Earnest Mayowa
In every era of governance, history remembers not just the visionaries at the helm, but also the strategists who translate vision into reality. In Kogi State today, one such figure stands tall in the engine room of governance, Dr. Habibat Onumoko, the Accountant General of the State, aptly described as the Accounting Amazon redefining public finance management.
Under her stewardship, Kogi State has witnessed what many once thought impossible in the Nigerian public sector: the prompt payment of salaries, restored confidence among workers, and a renewed sense of dignity in public service. Beyond salaries, pensions and gratuities are paid promptly, easing the long-standing pains of retirees who devoted their productive years to the state. These are not mere statistics; they are lifelines that have rekindled hope across households.
Dr. Onumoko’s accounting acumen has also ensured that contractors are paid as and when due, restoring credibility to government commitments and stimulating economic activity. This consistency has played a pivotal role in Kogi’s emergence as a construction hub, with infrastructure projects springing up across the state, roads, public buildings, and critical facilities that are reshaping the physical and economic landscape.
What sets Dr. Onumoko apart is her rare ability to internalize the financial vision of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and translate it seamlessly into actionable, sustainable outcomes. She has mastered his development-driven financial philosophy and broken it down into practical systems that work. The result is a Governor whose people-oriented agenda is backed by solid fiscal management, making him a history-making Chief Servant of Kogi State.
Yet, Dr. Onumoko’s impact extends beyond spreadsheets and balance sheets. Her accounting prowess is complemented by remarkable political sagacity. Among her people, she has emerged as a rallying point, a leader whose voice carries weight, whose counsel inspires trust, and whose presence commands respect. In a political environment often starved of sincerity, she represents steadiness, courage, and purpose.
Her generosity of spirit and uncommon courage have further elevated her standing, endearing her to many and earning her a reputation as a political leader of repute. She leads not by noise, but by results; not by theatrics, but by substance.
In Dr. Habibat Onumoko, Kogi State has found more than an Accountant General. It has found a dependable custodian of public trust, a bridge between vision and execution, and a symbol of what is possible when competence, character, and commitment align.
Indeed, the Accounting Amazon has not only reworked Kogi’s finances, she has helped rework its future, working closely under the leadership of the Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Earnest Mayowa is a Public Analyst, he writes from Takete Ide, Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State
