Kogi Finally Gets Its Due: Onono Arafat Commends President Tinubu for Recognizing Kogi Excellence
By Passman Akpos
Lokoja, Nigeria — A prominent Kogi commentator, Onono Onimisi Arafat, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as an unprecedented recognition of Kogi State’s competence and contribution to national development.
In a passionate statement shared online, Arafat drew a sharp comparison between the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari and the current government, noting that despite Buhari’s awareness of Kogi’s capable citizens, the state was often overlooked in major national appointments.
> “During the era of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Kogi people were barely recognized for appointments at the national level despite Baba knowing how sound, capable, and morally equipped we are,” Arafat said.
Contrasting that era with the present administration, he praised President Tinubu for backing words with action by appointing two prominent Kogi sons to “strategic and juicy positions” — the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Chief of Army Staff.
> “Today I see a Yoruba man, who in spite of his flaws, has chosen to recognize Kogi State and not just with words, but with action,” Arafat wrote.
“To the point of giving us two of the most strategic and juicy positions in Nigeria — the National INEC Chairman and the Almighty Chief of Army Staff.”
Arafat, who described himself as a “diehard fan” of the late President Buhari, admitted that his admiration would not prevent him from telling the truth, saying “Baba underestimated us, unapologetically.”
He lamented the years of underrepresentation of Kogi people in national leadership despite their proven intellectual capacity and moral discipline, citing the numerous achievements of Kogi sons and daughters across academia and public service.
> “Do they really know what we’re made of? Have they seen our children? Have they witnessed the brilliance of our sons and daughters breaking records in tertiary institutions across the nation and beyond? Allow me to brag please!” he added.
Arafat further expressed pride in the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, noting that his credentials reflect the “intellectual pride, discipline, and resilience of Kogi people.”
He concluded with a note of gratitude to President Tinubu for what he described as a bold and fair recognition of Kogi’s long-overdue potential.
> “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again proved beyond doubt that Kogi is not a forgotten state. We are a brain box to reckon with, not some neglected vessels standing behind bars to serve as praise singers while our years of hard work have nothing to show for it,” Arafat said.
“Thank you, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. You’ve reminded the nation that Kogi’s excellence only needed recognition, not permission.”
