By Dada Ahmed.
Wednesday, January 24,2024,marked another significant milestone in the development of traditional institution of Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State, north central Nigeria as thousands of people,from all walks of life, turned out at Kotonkarfe to witness the installation of the new Ohimege-Igu of Kotonkarfe,Dr.Said Akawu Salihu.
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello,performed the installation.
THE PROFILE OF HRM THE 27th OHIMEGE IGU OF KOTON -KARFE, MALLAM SAIDU AKAWU SALIHU
Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu was born on 11th March, 1964 to the family of Late Chief Salihu Umar Danmadaki and Late Hajia Aishetu Salihu of Odaki- Koton-Karfe in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
His Royal Majesty started his Primary School Education in Kogi L.S.B Koton-Karfe between 1970-1976.
Government Secondary School, Koton-Karfe between 1976-1981. on completion of his Secondary School Education, Mallam Salihu then proceeded to school of preliminary studies, Keffi, Nasarawa State between 1982-1984.
The new Royal Majesty proceeded to the famous and prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he obtained his B.Sc degree in Sociology between 1984 and 1987.
The Ohimege went back to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for his post graduate studies in public administration between 1997/98.
In continuous pursuit for self development & excellence, his majesty returned to school for his PhD in Public Administration at Nasarawa State University, Keffi in 2018/19.
The new Ohimege of Koton-Karfe commenced his public civil service shortly after serving the mandatory one year National Youth Service between 1987/88 at Ibadan, Oyo State. he was employed by the Kwara State Civil Service as Education Officer 11 between 1989 and 1990.
He was later employed by Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund as compliance officer 11 between 1990/98, where he rose to and serve as assistant manager, between 1996-1998. between 1998 and 2003, Mallam Salihu was engaged by Sesza Nigeria Limited, Abuja as its chief executive officer between 2003 and 2005.
Mallam Saidu Akawu Salihu was appointed as Commissioner for Budget and Planning by Kogi State government and was later redeployed as Commissioner of Water Resources and Rural Development between 2005 and 2007.
He was elected into the Kogi State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2015.
In 2018, he was appointed the chairman, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, 2018- 2023.
The new Ohimege whose appointment was made on 8th January, 2024, is the 27th Ohimege Igu of Koton-Karfe. he is from Odaki Rulling House & belongs to the 8th generation of Ohimege Ohetenye Family lineage.
The new Ohimege Igu of Koton Karfe is a man with exemplary leadership qualities, as demonstrated in his Public Service Career. the new Ohimege of Koton -Karfe, HRM.
Mallam Saidu Akawu Salihu, will no doubt, rely much on his wealth of experience in administering the kingdom to bring about the much desired progress and development. Long live the lion king!
He was the Kogi state branch chairman of ABU Alumni Association from 2004 to 2006.
