Personality Profile

Meet Alhaji Sule Ogelebe Koku (Turakin Edege)

A Distinguished Administrator, Elder Statesman, and Community Leader

Alhaji Sule Ogelebe Koku, fondly revered as the Turakin Edege, stands as one of Nasarawa State’s most distinguished elder statesmen — a consummate civil servant, visionary leader, and patriotic son of Odu Community in Udege Development Area, Nasarawa Local Government Area. His name evokes discipline, humility, and a lifetime commitment to public service and community advancement.

Born on April 4, 1956, Alhaji Sule Koku began his educational journey at Udege-Mbeki Primary School between 1964 and 1970, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to the Government Science Secondary School, Nasarawa from 1972 to 1976, where he earned his West African School Certificate. His deep interest in agriculture and rural development led him to the College of Agriculture, Lafia (1977–1979), where he obtained a National Diploma in General Agriculture, followed by a Higher National Diploma in General Agriculture from the Ahmadu Bello University College of Agriculture, Kabba (1982–1983).

A man of insatiable thirst for knowledge, Alhaji Sule Ogelebe Koku  further enriched his academic profile with a Postgraduate Diploma in Farm Management and Extension from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (1993–1994) and capped it with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Benue State University, Makurdi (2002–2003).

His professional journey began in 1979 as a Farm Manager with the Government Nursery Farm, Pankshin, Plateau State. Through diligence, honesty, and outstanding administrative acumen, he rose steadily in the civil service to become a Permanent Secretary in August 1999. In this capacity, he served meritoriously in several ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning, and the Bureau for Establishment and Manpower Development, where his impact remains indelible.

Recognizing his competence and devotion to service, the administration of Senator Abdullahi Adamu appointed him as Commissioner for Cooperative and Community Development on 20th February 2006, making him a member of the State Executive Council. In this role, Alhaji Koku demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment until the completion of his tenure on May 29, 2007.

Throughout his illustrious career, Alhaji Sule Koku has held several notable leadership positions, both within and outside government. He has been the State Auditor, North Central Forum of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Bureau, since 2003, and serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ogesuko Nigeria Limited, a reputable firm with interests in agriculture and community empowerment.

His active involvement in youth and labour movements further underscores his lifelong devotion to social development and human capital growth. He served as National Treasurer, Omadegye Cultural and Development Club (1984–1987); National President, Omadegye Youth Wing (1984–1999); and Chairman, Plateau State Youth Council of Nigeria, Nasarawa LGA Chapter (1991–1992).

In 1992, his visionary leadership earned him appointment as Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Nasarawa Local Government Area, and he went on to serve as Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (Nasarawa LGA, 1993–1995) and National Vice President, Agriculture and Allied Workers Union (1988–1996). He equally chaired the State Welfare Scheme (1994–1996), the State Monthly Table Payment, Lafia Zone (2001), and the Karu Asset Sharing Committee (2002), among other vital state assignments.

In recognition of his monumental contributions to the civil service and human development, Alhaji Sule Koku was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Carolina University in 2002.

A man of deep humility and broad vision, Alhaji Sule Koku has over the years become a mentor and benefactor to many young professionals, civil servants, and political leaders. His influence in facilitating education, career advancement, and appointments for numerous youths across Nasarawa State and beyond stands as a living legacy of his commitment to generational upliftment.

As the Turakin Edege, a revered traditional title, he remains a unifying figure and custodian of cultural values, bridging the ideals of modern governance with the enduring wisdom of tradition. Widely travelled across Africa and Asia, he continues to promote understanding, dialogue, and progressive partnerships wherever he serves.

Happily married and blessed with children, Alhaji Sule Ogelebe Koku’s life reflects the virtues of dedication, integrity, and humility. His footprints in the sands of public service in Plateau and Nasarawa States continue to inspire generations of leaders and citizens alike.

Today, he is celebrated not only as a seasoned civil servant and administrator but also as a pillar of community development, advocate of good governance, and a symbol of selfless service to humanity.

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