By Idoko Sam
The Bureau News | Nigeria News Today
Ankpa, Kogi State | July 23, 2025
The Ankpa Traditional Council has approved the conferment of a prestigious chieftaincy title on Dr. Kashim Yunusa Akor in recognition of his outstanding contributions to socio-cultural development, public service, and national productivity.
The approval was conveyed in an official letter dated July 23, 2025, and signed by the Chairman of the Ankpa Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Yakubu II.
The council approved the conferment of the traditional title “Hasken Ejeh Ankpa” with the salutation “Zaki”, describing it as Ufane Ane Ankpa Kingdom — a beacon of honour and service within the Ankpa Kingdom.
According to the traditional institution, the title was conferred strictly on merit, citing Dr. Akor’s uncommon contributions to the socio-cultural growth and development of Ankpa Local Government Area and Igala land at large, rather than on partisan political considerations.
Dr. Akor, a seasoned public administrator and community leader, is a former Director-General of the National Productivity Centre and a recipient of the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM).
He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM) and currently serves as an Arbitrator with the Industrial Arbitration Panel, roles that have earned him national recognition for integrity, productivity, and dispute resolution.
Beyond Ankpa Kingdom, Dr. Akor holds several traditional titles across Nigeria, reflecting his influence in peace-building and community advancement.
These include Omachi Atta of the Igala Kingdom, Otunba Gbeluniyi of Ilaro in Yewa Kingdom, Ochalla Ejeh Olamaboro, Achema Onojoku, and Amana Onu Ejegbo.
The Ankpa Traditional Council, in the letter addressed to Dr. Akor at Abuja, requested a formal written acceptance of the chieftaincy title and invited him to propose a convenient date for the coronation ceremony.
Community leaders, traditional chiefs, and stakeholders across Igala land have described the honour as well-deserved, noting that Dr. Akor’s career in public administration, traditional leadership, and conflict resolution has continued to promote unity, productivity, and sustainable development.
The title Hasken Ejeh Ankpa is regarded as one of the respected honours within the Ankpa traditional hierarchy, reserved for individuals whose service and character illuminate the values, progress, and collective aspirations of the kingdom.
The Bureau News reports that the conferment further reinforces the role of traditional institutions in recognising excellence and service-driven leadership in Nigeria.
