The man, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) Alex Usman Kadiri ordinarily needs no introduction in Nigeria. He is an Ikoh icon, a devout christian, foremost nationalist, an astute politician and seasoned administrator, mentor and maker of men and a living legend.
Senator (Dr.) Alex Usman Kadiri (B.Sc., Ph.D, etc), who turned 80 years on the 21st of June, 2022 was born at Odu Ogboyaga, Dekina LGA, Kogi State on June 21,1942 to Mal. Abdulkadiri Agbali Oyidi and Oja Ageji (popularly called Ijeh) both of blessed memory.
Education:
His quest for western education and knowledge made him to tranverse academic institutions around the globe as summarized below:
i. Native Authority Primary School, Odu;
ii. Qua Ibo Mission (QIM) School, Alloma;
iii. Native Authority Senior Primary School, Okikili, Dekina;
iv. Provincial Secondary School, Okene (WASC)
v. Government Secondary School, Maiduguri (HSC);
vi. University of Ibadan (B.Sc)
vii. University of Leeds, England (Ph.D); etc, etc,;
Working Career History:
The Distinguished Senator Kadiri had a blossoming public service career life spanning across three (3) decades as highlighted below:
i. Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the University of Benin (1973-1982)
ii. National Universities Commission as Assistant Director and Director of Departments of Academic Planning; Administration and Research; and Postgraduate Development (1982-1990);
iii. Benue State Commissioner for Health and, later, Works (1984-1985);
iv. Director General/Permanemt Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources (1990-1994);
v. Elected Senator of the Federal Republic and was Chairman of the Education Committee (1999-2003);
vi. Appointed Chairman of the Visitation Panel into ABU, Zaria, 2004;
vii. Appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Benin (2005-2007);
viii. Founder and Chairman, Odu Community/Microfinance Bank (1995-2010).
This is the only surving Community Bank in Kogi State today.
Marital/Family Life:
i. He is happily married to Pauline Uche Kadiri, B.Sc., JP, LSM who is now 71 years old.
ii. Father of five (5) children, namely:
a. Ufedo Kadiri-Monyei LL.B., BL, LL.M (Lond)
b. Alex Usman Kadiri Jnr. B.Sc., M.Sc.(Leeds)
c. Idoko Kadiri, B.Sc. MBA (Luton)
d. Ageji Kadiri B.Sc., M.Sc.(Bedfordshire)
e. Ele Kadiri B.Sc.(Baze)
iii. He is grandfather of nine (9) grandchildren, one (1) of which is already an Engineering graduate from the University of Loughborough and another a student of University of Sussex studying Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence.
To properly document his journey in life, a Biographer is putting together the biography of this great man. Watch out for this work, which should be completed by December, 2022, if the good Lord permits and grab your copy.
The Recognitions Keep Coming:
In recognition of his contributions to humanity, he has severally been approached with conferement of traditional chieftancy titles across Nigeria, which he politely declined in the past for personal reasons.
One is greatly surprised therefore, that he has chosen to, out of the respect for the Kingdom and the reigning Ata Igala of the Igala Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche Akpa, accept the revered Honorary Traditional Chieftancy Title of OCHALLA ATA IGALA as part of the celebrations of His Majesty’s one year anniversary on the throne as ATA of the Igala Kingdom.
The Details of the Tittle and Ceremony:
a. Title: OCHALLA ATA IGALA
b. Salutation: WODI.
c. Date: Thursday, 17th November, 2022
d. Venue: Ata Igala’s Palace, Idah, Kogi State.
e. Time: 10am prompt
Media Coverage :
The Arise Igala Television Team/Crew will be on ground to give the cermony full coverage.
Watch out for the live streaming of the event/ceremony.
Life of Contentment and Gratitue:
At his 80th birthday on the 21st of June, 2022, he expreseed his contentment with life thus:
“I thank God Almighty for all the favours He had done and is still doing for me and my family members, as I continue to live a life of moderation and love.”
On his new recognition by the Igala Kingdom, he had this to say:
“Please, join me in appreciating HRM, Dr. Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, the Ata Igala of Igala Kingdom for the recognition and honour. Continue to pray for the restoration of Igala Kingdom, as well as for me and my family as we thank God for all HIS FAVOURS.”
Our Clarion Call:
Ladies and gentlemen, all his admirers are cordially invited as Guests and to join us in prayers as we felicitate with this great son of the Igala Kingdom, Distinguished Senator, Chief (Dr.) Alex Usman KADIRI.
Megw’Ochalla Ata Igala….
Woooodi
Megw’Ikoh …..Emuga Oche!
Dr. James Nda Abalaka,
For: Admirers of Distinguished Senator (Dr.) Alex Usman Kadiri, Worldwide.
November, 2022.