From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
For Prof Salisu Usman Ogbo, Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, climbing the ladder of life was one long tortuous journey, filled with hunger, starvation, lack and deprivations.
Born in Angwa-Ogebe, Ankpa Local Government, at a time when little consideration was given to western education, he had to toil through different stages of life. His case can be likened to the Biblical stone the builder rejected but has become the head corner of the house.
His day of glory came on Sunday October 26, 2024, when he mark his 52nd birthday, his elevation to the position of a professor and his re-appointment for the second tenure as Rector.
Ogbo used the occasion to identify himself with the downtrodden, especially those suffering from the sickle cell disease as he launched a foundation where funds would be raised to assist those suffering from the terminal disease.
He called on well-to-do individuals and organisations to always support the under privileged in the society and called for an aggressive awareness campaign to cushion the effect of stigmatisation and give the carrier sickle cell a sense of belonging.
He said: “I acknowledge God for the gift of life. God’s mercy has allowed me to witness yet another year, even as many of my peers have long departed. But God’s grace has kept me alive.”
Governor Usman Ododo said: “Prof Ogbo has succeeded in eradicating cultism and many other social vices which were the trademarks of the polytechnic before his appointment.
“Indeed you are a great blessing to Kogi State. May the good Lord grant you peace, wisdom and blessings in abundance. I wish you many more years of celebrations.” He was represented by the Speaker of House of Assembly, Aliyu Umar Yusuf.
Father of the day, Dr Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche, Ata Igala and President, Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, described Ogbo as a dependable son and brother: “He is the connecting link between the young and old and between the rich and the poor in the state. He is epitome of humility, hard work, diligence and integrity.
A public lecture was delivered by Dr Hassan Saliu, Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, entitled, “Towards Promoting a Robust Government-Citizens Relationship in Nigeria.”
He said the widening gulf between government at all levels and citizens, “is retarding national development. It is a cancerous disease requiring urgent cure
“Citizens no longer exhibit past values of bonding with governments. Nigerians see governments as alien or evil, irrelevant to their daily lives amid spiralling costs.
“Governments view citizens as enemies, not the greatest resource for development. I argue that democracy’s disappointment in Nigeria stems from the growing gap between citizens and government.
“The Federal Government’s situation is relatively better, but state administrations and Local Government Councils (LGCs) have alarming disconnections. This undermines democracy’s success, reliant on active citizen support.
“Democracy is conversational; blurred communication between people and government hinders progress. Nigerians’ scepticism frustrates national efforts. The war against terrorism exemplifies this.
“Despite claims of subduing terrorists, threats persist due to government-citizen disjoint. Citizens remain aloof or aid tormentors. Low electoral participation also illustrates this disconnect. Citizens’ apathy stems from trust deficits incubated in poor government-citizen relations.”