Grassroots Mobilisation Icon, Yusuf Ohiukwura Abdullahi Bags Ododo/PBAT Ambassadorial Award, Pledges Greater Service
Lokoja
The Treasurer of Kogi Local Government Area, Chief Dr. Yusuf Ohiukwura Abdullahi, has been honoured with the Ododo/PBAT Ambassadorial Award for Community Leadership, Service and Grassroots Mobilisation by the Ododo/PBAT Polling Unit Canvassers 2027, following what the organisers described as his outstanding performance in grassroots mobilisation, community leadership and humanitarian service.
The award was presented after a comprehensive assessment conducted by the organisation’s Technical Team, which evaluated the recipient across five key indices, including legitimacy and community representation, trust and relational capital, mobilisation and empowerment, tangible community impact and sustainability, as well as professional competence.
According to the organisers, Dr. Abdullahi, who also the Chairman of Forum of Kogi State Local Government Treasurers emerged with an outstanding performance, earning commendation for his long-standing commitment to community development and political mobilisation.
A graduate of Accounting from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, formerly Kogi State University, Chief Abdullahi also holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and is currently pursuing a PhD in the same discipline.
He is a Fellow of the Certified National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA) and a member of the Forensic Accountants of Nigeria.
Over the years, he has served in several strategic positions, including as a member of the Petroleum Task Force during the administration of former Governor Ibrahim Idris, Senior Special Assistant on Youth Harmonisation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and currently serves as Treasurer of Kogi Local Government Area.
Beyond public service, the awardee has remained active within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he is widely recognised as a grassroots mobiliser and humanitarian whose interventions have attracted several community service awards from religious and civic organisations.
Organisers Hail Recipient’s Grassroots Influence
Speaking during the presentation, Hon. Alfa Ebune, Head of the Technical Team of the Ododo/PBAT Polling Unit Canvassers, said the assessment was evidence-based and reflected the recipient’s remarkable influence across communities.
According to him, Chief Abdullahi has consistently demonstrated uncommon ability to connect with ordinary people, build trust and mobilise support at the grassroots.
“Dr. Yusuf Ohiukwura Abdullahi is not a leader who appears only during elections. His relationship with the people has been built over many years through accessibility, service and genuine concern for community development. Our assessment showed that he possesses the credibility, trust and organisational capacity required for effective grassroots leadership. This honour is simply a recognition of what the people already know about him.”
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Ododo/PBAT Polling Unit Canvassers, Hon. Thompson Alfa, described the award recipient as one of the most dependable grassroots political mobilisers within the APC family.
He noted that Chief Abdullahi’s influence extends beyond political activities, adding that his humanitarian interventions and community engagement have continued to strengthen the party’s acceptance at the ward and local government levels.
“Grassroots politics is built on relationships, consistency and service, and Chief Yusuf Abdullahi has distinguished himself in all these areas. His ability to unite people, coordinate political structures and sustain public confidence makes him an invaluable asset to the progressive family. This award is well deserved because it reflects years of dedication to both the party and the people.”
Kogi LG Secretary Commends Political Network
The Secretary to Kogi Local Government Area, Hon. Bako, also congratulated the award recipient, describing the recognition as timely and merited.
According to him, Chief Abdullahi’s political relevance extends far beyond Kogi Local Government.
“Chief Yusuf Abdullahi is not only a grassroots mobiliser; he has built an extensive network of committed grassroots leaders across the seven local government areas of Kogi West. That structure has remained a formidable platform for voter mobilisation and political engagement. His strength lies in his ability to bring people together, inspire confidence and sustain loyalty through service. This honour is therefore a true reflection of his impact.”
Award Recipient Dedicates Honour to People
In his acceptance speech, Chief Dr. Yusuf Ohiukwura Abdullahi expressed appreciation to the organisers for the recognition, describing the award as both humbling and inspiring.
He dedicated the honour to the people of Kogi Local Government and all those who have supported his journey in public service.
“I receive this award with deep gratitude and great humility. I sincerely thank the leadership of the Ododo/PBAT Polling Unit Canvassers for finding me worthy of this recognition. This honour is not mine alone; it belongs to the people whose trust, encouragement and support have continued to motivate me to serve.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development, saying the recognition would spur him to do even more.
“Leadership is about service, sacrifice and creating opportunities for others. I will remain committed to supporting community development, empowering our people and strengthening the progressive ideals that unite us. I pledge to continue working with sincerity, integrity and dedication for the growth of our communities, Kogi State and Nigeria.”
Chief Abdullahi also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and leaders of the All Progressives Congress for providing opportunities for young leaders to contribute to governance and grassroots mobilisation.
The organisers maintained that the award forms part of ongoing efforts to identify and celebrate individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen community leadership, political participation and grassroots development across Kogi State.