The Maigari of Lokoja Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV has honoured Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, with a prestigious chieftaincy title of ‘Wakilin Karatu Lokoja’ *(Education Ambassador Lokoja)*. This was conveyed in a letter delivered by a delegation led by the Secretary of Lokoja Traditional Council.
The delegation was received by the Vice-Chancellor in his office on Tuesday, 19th May , 2026, to formally convey the approval of the conferment.
Speaking on behalf of Maigarin Lokoja, the Secretary of the Council, Mohammad Maikarfi Usman congratulated Professor Usman on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, describing the appointment as well deserved.
He charged the Vice-Chancellor to replicate the remarkable achievements recorded during his tenure as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba which he said was the basis for the honour by the Maigari Lokoja.
According to him, Prof. Usman’s administration at the Polytechnic was transformational, characterized by purposeful leadership, impactful policies, infrastructural development, and the successful eradication of cultism and cult-related activities and restoration of law and order within and around the institution.
The secretary stated that the Maigarin Lokoja valued the outstanding achievements of Professor Usman at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, and extolled his virtues of integrity, leadership qualities, and commitment to educational advancement, which he said were worthy of honour and recognition.
He further disclosed that the traditional title of Wakilin Karatu Lokoja, with the meaning as “Education Ambassador of Lokoja,” was conferred on Professor Usman in the exercise of the powers of the Maigarin Lokoja as Chairman of the Lokoja Traditional Council.
He added that by the conferment of the title, Prof. Usman had become a member of the Lokoja Traditional Title Holders’ Council with the official traditional salutation, “Daudu.”
The delegation also reiterated that the honour was in recognition of Professor Usman’s enormous wealth of experience, personal and professional integrity, decorum, and unshakeable commitment to educational development in Lokoja and beyond.
Responding, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman expressed profound appreciation to the Maigarin Lokoja for finding him worthy of the prestigious traditional title.
He described Lokoja as a second home to him, recalling that during his tenure at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja remarkable progress were recorded at all levels of development in the Polytechnic.
He thanked Almighty God for His grace and blessings throughout his career path, appreciating the former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, who found him worthy of appointment as Acting Rector and later substantive Rector of the Polytechnic.
He also appreciated the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for renewing his appointment as Rector and the eventual elevation as Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba suggesting the satisfaction and confidence of the successive Kogi State Government in all the reforms that were initiated and executed at the Polytechnic.
In his words, Professor Usman stated that, “I barely spent one year into my second tenure when I was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba,” describing the development as “first in history.”
Prof. Usman further recalled that he received letters of commendation from both the first and second Governing Councils he served, which he said reflected consistency, dedication, and confidence in his leadership.
He reiterated that one of the major achievements of his administration at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja was the successful eradication of cult-related activities on campus and the restoration of peace and discipline within the institution and the host communities.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that throughout his tennure as Rector, students never engaged in violent protests or unnecessary disturbances, attributing the success to inclusive leadership and effective engagement.
Prof. Usman wholeheartedly accepted the traditional title and expressed deep appreciation to the Maigarin Lokoja and the Traditional Council for the honour bestowed on him.
He dedicated the honour to Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for bringing him to limelight to showcase his leadership qualities for the public to judge.
