School Of General and Communication Studies & School of Environmental Technology, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja Hosts Maiden Joint National Conference

By Abubakar Suleman

The School of General and Communication Studies and the School of Environmental Technology, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, hosted a successful maiden joint national conference from June 4th to 7th, 2024.

The conference, themed “Socio-Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Development,” brought together academics from across the country.

The opening ceremony, held on June 4th, was attended by dignitaries, including the Rector, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman; the Lead Paper Presenter, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi; the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja; Special Guests of Honour, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Secretary to Kogi State Government, Kogi State, Hon. Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education, Kogi State, Hon. Joseph Oluwasegun, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management.

Also in attendance are; Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Helen Adeniyi Aderibigbe; Pastor Elijah Adeiza Evinemi, Head of Civil Service, Kogi State; Royal Father Of The Day, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Markafi 1V, Maigari Of Lokoja; Keynote Speaker, Dr. Emmanuel O. F. Elegba, Chief Lecturer, Dept of Urban & Regional Planning, The Federal Polytechnic, Idah; and the hosts, Mrs. Balagbogbo Omolola and Arch. Dr. Ekele Thompson.

In his address, the Rector expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, for his unwavering commitment to the growth of education in the state, which has created a conducive environment for teaching and learning in the Polytechnic. He also commended the Deans of the two schools for their unique sense of collaboration and uncommon leadership.

The keynote address and lead paper presentation followed, with Professor Olayemi Akinwumi delivering a thought-provoking paper. The conference featured presentations of several papers, which were examined and critiqued by participants.

At the opening ceremony, the Rector’s address was followed by the keynote address. Then, at the closing ceremony, the Dean of the School of General and Communication Studies, Mrs. Balagbogbo Omolola, thanked the guests and other paper presenters at the colorful event, especially the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Akinwumi, for his impressive presentation and attendance.

Mrs Balagbogbo also commended the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman for the support and encouragement given to the two schools saying that they are all happy that his professorship was first announced at the Joint Maiden National Conference.