,,,,,,Receives Regional Leadership Award at Nigeria Post/Margaret Ekpo Memorial Lecture
By correspondent in Lokoja.
The Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, on Tuesday, received members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kogi State Branch, during a courtesy visit to his office.
This is disclosed in a statement signed by the institution’s Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Uredo Omale, and made available to The Reporters in Lokoja on Wednesday.
The delegation, led by FIDA Kogi Chairperson, Barrister Oluwakemi Omeiza Usman, praised the Rector for his visionary leadership and the remarkable transformation of the Polytechnic under his stewardship.
She described FIDA as a global non-governmental organization present in over 75 countries and operating 44 branches across Nigeria. The organization is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the rights of women and children, particularly the girl child.
According to her, the purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration with the Polytechnic on programs aimed at curbing gender-based violence, mentoring young girls, and promoting the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in conflict resolution.
In his response, Professor Usman expressed deep appreciation for the visit and commended FIDA’s longstanding commitment to justice, equity, and free legal services for vulnerable groups. He pledged his administration’s readiness to partner with FIDA on initiatives that promote social justice and empower women and children.
He also emphasized the growing relevance of ADR in today’s society, especially in reducing the burden on the formal justice system and ensuring timely, peaceful resolution of disputes.
He assured the delegation of his willingness to participate in and support future FIDA-led initiatives.
In a vote of thanks, Barrister Amaka Egema commended the Rector for the warm reception and for showing genuine interest in the objectives of FIDA.
Other members of the FIDA delegation include Unekwu Odiba, Ifeoluwa Olubukola Oshagbemi, Amina Mani Idris Aduku, Deborah Isoyiza Abedo, Isah Shifau Oyiza, Yuhamza Laminde Mahmud, Hanatu O. Abdullahi, Hibat Umar, and Tina Ekele.
In a related development, Prof. Usman was conferred with the “Best Performed Rector in North Central Nigeria (2021–2024)” award at the 2025 edition of the Nigeria Post/Margaret Ekpo Memorial Lecture and Awards.
The event, held at the NUJ Press Centre in Lokoja, was jointly organized by the Nigeria Post and the Margaret Ekpo Biographical Centre. It attracted notable personalities, scholars, and advocates from across Kogi State and beyond.
Delivering the keynote lecture on the theme “Children: Our Future, Our Responsibility,” Professor Usman addressed the critical impact of digital technology on child development.
He noted that while digital tools provide new avenues for learning and communication, they also expose children to risks such as cybercrime, inappropriate content, and screen addiction.
He called on parents, educators, faith-based institutions, and policymakers to work together to foster a safe and nurturing digital environment for children. He emphasized that empowering parents,the primary custodians of children’s upbringing—should be at the core of any long-term solution.
The award and the lecture further solidified Professor Usman’s standing as a progressive leader committed to both educational development and broader societal advancement.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
