Glitz, glamour as Sanusi Ohiare bags ‘Akiliwo Ejeh’ Chieftaincy title
The Ancient Olamaboro Kindgom in Kogi state was agog and literarily stood still at the weekend when the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Dr.Sanusi Ohiare, was conferred with a Chieftaincy title – Akiliwo Ejeh (Strength of the King) by the Ejeh Olamaboro, His Royal Highness, Sir Ujah Sani Simeon.
The glamorous event which held amidst funfair attracted worthy sons of the state, friends, families, opinion moulders, chiefs from neighbouring communities and other well wishers.
Indeed, those close to the Ejeh Olamaboro, His Royal Highness, Sir Ujah Sani Simeon know he is one monarch with deep intellectual prowess, who is well versed in the Igala ancestral lineage and modern education, often to the consternation and utter disbelief of many.
At any given occasion, he holds his audience spellbound as he recalls events in centuries past with utmost precision. His royal highness combines earthly knowledge with heavenly wisdom in fascination of his friends and enemies alike.
No wonder, there were no oppositions when news filtered around that Dr. Sanusi, would be conferred with a chieftaincy title of such pedigree.
It is instructive to note that the Igala and Ebira speaking part of Kogi state are brave people with a very rich culture. Perhaps, that was what informed the title Ejeh.
According to an historical account, the name Ejeh literally means Leopard. Leopard represents power in the Igala Kingdom as the animal is known to be fearless, wild and courageous.
Among the Igala people, leopard or Tiger also carries names such as Ikpali, Eko, Omataina, Agagu and so on.
At a reception by the Olamaboro Traditional Institution to celebrate his inauguration and presentation of staff of office in 2019, HRH, Sir Ujah Simeon, who is also the Chairman, Olamaboro Traditional Council had promised to use his office to attract unity, peace, security and development in his domain.
Perhaps, that is what informed his decision to confer a chieftaincy title on Dr. Sanusi. It may also be an attempt to reward the REF helmsman’s unprecedented positive contribution to the development of the state in general and Igala Kingdom in particular.
As a matter of fact, Dr. Sanusi has successfully etched his name in the sands of time, but he is the kind of person who does not make noise about his success. Despite his unmatched accomplishments, he remains humble and connected to the local people.
According to some teachings, in every generation, God almighty once in a time sows a titanic seed for a purpose and if properly harnessed, that seed in human form gives to the people a superhuman and intellectual service. Sanusi’s links to the his immediate community make him one of such humans.
Even with his keen interest in the development of his immediate community, Dr. Sanusi is a Nigerian nationalist of the contemporary epoch with immense love for his nation and her citizens. He also enjoys a global view of life but acts so locally that the development of his native rural communities are very dear to his heart.
Born on 6th of March 1985, in Abuja, the REF boss hails from Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from University of Jos, Plateau State, where he graduated with Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2.1) in 2006. He later attended the renowned Centre for Energy, Petroleum, Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP), University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom(UK), and obtained a Master of Science Degree in Energy Studies, with specialization in Energy Finance in 2011.
He also has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Rural Energy Development from the prestigious Institute for Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD), De Montfort University, Leicester, UK in 2014 and is currently the only Nigerian with that specialization.
Before his appointment in April 2017, he worked with the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), as a National Advisor on Rural Electrification, under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), co-funded by the European Union and German Government.
In 2019, the REF boss established the Sanusi Ohiare Foundation (SOF), with a focus to champion developmental changes and eradicate poverty in Nigeria and Africa as a whole through empowerment, sports and rural electrification. Through the foundation, he has impacted thousands of lives and many are singing his praises for his be .
President, Council for Renewable Energy Nigeria Sunny Akpoyibo, while extolling Sanusi described him as a great and highly cerebral activist for energy access and sustainability in Nigeria.
According to him, Sanusi’s “contributions and passion for sustainable growth have paved the way for so many youths in Nigeria and Olamaboro in particular; to believe in themselves and in Project Nigeria.”
“This recognition is an acknowledgement of your strides and as friends, colleagues and partners in development, we rejoice in the conferment of this traditional title on you,” he said.
It is instructive to note that prior to his coronation as “Akiliwo Ejeh” of Olamaboro,” Dr. Sanusi was conferred with the title, ‘Oshetehweyi (Harbinger of light) of Adavi’ by the Asema of Adavi-Eba in Kogi State.
In a widely publicised article by one of his close ally, Abdullahi Haruna, observed that the Akiliwo Ejeh title bestowed on Dr. Sanusi was significant given the impact inherent in the extension of cultural harmony between the Igala speaking people and their Ebira speaking brethren – a people dialectically integrated in mutual distrust.
According to him, the “award carries on its heel, the propensity to bridge the frightening tribal gulf between the two tribes.”
To Haruna, Dr. Sanusi has indeed put a lie to the long-held erroneous claim that a typical Nigerian youth lacks what it takes to occupy an important position and deliver on the demands of that position.
“As stars don’t struggle to shine, so is Dr. Ohiare. He delivers on assignments given to him in record time, and never fails to take advantage of opportunities to upgrade himself in all spheres of life. Reports and news about him are always a delight to the ear. He is a product of hard work, determination and grace. He believes strongly in the fact that whatever the heart desires and works towards achieving it, is achievable. He’s demonstrated this positive attitude a couple of times, even as a student.”
In series of tweets yesterday, friends and families came together to congratulate him on his new title.
The Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency, Salihijo Ahmad, though not physically present at the ceremony eulogised Sanusi.
An excited Ahmad conveyed his feeling in a tweet on his official handle. He wrote; “I congratulate our Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Dr. @Sohiare on the conferment as the new ‘Akiliwo Ejeh of Olamaboro Okpo.’ This is another gesture of appreciation,” he tweeted.
Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on social media, Bashir Ahmad, also tweeted ; “Congratulations to our brother, the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF) Dr. Sanusi @Sohiare on the conferment as the ‘Akiliwo Ejeh’ (Strength of the King) by the Ejeh of Olamaboro.”
Another Friend of Sanusi, Isa Ozo Mustapha said the title was an honor well-deserved. He tweeted; “You (Sanusi) have set a pace and good example that youths can truly excel in leadership positions. Congratulations @Sohiare.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the Ejeh of Olamaboro, His Royal Highness, Ujah Simeon Sani described Sanusi’s ascendancy to the Olamaboro traditional status as akin to a child washing his hands clean and of course, his feast will be with the elders.
According to him, Sanusi is qualified to be the Akiliwo of Ejeh – a honour reserved for those who make the plight of others their occupation.
On his part, Dr Sanusi who literarily brought the ‘Who is Who in Ebiraland’ to Igalaland described the event thus; “Nothing gladdens the heart than the assemblage of people defined by common aspirations and purpose. When the EBIGO slogan was muted, it didn’t carry that manifest meaning until this very moment when it is now practically demonstrated – if not for the ingenuity of the present government led by the able white lion His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and his Omamaya twin brother, Chief Edward David Onoja who would have to imagine the fusion of such cultural identities today?
“It’s legendary to see the collapse of cultural peculiarities into one common destiny – the flag of love and unity. In the heart of Igala civilization, and Ebira and Okun sons are honoured along with other Igala illustrious sons, – far away from their homes. This is not just a demonstration of love but also the demystification of the age-long unfounded mistrusts amongst the tribes of Kogi. This rare display by the Olamaboro Traditional Council chaperoned by the visionary insight of His Royal Highness, the Ejeh of Olamaboro and it has proven that though tongues may differ but in unity, we thrive.”
Stressing the significance of the title, Sanusi added, “These titles conferred on us – in reality, transcend us, it’s a message to the world that a new Kogi is here; a land where peace shall define our lives and mutuality shall be our creed. A new Kogi people united by one common spirit, goal and aspiration, driven both by a sense of personal vision and collective realization; a state where no man or woman will ever go to sleep without food to eat, without shelter over the head and cover over the body; a state where no child or mother will ever be left to die without adequate life saving medical support; a state where no youth is ever abandoned to his fate without opportunity to realize his or her destiny; a place where every man and woman irrespective of tribe, language or religion has a right to dream, aspire and excel without limit.”
Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief (Dr.) Edward Onoja showed encomium on traditional rulers across the State for their roles as custodians of the people’s culture and stakeholders of Community Development.
In attendance were Members representing Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro Federal Constituency, Member, KSHA representing Olamaboro State Constituency, Deputy Speaker, KSHA and his colleagues, former APC National Woman Leader, former Assembly Member Representing Igalamela State Constituency, host of the event and Chairman of Olamaboro LGA and his counterparts, visiting and resident traditional rulers, council and ward Excos, religious as well as political leaders, amongst others.
Executive Director, Technical Services, Barka Sajou as well as the Executive Director, Corporate Services Olaniyi Netufo represented the Rural Electrification Agency(REA) at the conferment ceremony.
