By Danjuma Amodu
Former Kogi State Deputy Governor and Chief of Staff, Chief Edward David Onoja, clocks 52 today, August 9, 2026, with tributes pouring in from across Kogi and beyond for a public life built on loyalty, kindness and an abiding connection to the grassroots.
Born on August 9, 1974 in Odidoko-Emonyoku, Ogugu District of Olamaboro Local Government Area, Onoja rose from student union politics at the University of Jos to become one of the most influential figures in Kogi’s recent political history. A Geology and Mining graduate with a Second Class Upper, he was the first elected President of the Natural Science Students Association, NASSA, before resigning from banking in 2011 to pursue elective office.
His political ascent was rapid and well-earned. He served as Chief Strategist and Director-General of the Yahaya Bello Campaign Organisation in 2015, and was appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor in January 2016 — reportedly the first appointment made by the Governor. The synergy between both men was so strong that stakeholders dubbed them the ‘Siamese Twins’. He held that position until October 2019, when he was elected Deputy Governor. With his political sagacity and street credibility, Onoja was widely regarded as the engine room of the administration, coordinating political affairs and driving policy implementation across the state. He served in that capacity alongside Governor Yahaya Bello until January 2024.
What has endeared Onoja to many is not just the offices he has held, but the stories that followed him. One such account dates back to when he was aspiring to be a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly. It is said that while pasting campaign posters late at night in Ogugu, a young man saw him, offered help and carried him round the town on his motorcycle until the task was done. Years later, when fortune smiled on him, Onoja reportedly sought out the same man, who by then was serving as a Civil Defence officer, and gifted him a car in appreciation. It is a gesture associates cite as proof that he does not forget good done to him.
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. A grateful heart never forgets,” a quote that, according to those close to him, best captures his disposition.
Onoja is also credited with championing youth inclusion in Kogi politics. He was instrumental in the appointment of Hon. Friday Adejoh ‘Pexy’ as Sole Administrator of Olamaboro Local Government and several other administrators in Kogi East who rallied support for the Yahaya Bello aspiration. The appointment of Hon. Onojah Alhaji Danjuma, a grassroots mobilizer who remained consistent with the party from ANPP through CPC to APC, to the position of Secretary to the Local Government in Olamaboro, is also linked to Onoja’s commitment to reward steadfastness l, consistency and loyalty to the party. These efforts and others have earned him several honorifics over the years, including “King of the Youth”, “Araga 1” and the traditional title “Olimene Attah” conferred on him by the Attah of Igala, the highest-ranking monarch in Kogi East and the state.
He has long been viewed in Kogi political circles as a possible successor to his former principal, ex-Governor Yahaya Adoiza Bello. In that light, a mini social media campaign, i mooted once trended with the tag “From CEDO to GEDO” — translating to “From Chief of Staff Edward David Onoja to Governor Edward David Onoja.” In one of my hiking expedition, I used a curvey lady with a branded back tagged ‘GEDO’ to test the waters and Onoja swiftly call for calm.
On the question of ambition, Onoja has maintained a consistent position: “We shouldn’t jump the gun. When the time comes, it will happen according to God’s plan.” That restraint has defined him, even amid speculations that he was overambitious.
I
It is now public knowledge that he did not emerge as the APC governorship candidate, a development many attributed to tribal politics that also affected the entire Kogi East bloc. A strong proponent of the ‘Enemuneme’ slogan first coined by the late Alhaji Linco, Onoja accepted the outcome with calm. The slogan later became a talking point used against him by opponents each time he suffered a political setback. But true to the meaning of his name (DAVID), he is rising from that episode of painful loyalty like the Biblical David who stood against Goliath.
Walking out after the process of loosing the anointing of his Siamese twins popularly called the ‘White Lion’, and in a video that later emerged, his comment was simple: “We thank God for everything.”
True to his nature, he remained in the APC, building himself and expanding his network. That consistency has paid off with elevation to national politics. He now serves as a voice in APC affairs. His growing national influence was further affirmed with his appointment as Chairman of the Screening Committee for the Kogi APC primaries.
What has remained constant through the years is his accessibility. From his time as Chief of Staff to Deputy Governor and till date, he has remained active on WhatsApp platforms where he engages with young people, responds to questions, offers advice, and mediates disputes. Even when conversations get heated, he stays, and he is known for calming nerves and de-escalating tensions before issues snowball into crisis.
Speaking on national matters, Onoja described Nigeria’s 65-year journey as “a story of resilience” despite reforms, inflation and security challenges. “What is required now is inclusive growth, jobs for our youth, stronger security, and credible institutions that translate national reforms into daily relief for citizens. Our task as leaders is to turn resilience into prosperity,” he said. He added that at 65, Nigeria should be measuring up to global realities in technology, robotics, artificial intelligence and space science.
In January 2025, Onoja assumed office as the pioneer Board Member representing North Central on the South East Development Commission, SEDC, continuing his service in public life.
As he marks 52, party chieftains, youth groups and associates describe him as a bridge-builder and servant-leader whose legacy lies in lifting others as he climbed.
We at Newsworth Media Company join a host of other well-wishers to applaud his resilience, service to Kogi and Nigeria, and wish him a Happy Birthday.
