By Suleiman Abdulmumin
The newly appointed Director General of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands, TPL Salihu-Otaru Kehinde Augustine, on August 4, 2024, paid a familiarization visit to the Chairman of the House Committee on Land, Environment, Climate, and Ecology Management, Hon. Jibril Abu.
The visit was aimed at establishing a working relationship and discussing areas of collaboration to advance reforms in land administration and environmental governance in the state.
Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo’s decision to appoint TPL Salihu-Otaru has been widely commended as a demonstration of his commitment to professionalizing land management in Kogi State. During the meeting, Hon. Jibril Abu expressed appreciation to the Governor for appointing a seasoned and proven professional to lead the Bureau.
“His Excellency’s appointment of TPL Salihu-Otaru is a clear message that land matters in Kogi State will get the instant attention and result-driven outcomes they deserve. The Governor’s foresight is commendable,” Hon. Abu stated.
He also praised the immediate past Director General, Mallam Abdulmalik Samari Teina, now redeployed to the Kogi State Environmental Protection Agency (KOSEPA), for his transformational leadership. Among his achievements was securing a legal framework for the Bureau of Lands during his tenure, a milestone described as historic.
TPL Salihu-Otaru’s recent screening before the 8th Kogi State House of Assembly also received attention during the visit. Hon. Abu recounted the DG’s outstanding performance, where he presented a clear vision to digitize land processes and improve accessibility, transparency, and efficiency.
“The House was unanimous in its endorsement,” Hon. Abu noted. “He displayed clarity, innovation, and purpose, earning a standing ovation and the privilege to take a bow.”
In his response, TPL Salihu-Otaru expressed gratitude for the warm reception and assured the Committee of his readiness to work in synergy with the House to deliver on the Governor’s vision. He emphasized his commitment to introducing modern systems that will transform land and ecological administration in the state.
The DG was accompanied by Hon. De’u Yusuf Balogun, Taiye Salihu-Otaru, and other key aides. Also present were Hon. Yusuf Siyaka, Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker; Hon. Mutari Luckyfarms MomohJimoh, Local Government Special Adviser (LSA) to the Governor; and Alhaji Usman Ododo.