His Royal Majesty (HRM) Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the esteemed Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, is a prominent traditional ruler whose journey is marked by dedicated military service, community leadership, and a deep commitment to the cultural heritage and development of Ebiraland. This biography details his life, career, and contributions.
Early Life and Family Background
HRM Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Anaje was born on June 29, 1974, into the renowned and polygamous family of the Late Alhaji Muhammed Anaje Aliyu of the Asuwe clan, who was the District Head (Onoba-Obanyi) of Okengwe. His mother is Mrs. Sefiyat Muhammed Anaje of the Omoye Clan, both from the indigenous settlement of Okengwe-Ehi.
He is happily married to Hajia Husseina Ahmed Anaje of the Akuta Clan from Ovehira. They are blessed with five children.
Educational Foundation
His Majesty’s pursuit of knowledge laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors:
- Primary Education: He attended Saifudeen Primary School, Okengwe, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate in 1983.
- Secondary Education: He received his West African School Certificate (WASC) from Ebira Muslim Community College Okengwe (EMCCO) in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State in 1993.
- Islamic Studies:
- Began at Sharafudeen Madrasat, Okengwe, under Mukadam Alhaji Yakubu Ta’aba.
- Studied under the late Chief Imam of Ebiraland, Alhaji Musa Galadima.
- Proceeded to Mahad Arabic School Madina Elekuro in Ibadan.
- All his Islamic studies were under the spiritual guidance of his beloved mother, Sayida Bilqis Inyas.
- Tertiary Education: HRM Dr. Anaje later acquired a Diploma in Applied Psychology from the University of Jos.
Distinguished Military Career
HRM Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Anaje dedicated a significant part of his life to serving Nigeria through the military:
- Enlistment: He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army in 1995 as part of the 39 Regular Intake.
- Progression: He rose through the ranks and was decorated as a Warrant Officer on October 13, 2021. He resigned shortly thereafter to ascend the traditional stool.
Community Leadership During Military Service
Even while serving, his passion for his Ebira heritage and community was evident through various leadership roles:
- Vice Chairman: Ebira Community in Jos, Plateau State.
- Secretary: Ebira Vonya Association in Rukuba, Jos.
- President: Ebira Vonya Association in Warri, Delta State.
- President: Ebira Vabe Association in Takum, Taraba State.
Military Courses Attended
His Majesty continuously enhanced his skills through specialized military training:
- African Contingent Training Assistant (ACOTA)
- Training the Trainees (T3)
- SESORC
- Counter Terrorism
- Counter Insurgency
- Quick Response Force (QRF)
- Rapid Deployment Force (RDF)
- Special Forces (SF)
Military Operations Participation
He actively participated in numerous critical military operations both nationally and internationally:
- ECOWAS Monitoring Group in Liberia (ECOMOG)
- ECOWAS Monitoring Group in Sierra Leone (ECOMOG)
- United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL)
- United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)
- African Mission in Sudan (AMIS)
- United Nations Mission in Darfur-Sudan (UNAMID)
- Operation Harmony in Bakassi
- Operation Messa in Jos
- Operation Restore Hope in Niger-Delta
- Operation Thunder (Aduma) in Akwa-Ibom
- Operation Restore Order in Maiduguri
- Operation (BOYANA) North East
- Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole
- Operation Lafiya Dole
- Operation Deep Punch in North East
- Operation Harbe Kunama
- Operation Anyiem Apatuma in Taraba & Benue
- Operation Crocodile Smile
- Operation Sahel Sanity
- Operation Hadarin Daji
Military Awards and Recognitions
His dedicated service and gallantry earned him several accolades:
- Good Performance Award: From the US Embassy under PAE in Sierra Leone.
- Gallant Performance Award: By the then Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion, Major DH Ali Keffi.
- Performance Award: By the UN Field Commander, General ML Agwayi at the United Nations Headquarters, El-Fashir, Darfur, Sudan.
Ascension to Traditional Leadership: Ohi of Okengwe
Recognized for his exceptional leadership qualities, HRM Dr. Anaje transitioned to traditional governance:
- Appointment as Ohi of Okengwe/Okene: Following detailed traditional procedures, he was appointed by the Kogi State Government under His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, on October 18, 2021. He received the appointment on November 2, 2021.
- Coronation as Ohi of Okengwe: After a separate Ohi stool was created for Okene on March 3, 2022, King Anaje was coronated with a First Class Staff of Office as the Ohi of Okengwe on March 5, 2022.
Account of Stewardship as Ohi of Okengwe-Ehi
Within two years of his coronation as Ohi of Okengwe, HRM Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Anaje made significant strides in service to his people:
- Spiritual Guidance & Religious Harmony:
- Organized monthly inter-faith prayer sessions, successfully checking religious extremism in Okengwe.
- Established an inter-religious committee to coordinate religious activities.
- Led other Ohis on spiritual cleansing at Ajaokuta.
- Chaired the Kogi State government-constituted reconciliation committee, peacefully resolving the Imamship tussle in Ebiraland.
- Community Development & Infrastructure:
- Facilitated the Ohumanaka perimeter fencing.
- Facilitated the Okengwe-Ehi burial ground perimeter fencing (through Honourable Ahmed Tijani Damisa).
- Facilitated street lights for Okengwe.
- Facilitated a water project for the Okengwe people.
- Support & Empowerment:
- Facilitated farming tools, herbicides, and chemicals for local farmers through the Kogi State APPEALS Project.
- Extended hands of fellowship to the sick in hospitals with palliatives and by clearing bills.
- Embarked on numerous philanthropic activities and empowerment programs.
- Leadership & Unity:
- Successfully led Kogi Muslims on Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in 2022.
- Abolished clannish bigotry by constituting a 17-man advisory council for decision-making in Okengwe.
- Ensured uncommon peaceful celebrations during festive periods in Okengwe.
- Led other Ohis to meet with prominent Ebira individuals in Abuja to discuss issues concerning Ebiraland and the gubernatorial election, contributing to the success recorded.
Further Appointments and Prestigious Awards
His Majesty’s influence and dedication have continued to be recognized through various significant appointments and honors:
- Award of Honorary Doctorate Degree: By Executive University, USA, on December 2, 2023.
- Vice Chairman, Ebira Area Traditional Council: Appointed on October 4, 2022.
- Amirul Hajj for the 2022 Hajj Pilgrimage: Appointed on June 9, 2022.
- Reconciliation Committee Chairman on Ebira Imamship Tussle: Appointed on September 23, 2023.
- Kogi Central Patron, Council of Ulama’u of Nigeria: Appointed on July 25, 2022.
- Patron, Kogi Central League of Imams: Appointed on September 18, 2022.
- Kogi Central Patron, Concord Muslim Political Forum (COMPOF).
- Kogi Central Patron, Ansaru Ruhul-Islam Muslim Society of Nigeria (ARIMSON): Appointed on November 25, 2023.
- Member, Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) under ICPC: Appointed on March 6, 2022.
- Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ebira Muslim Community College, Okengwe (EMCCO): Appointed on December 8, 2021.
- Grand Patron, 39 Regular Foundation (Nigerian Army 39 Regular Intake): Appointed on December 18, 2023.
- Member, Kogi State Honours Award Advisory Committee: Appointed on December 12, 2023.
HRM Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Anaje continues to be a beacon of leadership, progress, and unity for Ebiraland and beyond.
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