By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof. Usman Salisu Ogbo, launched a Sickle Cell Foundation over the weekend to raise awareness against stigmatization as part of his 52nd birthday celebrations. The launch event took place at Kay Galaxy Event Centre, Lokoja, amid fanfare.
During the flag-off ceremony, Prof. Ogbo emphasized that the stigmatization of sickle cell carriers can be more damaging than the disease itself. He called for an extensive awareness campaign to counter stigmatization and help provide sickle cell carriers with a stronger sense of belonging.
Explaining the motivation behind the foundation, Prof. Ogbo noted that it symbolizes both his commitment to sickle cell awareness and his dedication to humanitarian service in honor of his birthday.
Prof. Ogbo expressed heartfelt appreciation to dignitaries, including former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, current Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, and Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf Umar.
Thanking God for his life, Prof. Ogbo said, “God’s mercy has allowed me to witness another year, even as many of my peers have long departed, but His grace has kept me here.”
In an opening speech, Organizing Committee Chairman Hon. Abdullahi Bello thanked God for Prof. Ogbo’s life and praised his impactful contributions to education. He prayed for continued wisdom, health, and blessings upon the professor.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf Umar, congratulated Prof. Ogbo, saying, “Today is a remarkable day as we celebrate with you. We pray for long life, prosperity, and abundant blessings upon you and your family, in the name of Almighty Allah.” He described Prof. Ogbo as a great asset to Kogi State, particularly for his commitment to quality education.
The father of the day, His Royal Majesty Dr. Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche CFR, Ata Igala and President of the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, described Prof. Ogbo as a “dependable son and brother” whose contributions have established him as a strong pillar in the development of Kogi State. Represented by the Eje of Dekina, Alhaji Usman Obaje, the Ata Igala praised Prof. Ogbo’s philanthropic efforts, noting that his generosity has left a lasting impact both in public and private spheres.
Prof. Ogbo, widely recognized as one of Kogi State’s most distinguished educationists, celebrated his 52nd birthday with a grand event, marking another milestone as the revered “Oma Oja Ata Igala.”
