On Wednesday, July 17, the Management of Federal University Lokoja (FUL) under the pragmatic leadership of Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, led 200 level students from the Department of Music to present the first-ever Kogi State anthem composed by the Department to the State Government for adoption as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Click here to watch

After listening to the melodious rendition by the students with rapt attention, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was highly impressed and elated, appreciated the University Management and the students for the initiative, saying the new anthem would be transmitted to the State House of Assembly for adoption. "I want to sincerely appreciate you for making me part of this history," he added.

Governor Ododo stated that he was almost getting emotional during the beautiful rendition, acknowledging the deep meaning and rich historical memory as well as the choice of words carefully selected for the lyrics which underscores the very essence of the State's existence. 

Reflecting further on the historical heritage, cultural diversity, rich tourism potentials, and abundant natural resources endowed Kogi State, he said: "Looking at where we are coming from, flashing back on what we have faced and still facing as a people, looking at the gift of nature given to us by God Almighty but not working for us, this anthem is quite apt and emotional."

"Kogi State is bordered by 10 States of the Federation and serves as the gateway between the North and South which should be an advantage. A State where the name "Nigeria" was birthed, a State that hosted the first air fleet of this nation yet without an airport, we are blessed with mineral deposits in abundance yet they are not working for us."

Emphasizing the importance of unity for the rapid development of any state, the Governor promised to serve the good people of Kogi State with the fear of God irrespective of ethnicity or religion and lead from the front as the Chief Servant of the State. He harped on the significant benefits of a mutual and harmonious town-and-gown relationship for sustainable development.

While expressing joy and satisfaction over the visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor and his management team, Governor Ododo assured the University authority of his administration's steadfast support, open doors, and readiness to synergize with the Institution and other stakeholders in the Confluence State to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people. He promised to project the anthem for wider acceptance by Kogites.

Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, who was present along with other top government functionaries during the live performance, also joined the Governor to commend the VC for the innovation and the unique musical talents displayed by the 200-level students, corroborating the Governor's assurance of giving the necessary legislative backing at the 8th Assembly for the anthem to be adopted for the State.

To show the deep-seated acceptance and admiration by the Governor, who has fallen in love with the new anthem and demanded a copy for his listening pleasure and learning immediately, the students were asked to sing the anthem for the second time to close the brief ceremony which ended with a rousing applause from everyone present.

The team of management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi who earlier met with the Governor in his office included Professor M. S. Audu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); Professor Abdullahi Emmanuel Bala; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration); Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, Registrar; Professor Sarah Dauda Yani, University Librarian; and Mr. John Sule Shilo, Bursar. 

Others were Professor Musa Adeku Ibrahim, HOD Mathematics and Director, Distance and E-learning; Professor Emmanuel Onoja, HOD Accounting; and Associate Professor Godwin Ejembi Ogli, HOD Music who led the student team, among other officials from the University.

Recall that the University Anthem, acclaimed to be one of the best in Nigeria, was written and composed in July 2012, under the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdulmumin Hassan Rafindadi, by Dr. Godwin Ejembi Ogli who was then a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Music, Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State, before joining the services of FUL and now the current Head of Music Department. See more pictures here

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