In the history of every society, there are individuals whose dedication to humanity stands out like a guiding light – men who believe that the true measure of leadership is not in buildings or monuments, but in the lives they transform. One of such rare personalities is Pharm. (Hon.) Abdulkareem Asuku Mohammed Jamiu, former Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello, immediate Past Governor of Kogi State.
Although nothing directly binds me to him personally, I hold him in the highest regard. He has consistently been a reference point each time I engage with Kogites, both within and outside the State. His contributions during and after the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, particularly in human development, remain one of the most outstanding legacies ever recorded in Kogi State.
Human development – true, intentional, and empowering growth – is the greatest form of development in the world. Roads fade, buildings age and projects may be forgotten, but an investment in people multiplies across generations. Pharm. Asuku understood this deeply, and he demonstrated it not with words, but with undeniable actions.
As Chief of Staff, he became a champion of human empowerment, scholarship, mentorship, youth capacity building, and opportunity creation. His intelligence – both academic and local wisdom – was used not for personal gain, but for the advancement of countless young people across Kogi West, Central, and East. He planted seeds that will continue to bear fruit long after many political legacies have been forgotten.
This is why, whenever you sit and your ears begin to itch, it is because people are speaking well of you. They are recounting how many lives you touched… how many destinies you helped shape… and how many families are today standing stronger because of your interventions. These are not ordinary achievements; they are the foundations of generational blessings. Your children and their children will meet the fruits of your kindness.
But the story is not complete without pointing to the example you have set for youth in leadership. You proved without apology that youth is not a barrier to excellence. You demonstrated competence, loyalty, brilliance, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking. You showed that when given the chance, the youth can not only perform – they can outperform.
THE FUTURE: HUMAN INVESTMENT AS A CONTINUOUS MANDATE
As we discuss human investment for the future of Kogi State, your example stands as a blueprint. Creating pensionable jobs, expanding access to quality education, empowering entrepreneurs, supporting vulnerable families, and developing a workforce that can compete globally—these are the pillars upon which a lasting legacy is built.
The educational impact credited to you in Kogi remains unsurmountable. Many still speak of it with admiration. Yet, the journey is not over. Kogi State, like every developing society, needs even more intentional efforts in:
* Creating sustainable, pensionable employment opportunities
* Developing technical and vocational excellence among youths
* Strengthening digital literacy and innovation skills
* Supporting teachers, students, and educational institutions
* Building a productive middle class through entrepreneurship support
* Ensuring that every indigene has access to opportunities regardless of tribe, region, or religious background
These are the kinds of investments that produce nations, not just states.
A WORD OF ADVICE
As you continue on your path of service, my sincere advice is simple:
Remain prayerful. Remain steadfast. Remain focused.
In due time, every good seed you have planted will grow into a forest of honour. Leadership is a journey, and destiny rewards those who serve genuinely.
Pharm. Asuku, you have planted a life tree in the hearts of the people of Kogi West, Kogi Central, and Kogi East. Your name has become a reference point—an example of what it means to invest in people. And for that, we say thank you.
SIGNED:
SERVANT JEGEDE ONOTU ABDULAZEEZ
