Honourable Engineer Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf is a distinguished engineer, administrator, and public servant whose life reflects unwavering dedication, technical excellence, and an uncommon passion for community development. Born in Osisi, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, he began his educational journey at LGEA Primary School, Osisi (1985–1990), and proceeded to Ebira Community Secondary School (1990–1996). His quest for knowledge and professional mastery led him to the Federal University of Technology, Akure, where he earned a Bachelor of Technology in Mining Engineering (1996–2000). He completed his National Youth Service at the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Abuja (2001–2002).
His brilliance and diligence during his service year earned him immediate retention at the Ministry, where he served from 2002 to 2007. During this period, he furthered his academic pursuit and obtained a Master’s Degree in Water Engineering from FUTA (2004–2006). In 2007, he transferred to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja, where he worked tirelessly until 2014, contributing significantly to national water resource development.
In 2015, Engr. Yusuf transitioned into private practice, establishing M.A. Yusuf Associates Ltd, an engineering consulting firm that has grown into a reputable institution known for precision, integrity, and excellence. His leadership elevated the firm to national recognition, delivering high‑quality engineering solutions across multiple sectors.
His outstanding competence and patriotic zeal attracted the attention of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, who appointed him Senior Special Assistant on Mineral Resources (2021–2023). In this role, Engr. Yusuf demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and technical depth, leading the team that discovered crude oil in Kogi State—an achievement that earned the state its historic status as an oil‑producing state.
In January 2024, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo appointed him Honourable Commissioner for Works, a position in which he has continued to excel. Within a short period, Engr. Yusuf has overseen transformative infrastructural interventions across the state. Under his supervision, major road projects have been completed or advanced significantly, including:
– Zone 8 Roundabout–Barracks–Zango–GYB Junction Road (completed with solar streetlights)
– Zone 8–Crusher Road (completed with solar streetlights; tollgate in view)
– Obangede–Okaito–Ogaminana Road (ongoing)
– Internal road networks at CUSTECH, Osara, and KSU, Kabba
– Odenyi–Oguma–Shelia Road (ongoing)
– Internal roads in Yagba East and Yagba West
– Idah Township Road (recently awarded)
His commitment to ensuring accessible, durable, and modern road infrastructure continues to support the developmental vision of Governor Ododo and enhance the socio‑economic wellbeing of Kogi citizens.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Engr. Yusuf is a compassionate humanitarian whose generosity has transformed countless lives. Through the MA Yusuf Health Foundation Initiative, he provides free medical care to vulnerable citizens in partnership with Shifa Hospital, Lokoja, and Abdulsalam Hospital, Ogaminana. His scholarship scheme supports students across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, while his empowerment initiatives uplift widows, youths, and struggling families.
His contributions have earned him several honours, including:
– Best Performing Commissioner of Works in North Central – Personality Profile Programme, NTA Lokoja
– Most Liberal Leader 2021 – Umachaku Verete Group
– Most Outstanding Youth Leader 2022 – Osisi Youth Forum
– Otenyi Ekura 2024 – Arivotozi Women Association
A respected member of multiple professional bodies—including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, COREN, COMEG, Society of Water Engineers, and the Society of African Explosive Manufacturers—Engr. Yusuf embodies professionalism, humility, and service.
Hon. Engr. Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf stands today as a symbol of integrity, innovation, and selfless leadership. His life of service continues to inspire hope, strengthen communities, and advance the development of Kogi State. He is, indeed, a man whose impact is vast—like the proverbial elephant, describable only in parts, yet undeniably monumental.
