From Brainstorming to Social Time: KCTTF Members Recharge for Greater Impact

By Dada Ahmed.

After a whole year of patriotic brainstorming devoted to peace, unity and the accelerated socio-economic and political development of Egbiraland in Kogi Central Senatorial District, members of the Kogi Central Think Tank Forum (KCTTF) on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, resolved to take a brief but strategic pause.

The decision, members explained, was not a retreat from responsibility but a moment of reflection, refreshment and renewal—an opportunity to celebrate life, thank God for His mercy and protection, rub minds in a relaxed atmosphere, and strengthen their collective resolve to craft sustainable solutions to the challenges confronting Egbiraland.

The move echoed the age-old wisdom that “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
Many members, elegantly dressed and visibly elated, agreed that periodic relaxation is essential to rejuvenate intellectual energy and sharpen commitment to the Forum’s aims and objectives, ultimately translating into better outcomes for Kogi Central and Kogi State at large.
Consequently, Lokongoma Phase 1 in Lokoja, host to the Forum’s headquarters, came alive with colour, laughter and camaraderie as members gathered in an atmosphere brimming with warmth, unity and shared aspirations for progress.

Clad in vibrant attires that mirrored the cultural richness of Egbiraland, participants exchanged pleasantries, shared light-hearted jokes and engaged in lively conversations. The convivial mood stood in pleasant contrast to the often rigorous and idea-driven sessions for which the Forum is known.
The gathering was further enriched by a generous spread of sumptuous meals and assorted soft drinks, served and savoured with delight. Some members happily packaged portions to take home, extending the joy of the day to their families. Smiles lingered, and so did a deep sense of belonging.
Some members and invited guests delivered goodwill messages that filled the air.

The cheers were not merely celebratory; they were affirmations of solidarity and shared purpose—proof that beyond policy debates and development blueprints, the Forum is bound together by genuine fellowship.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of KCTTF, Dr. Haroun Opotu Yussuff of the 18-year-old Forum, spoke with clarity and conviction, reaffirming the group’s enduring commitment to the holistic development of Egbiraland.
He thanked God for sustaining the government of Kogi State, one, he noted, that Kogites clamoured for, and expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Ododo-led administration. According to him, members of the Forum are desirous of offering maximum support to ensure continued positive governance in the state.

Dr. Yussuff assured Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that “the Forum is on ground” to ensure the success of their second-term aspirations.
He prayed that God would grant Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu greater wisdom and strength to continue steering the affairs of the state and the nation effectively.
The Chairman also reiterated the Forum’s resolve to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside the programmes of Governor Ododo.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is steering the ship of governance in the state. May God in His infinite mercy grant him more wisdom to do more for the state.
“We cannot have a leader without political fatherhood. We equally pray to Almighty God to give the desired support to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“May God grant him the needed support for Governor Ododo too, because we can see that without him, the governor would not have forged ahead,” he said.
Dr. Yussuff noted that despite the social, economic and political hiccups facing the nation, the current government is making deliberate efforts to find lasting solutions.
He urged Kogites and Nigerians in general to support the present administration for “championing the cause of humanity,” stressing that any government that fails to elevate humanity cannot be regarded as practising good governance.
“We are happy that both the Kogi and federal governments are drawing closer to the best standards of governance,” he said.
The Chairman commended the Forum’s awardees, including the Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Salawu; the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf Umar; Hajia Maryam A. Abedo, Director-General of the Kogi State Pension Commission; Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar; Maj. Gen. Erema Akerejola (rtd); and Alh. Salihu Okatahi Suleiman, Chairman of KWADECO.
He thanked them for their support toward the growth and development of the Forum.
Reciprocating the gesture, Prof. Salawu, represented by Prof. Emmanuel Ohize, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology Education, thanked members for the honour and urged them to remain steadfast in pursuing the Forum’s objectives. The VC, who described members of the Forum as men of timbre and calibre, solicited their cooperation and constructive advice for the advancement of the university.
Maj. Gen. Erema Akerejola (rtd), represented by the Executive Editor of Graphic Newspaper, Mr. James Oyewole, expressed appreciation for the recognition. He, however, reminded participants that security is a collective responsibility, urging citizens to “say something if they see something” as a proactive step toward curbing insecurity.
The first female Secretary to the Kogi State Government and former female Auditor-General of the state, Hajia Ladi Ibrahim, raised concern over what she described as unbecoming behaviour among some girls in Egbiraland. She attributed the trend partly to inadequate parental care and pledged continued consultation with stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the social challenge.
Among elders who graced the lively programme were Adai Stephen Yakubu, former Secretary to the Kogi State Government (SSG); Adai Moses Ovurevu, also a former SSG; and other respected members of the Forum whose presence added depth and dignity to the occasion.
Beyond the laughter, the music of friendly banter and the clinking of glasses, members believed that the day carried a deeper meaning. To them, it was a reminder that development is not driven by ideas alone, but by relationships; not by strategy alone, but by shared humanity.
As the sun gradually dipped over Lokoja’s skyline and members departed in high spirits, one truth lingered unmistakably in the air: this was not merely a social gathering—it was a recharge of vision, a rekindling of brotherhood and sisterhood, and a renewed covenant with the future of Egbiraland.
Indeed, from brainstorming to social time, KCTTF did not slow down its mission—it strengthened it. And with hearts refreshed and bonds fortified, the Forum appears poised to return to the development table with even greater clarity, courage and collective impact.
Dada Ahmed is the Public Relations Officer for Kogi Central Think Tank Forum.