governance aligns with our aim: leaders of capacity, character, and commitment.
Alh. Dr. Taofiq Isa embodies what 36 PEG seeks to build across the 36 states: leaders who fall but rise, who serve beyond titles, and who turn public office into public value.
As Kogi moves from 25 to 35 constituencies, and as KUIMCA drives infrastructure compliance, Dr. Isa’s experience is an asset to the state and to our collective democratic journey.
To the people of Ijumu II and Kogi West: you have a son who has seen the storm and still stands. Let 2027 be about converting that experience into development for roads, schools, water, and jobs.
36 PEG salutes you, Alh. Dr. Taofiq Isa. Your story is proof that with resilience, service, and faith in Nigeria, the road ahead is open.
36 Political Elevation Group – Building Informed Citizens, Stronger Democracy.
