The Rector of the Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, kogi state, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman, said he was overwhelmed by the invaluable solidarity and love received from dignitaries and people from all walks of life on the special occasion of his 50th birthday.
In a statement personally signed by Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman said “I humbly and sincerely wish to express my sincere and profound gratitude and appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for the invaluable love extended to me on the occasion of my birthday. Your Excellency, for the immeasurable love and trust, I will ever remain indebted to you.
I deeply appreciate His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward David Onoja, for the show of solidarity and affection.
My special gratitude and appreciations go to the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Pharm. Abdulkarim Jamiu Asuku; the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr (Mrs) Folashade Arike Ayoade; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Sunday Faleke; the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Matthew Kolawole; the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Momoh Rabiu Alfa; and other distinguished members of the State House of Assembly as well as the Honourable Commissioners and other members of the State Executive Council for the invaluable love extended to me.
My special appreciation goes to the President, Kogi State Customary Court of Appeal, the Grand Khadi, Kogi State Sharia Court, and the Executive Chairmen of the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
The Kogi State Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abdul Dollar and other party leaders and members across the divide; Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants and other Political Office Holders, I appreciate you all.
The Vice-Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, who graciously chaired the occasion, Professor (Engr.) Salawu Sadikwu; the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Akinwunmi Olayemi, who edited one of the books written in my honour; the Vice-Chancellor of Thomas Adewunmi University, Prof. Francisca Oladipo; the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Prof Marietu Tenuche; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Acad) Federal University Lokoja, Prof. M. S. Audu; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Edo State University, Uzaurei, Prof. S. M. Omodia; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Acad), Federal University, Oye, Ekiti, Prof. Shola Omotola; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin), Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Bala, as well as the Provost, COE, Ankpa; Provost, COET, Kabba; Provost, School of Health Tech. Idah; and the Rector, NKFIT, Lokoja. I profoundly appreciate you all.
I also appreciate all heads of tertiary institutions from within and outside the State who honoured me on my big day.
My profound appreciations also go to the Royal Fathers and Traditional Rulers in the State, most especially the Attah Igala, the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, the Obaro of Kabba, the Ohimegye-Igu of Koton-Karfe, the Ejeh of Dekina, Ejeh of Ankpa, Eje Ofu, the Onu Ankpa, and all other royal fathers for the inestimable love you all showed me.
I appreciate the JNI, Council of Ulama’u, the CAN and clerics of all faiths and denominations for their love and prayers.
I will also not fail to mention all heads and representatives of security agencies in the state, representatives of various banks and other financial institutions. I appreciate you all for making the occasion colorful.
I deeply and humbly appreciate Professor Mohammed Suleiman Audu and other colleagues in the academia for the book presentations and lecture in my honour.
I appreciate the book reviewers, Professor S. M. Omodia and Professor Shola Olushola for their time and wonderful presentations.
I want to also appreciate the Chairman, Kogi State Polytechnic Governing Council and other members of the Council, Principal Officers, Management Members, Staff and Students of Kogi State Polytechnic for the immense love and solidarity.
Representatives of youths and students’ unions, women’s groups, my beloved family from Angwa-Ogebe and people from Ankpa, my immediate family, members of fourth estate of the realm, corporate bodies, organizations, and individuals that are too numerous to mention. I say a big thank-you to you all.
I must in a special way appreciate the show of love extended to me by Hajiya Mariam Bello and Alhaji Mahmoud Bello. Their invaluable contribution and support are forever cherished.
The Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit and her team, the Chairman, organizing Committee and other members, I profoundly appreciate you all.
You all made the occasion colourful, eventful and memorable.
Your presence was a clear indication of how much I am appreciated, and it will remain memorable all my life.
My prayer is that whether in your golden, diamond, Plantinum or even centenarian anniversaries, you all should be celebrated more than you have celebrated me.
My solemn promise to you all is to continue to be on the side of the truth and any actions that will make life better for humanity.
Once again, I thank you-all for identifying with me and my family on this auspicious occasion of my 50th birthday celebration.
I warmly appreciate the Head of Department and members of the Department of Political Science, PAAU, Anyigba for the support and solidarity.
In a special way, I appreciate the media family across all levels and others too numerous to mention.
I am aware that the social media platforms were agog with messages of celebration from friends, admirers and men and women of goodwill. I appreciate you all.
May God bless you all.