By Adamu Umar Nda Lokoja
The Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, has conferred the traditional title of _Wakilin Karatu Lokoja – Education Ambassador of Lokoja – on Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
A delegation from the Lokoja Traditional Council, led by its Secretary, Mohammad Maikarfi Usman, delivered the letter of conferment to Prof. Usman in his office on Tuesday, 19th May 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the Maigari, Usman said the honour recognizedq Prof. Usman’s “transformational leadership” during his tenure as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja. He cited the eradication of cultism, restoration of law and order, infrastructural development, and impactful policies that raised the institution’s profile.
“The Maigari values your integrity, leadership qualities, and commitment to educational advancement, which are worthy of honour and recognition,” Usman told the VC.
He explained that the title _Wakilin Karatu Lokoja_ empowers Prof. Usman to serve as an ambassador for education in Lokoja. With the conferment, the VC becomes a member of the Lokoja Traditional Title Holders’ Council and will bear the salutation _Daudu_.
The delegation added that the honour reflected Prof. Usman’s wealth of experience, personal integrity, and unwavering commitment to educational development in Lokoja and beyond.
Responding, Prof. Usman expressed gratitude to the Maigari and the Traditional Council, describing Lokoja as a “second home” where he recorded remarkable progress during his time at Kogi Poly.
He thanked God, former Governor Yahaya Bello, for appointing him Acting and later substantive Rector, and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for renewing that appointment and later elevating him to Vice-Chancellor of PAAU.
“I barely spent one year into my second tenure as Rector when I was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. It’s a first in history,” he said.
Prof. Usman noted that his administration at Kogi Poly ended cult-related activities on campus and restored peace and discipline, adding that students never engaged in violent protests throughout his tenure. He dedicated the honor to Bello and Ododo for giving him the platform to serve.
The conferment formalizes his role in advancing education within Lokoja and strengthens ties between the university and the traditional institution.