Mr. John Shaibu Attai Idakwo was born on the 12th of June, 1955, in Ugwolawo, present Kogi State, Nigeria, to the family of the Late Pa Idakwo Ayikoye Achor Anaanyata and the Late Mama Awawo Idakwo. His genealogy is deeply rooted in the Aju-Akumabi (Aju-Akwu) lineage, one of the four ruling houses in the Igala Kingdom. His clan, Ananya-Ata, is one of the Kingmakers of the Attah Igala Royal Dynasty. His ancestral lineage is as follows: Akumabi > Ameh Akko (the first Ananya Atta) > Ajogu Aguna > Ohiemi Inegedu > Abutu > Achor > Ayikoye > Idakwo > John Shaibu Attai.
A visionary and trailblazer in library and information science, Mr. Idakwo dedicated his life to education, knowledge dissemination, and community development. His unwavering commitment to excellence marked every aspect of his life, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire those who knew him.
Early Life and Education
Born into a family deeply rooted in the traditions of the Igala Kingdom, Mr. Idakwo spent his formative years in Ugwolawo, where he attended Qua Iboe Mission Primary School from 1962 to 1968, and the proceeded to Our Lady of School Teachers’ College in Anyigba, where he earned his Teachers’ Grade II Certificate in 1973.
Driven by a passion for library science and education, he advanced to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained a Diploma in Library Science in 1976. He later earned a Bachelor of Library Science in 1980. In 1986, he furthered his expertise by earning a Master of Library Studies from the University of Ibadan. Mr. Idakwo complemented his academic achievements with professional certifications in financial studies, obtaining a Certificate in Banking and Finance and a National Diploma in Financial Studies from Federal Polytechnic, Idah. Until his death, he was pursuing a PhD. at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Professional Career
Mr. Idakwo’s professional journey began in earnest in 1976 when he started as a Library Officer in Training at Bayero University, Kano. Over the years, he accumulated vast experience in various library roles across institutions, including the Kashim Ibrahim Library at Ahmadu Bello University during Industrial Training in 1978 and 1980, the Rivers State Library Board during NYSC in 1981, and ultimately the Federal Polytechnic, Idah.
At the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Mr. Idakwo rose through the ranks, holding positions such as Senior Librarian, Principal Librarian, Assistant Chief Librarian, and ultimately Deputy Polytechnic Librarian. His responsibilities spanned cataloguing and classification, circulation services, reference services, collection development, and the creation of teaching resources. He was instrumental in coordinating library use programmes for students and played a pivotal role in mentoring young professionals. He retired in 2017 as Deputy Polytechnic Librarian, leaving an indelible mark on the institution and the broader field of library science.
Contributions to Community and Social Development
Mr. John Shaibu Attai Idakwo dedicated his life to serving his community and advancing societal progress through various leadership roles. As Chairman of the Ananyata Clan Descendants Union in Idah, Kogi State, from 2016 until his passing, he played a central role in fostering unity and development among his people. His ability to galvanise support and encourage collaboration was a hallmark of his leadership.
From August 2020 to April 2021, Mr. Idakwo served as Secretary of the Igalamela Kingmakers of Attah Igala, overseeing the intricate and culturally significant process of appointing the Attah Igala, the paramount ruler of the Igala Kingdom. Additionally, his long-standing role as Secretary of the Igalamela Clans Descendants Union from 1994 showcased his dedication to preserving the cultural identity and unity of the Igala people.
Mr. Idakwo’s influence extended beyond traditional leadership. He served as a Facilitator for the National Population Commission (NPC) in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, Kogi State, in March 2006, where he contributed to vital demographic and social data collection efforts. He also chaired the Igalamela Community Development Association (ICDA) in Idah and led the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) for the Ujagba Community Health Care Centre under the Kogi State Agency for Poverty Reduction (KSAPR) in June 2005. These roles demonstrated his commitment to improving healthcare access and poverty alleviation in his community.
Mr. Idakwo was an active participant in civic initiatives, serving as Chairman of the Igala National Solidarity Association (INSA) in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area from 2004 and as National President of the Igalamela Community Development Association (ICDA) from 2002 to 2004. His leadership in these organisations drove numerous developmental projects and fostered communal harmony. As State Chairman of the Nigeria Library Association, Kogi State Chapter from 1997 to 2006, he also championed the advancement of library and information science in the region.
His contributions to the financial sector included serving as Secretary to the Board of Directors of Igalamela Community Bank in 1997 and chairing its program committee in 1992, where he provided strategic direction for local financial empowerment. Additionally, he was an active member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Idah Command, in 1995 and a Special Marshal with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), contributing to public safety and security.
Mr. Idakwo’s dedication to electoral processes and democratic governance was evident in his numerous roles as a Returning Officer and Presiding Officer for various elections across Kogi State, from 1979 to 1992. He also served as Secretary of the Senior Staff Club at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, from 1984 to 1990, fostering camaraderie and professional development among his peers.
Throughout his life, Mr. Idakwo remained deeply committed to the progress and well-being of his community. His tireless efforts in various leadership capacities left an enduring legacy of service, integrity, and development that continues to inspire many.
Legacy and Impact
Throughout his life, Mr. Idakwo was recognised for his outstanding contributions to education and community development. He received the prestigious Officer of the Igala Kingdom (OIK) award in 2009 and was honoured by the Igalamela Community Development Association in 2021 for his distinguished service.
Mr. Idakwo believed deeply in the power of knowledge and information as tools for personal and societal transformation. His mission was to bridge gaps in access to information resources, which he pursued with unwavering dedication throughout his career and in his community activities.
Personal Life and Passions
He got married to Mrs Helen Laruba Idakwo in 1979, and he has 6 children: Late Inikpi, Ochoniya, Makoji, Ojonoka, Abutu and Steve. Son in law: Rear Admiral IE Shehu. Daughter in law Amichi Hilda Idakwo, Dorcas Omaojo Idakwo. Mr. John Shaibu Attai Idakwo also cherished his role as a grandfather to 7 grandchildren: Ojima, Omachonu, Oma-anibe, Ugane, Enyo, Attah and Eleojo. Fostering love and unity across generations.
Omanews.com
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