By Marvelous Sanni, Abubakar Abraham
Members of the Kogi Central Think Tank Forum, under the auspices of the Kogi State Central for Peace and Development Initiative, gathered recently for their annual get-together, an occasion filled with thanksgiving, reflection, and recognition of outstanding contributions to society.
The event, marked by prayers, goodwill messages, and the presentation of merit awards, served as a platform to express gratitude to God for the gift of life and the opportunity to witness another year.
It also reinforced the forum’s dedication to fostering unity, peace, and progress in Kogi State and beyond.
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Welcoming members and invited guests, the Chairman of the Forum, Comrade Haroun Okotun (JP), described the occasion as a joyful moment of merriment and thanksgiving.
He acknowledged God’s sustaining hand over the government and people of Kogi State, praying for continued divine support for the renewed hope agenda at both federal and state levels.
Despite occasional political challenges, Comrade Okotun urged members to embrace the principle that when things go well for one, they benefit all. He called for collective backing of government initiatives aimed at promoting humanity and improving the nation. He openly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continued leadership, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, and Bode Ogunmola for a second tenure.
The goodwill message of the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Right Hon. Aliyu Yusuf Umar, delivered by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Isah Umar, emphasised that excellence can be achieved through unity, urging members to nurture this spirit in their homes and communities.
He highlighted the forum’s positive impact on many lives, including that of Governor Ododo, a forum member, and stressed the need for ongoing prayers and support for the second terms of both the President and the Governor.
Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Akeredolu (Rtd.), who spoke through the Executive Editor of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. James Oyewole, welcomed guests and commended the leadership for organizing the event.
He urged everyone to stay committed to peace and development in the state, remain security-conscious, and report suspicious activities.
Expressing gratitude for his honorary award, he dedicated it to humanity and the memory of his late father, whose values continue to inspire him.
Several other distinguished personalities were honoured with merit awards for their contributions:
Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Salawu, Vice-Chancellor of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara (represented by Prof. Emmanuel Ohize, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology), expressed appreciation for the forum’s support, viewing the award as motivation to do more. He acknowledged challenges but emphasised collective responsibility for progress and described the forum as a reliable support base.
Alhaji Salihu Suleiman, a pioneering chemist in Ebira land and founder of the first pharmaceutical agency (KWADECO) in the area, had his award received by Alhaji Gafar Adinoyi Emmanuel.
Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Akeredolu (Rtd.), former Commander-in-Chief of Logistics of the Nigerian Army, received an honorary award presented by Adayi Moses Odirebo and accepted by Mr. James Oyewole.
Hajiya Mariam Abedo, Director-General of the Kogi State Pension Commission, was praised as a modern-day Florence Nightingale for her integrity, humility, and compassion. The award was presented through Hajiya Nana Yusuf, Director-General of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation.
Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of the North-East Region, was honoured for his steadfast support, with the award presented by Adayi Stephen Yakubu, Chairman of the Kogi Elders Forum, and received by the forum chairman.
Right Hon. Aliyu Yusuf Umar, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, received a merit award for his integrity, presented to his representative, Hon. Isah Umar, by the Managing Director of The Graphic Newspaper. Mr Yusuf Itopa noted that good deeds are always observed and reminded attendees of the dignity and wealth of the Ebira people.
On her part , Mrs. Petra Ggbogbo, expressed profound gratitude to the distinguished guests, awardees, and participants for gracing the occasion. She prayed for safe journeys home and hoped for continued support in future calls.
The annual get-together underscored the forum’s role as a unifying force in Kogi Central, promoting peace, development, and appreciation for leadership at all levels. Attendees left renewed in their commitment to collective progress and gratitude for life’s blessings.
