Whatever has a beginning must have an end.
In Kogi State, the end of Yahaya Adoza Bello’s tenure as Governor of the Confluence State (January 27, 2016 to January 27, 2024) has, definitely, proclaimed him as the best Chief Executive Office/Chief Security Officer of the North-Central State since it was created by former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, in 1991.
On Saturday, the White Lion, as Bello is fondly called, will be handing over to Usman Ododo.
In fact, the choice of Ododo as his successor, is one of the legacies of the Bello administration.
Ododo, a technocrat, has vowed to continue to project the image the state and protect its name. In essence, he will continue where Bello stops on Saturday.
It is generally agreed that no governor of the state achieved what Bello did for the eight years he lived in the Government House, Lokoja.
Bello was first sworn in on January 27, 2016 as governor. He won his reelection on November 16, 2019 after defeating Musa Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by over 200,000 votes.
A bridge builder with age on his side, he is not only a stabilising force in the state but one of the pillars of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The energetic Bello is a good example of the positive effects Nigerian youths can bring to bear on governance, if given the opportunity.
From 2016 to 2024, Bello’s achievements across the 21 local governments are legendary.
From Health to Education, Housing, Security, Agriculture, Sports, Rural Infrastructure and others, the achievements of Bello, born on June 18, 1975 in Okene, Kogi State, are top-notch.
A graduate of Accounting and Business Administration from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, his education background played a key role in his achievements.
On Saturday, the handing over ceremony to Ododo in Lokoja is expected to be carnival-like as Kogites, from all the local governments, are already preparing to tell Bello the truth: you came, you saw, you conquered and we are ready to continue to express our love for you.
This is because since 2016, Bello left no one in doubt about his transformation agenda for Kogites.
Because of this determination, today, Kogi is a source of pride in the comity of states in Nigeria.
Talking of his education achievements, on Saturday, thousands of parents will storm the venue of the inauguration to thank Bello for the recent payment of N115 million to cover the cost of JAMB Registration fees for 15,033 students in public schools across the state.
The action is a follow up to the earlier payment of about N497 million to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to ensure no student in Kogi public schools is made to pay a single naira before writing any internal or external examination.
This is, indeed, huge and it shows Bello’s commitment to education in the state.
Because of his investment in education, Bello surpassed the benchmark set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in budgetary allocation to the sector by states.
In 2022, the allocation to education in the Budget was 30 per cent, surpassing UNESCO’s recommendation of 26 per cent benchmark.
Before he became governor, teachers were owed months of salaries, leading to frequent strikes. In fact, two years before he became governor, teachers were on strike for six months.
Today, strike action is history as Kogi has become the only state in the North with a well articulated Education Law which became effective in 2020. The law spells out the short-term, medium-term, and long-term milestones and modalities required to propel the sector to greater heights.
According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Kogi currently has the least number of out-of-school children among the 19 states in the North.
In Prince Abubakar Audu University (Kogi State University), Ayingba, courtesy of Bello’s efforts, all the 48 courses offered have secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The state-owned polytechnic in Lokoja also got full accreditation of all courses offered in the recent accreditation conducted by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Another regulatory body, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) also found the two state-owned Colleges of Education namely College of Education Ankpa and College of Education Technical, Kabba worthy of full accreditation of the courses offered them, making it first-ever in the history of the two schools.
A year after Bello became governor, all the 17 courses offered at the College of Education Technical, Kabba, got full accreditation.
In 2020, he also established the Confluence University of Science and Technology, (CUSTECH), Osara.
The governor also constructed ultra-modern secondary schools in all the senatorial districts.
Still on education, Bello was the cynosure of all eyes during the kick off and matriculation of the first set of students of Kogi State Varsity, Kabba.
He also advised Kogites to take advantage of the newly introduced Students Loan Scheme initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to acquire university education.
Bello said his vision for the establishment of a University in Kabba had been fulfilled, reiterating that he met a state that was in a deplorable situation, but expressed gratitude to God that he would be handing over the state better than he met it.
“Today I’m fulfilled. I promised to be part of the ceremony for the first set of matriculating students. I feel fulfilled and satisfied that we achieved our dreams.
“I urge the people of Kogi State to play politics of inclusion rather than adopt the pull-him-down style of politics. When we started this University, there were many distractions. But because I remained focused, I refused to be distracted.
“We made education one of our thematic areas on assumption of office. I’m happy that we are rated the best in our geopolitical zone in the area of education.
“Today, we have the best health facilities in Nigeria. Rather than travel to seek medical attention outside the country, I urge our people to take advantage of the Reference Hospital, the best in Nigeria, to seek medical attention,” he stated.
So, it is generally believed that Bello has, indeed, laid a solid foundation for the renaissance of education in the state.
Even opposition elements know this for a fact. That was why the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the November 11, 2023 election, Hon. Leke Abejide, visited the governor a few days ago to thank him on his achievements in office.
Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency, commended Bello for his notable achievements across all the three senatorial districts.
Not only that, Abejide declared his support for the Governor-elect, Usman Ododo.
Abejide said: “Your Excellency, let me congratulate my brother, Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Governor-elect of our dear state once again. We all ran a good race and we also believe that at the end of it, only one candidate will emerge and we have Ododo as that candidate today.
“My participation in politics is about the people and once elections are over, all issues around that must be put behind to forge a progressive administration”.
This action reiterated Bello’s policy before, during and after the election that his doors are open to all Kogites, irrespective of political affiliations.
In essence, he is the father of all.
Former Governor, Captain Idris Wada, also visited Bello and appreciated him for his notable achievements, especially in the areas of security, healthcare, education and infrastructure.
Wada pledged his full support for the incoming Ododo administration.
Also, no less a person than the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, commended Bello for his exceptional achievements.
To him, Bello is leaving Kogi more prosperous, developed and transformed than he met it in 2016.
In a commendation letter he personally signed, the NIA boss listed infrastructural projects, renovation of the Okene Reference Hospital and the establishment of Omi Rice Farm as some of the achievements of the Bello administration.
Abubakar, in the letter entitled “Acknowledging Your Remarkable Achievements as Governor,” explained how Bello’s enhanced public services and facilities, added value to agricultural production and rejigged Kogi’s economy.
“As your tenure as the Governor of Kogi State draws to a close, I write to congratulate you and acknowledge the notable achievements of your administration during your two tenures as Governor since you assumed office in 2016. I would also like to congratulate you and the Kogi State chapter of the APC for winning the just concluded gubernatorial elections.
“During your time as Governor of Kogi State, the various infrastructural projects undertaken by your administration have significantly improved the state’s connectivity and accessibility as one of Nigeria’s main trade routes from the West and South to Northern parts of the country.
“The renovation of the Okene Reference Hospital is a testament to your dedication to enhancing public services and facilities. Similarly, the establishment of Omi Rice Farm, one of the largest in Nigeria, is a clear demonstration of your administration’s commitment to adding value to agricultural production.
“As you conclude your tenure and begin another chapter in your political career, I wish you success in your future endeavours, while enjoying more quality time with your beloved family,” Abubakar stated.
Also, federal lawmakers from the state congratulated Bello and pledged their unwavering loyalty to the White Lion.
The lawmakers, comprising Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, congratulated the governor on what they described as the resounding victory of the All Progressives Congress and the emergence of Ododo as Governor-elect.
According to them, the November election was adjudged peaceful, credible, free and fair by local and international observers.
Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, representing Kogi East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, commended Bello for his sterling leadership, which paved the way for the resounding victory, while pledging unalloyed loyalty of the Assembly members to the Governor and Governor-elect.
Senator Sunday Karimi applauded the governor’s ingenuity and called for magnanimity in putting the election’s challenges behind with a view to expanding APC’s space in Kogi State.
In his remarks, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Ibrahim Abdullahi Halims, commended Bello’s wisdom and exemplary leadership, assuring the governor of efforts to unite APC members in his constituency and the entire Kogi East Senatorial District.
In their separate remarks, Hon AbdulRahim Danga, representing Okehi/Adavi Federal Constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Arc Salman Idris of the ADC, representing Kabba/Ijumu Federal Constituency, commended Bello’s fairness and democratic approach during the conduct of their elections.
The duo eulogised the governor for what they termed as his large heart, political sagacity and understanding, describing him as a fair player in the field of politics.
They said the governor had everything to truncate their chances of emerging victorious in the election that produced them as witnessed in other states but that, as a democrat, he allowed the electioneering processes to go smoothly without intimidating opponents of his political party.
In healthcare, the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state commended Bello for his investments in health sector which, to the doctors, is unmatched in Nigeria
Kogi NMA, in a goodwill message written to the governor and signed by its Chairman, Dr. Baoku Olusola and Secretary, Dr. Jonah Bola Kelvin, heaped praises on Bello for prioritising the health sector and funding it massively.
The doctors maintained that the infrastructure and plethora of other health care facilities built by the Bello administration had made Kogi health sector a model to copy by other states.
While appreciating Bello for approving the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the hazard allowance of doctors in Kogi State, even when 26 other states had yet to implement any of them, the association told the two-term governor: “Your name has been written in gold and you will never be forgotten Sir as the conqueror.
“All the doctors in Kogi State write to express our profound gratitude to your Excellency on the unprecedented unmatchable and indelible mark you have made in the health sector in the state. We appreciate the great and giant strides you have achieved since your divine assumption into the office of the Executive Governor of Kogi State.
“We acknowledge your achievements in the area of passion, commitment and unwavering dedication to the health of all Kogi indigenes demonstrated by the huge investment your administration committed to the infrastructure and other health care facilities in Kogi State.
“We appreciate the prompt payment of salaries of members, the current payment of 50% hazard allowance, the cash donation to all the widows of our late colleagues, the grand reception of our members in Government House during our courtesy visit, the cash donation to all the medical students of Federal University, Lokoja, the security of lives and properties enjoyed by doctors in Kogi State and the enabling environment your administration has provided for all our members to be able to discharge their duties effectively in the state.
“We are confident and can boldly say that the health sector received the greatest of your attention and commitment under your administration and this has never been witnessed before in the state.
“We hereby send you this goodwill message wishing you God’s continuous protections, blessings and favour. We pray Almighty Allah continue to direct your path, strengthen you and grant all your heart desires. Most especially, we pray that God takes you to the highest level of service to the nation”.
To corroborate this, Dr Baoku Olusola, through his email – [email protected] – eulogised the governor for his medical strides in the state.
He wrote: His Excellency Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Adoza Bello, this image is not taken from USA, ENGLAND, PARIS OR INDIA.. This is REFERENCE HOSPITAL OKENE, GYB STANDARD.. Myself, Dr Baoku Olusola, an anasthesiologist and a team of surgeons successfully did seven surgeries within eight hours using sophisticated, world class equipment, tiltable electronic remote-controlled operating tables, standard overhead LED operating lights, facilities for telemedicine, patients and fluid warmers, standard Dua vaporizer anasthesia machine, Electro surgical unit under perfect lightnings.. The shortest intraoperative transition between patients that have ever seen, no loss of power throughout, excellent staff coordination and patient satisfaction in line with international best practice.
“We are compelled to commend your Excellency for this state-of-the-art hospital. We took time to also visit the new roads under construction, the huge secondary school edifice and the Nursing hostel.
“You are indeed a visionary and a great leader. Your legacy of infrastructure cutting across Health , Education and many sectors will last for generations and your name will never be forgotten in this State till the end of time.
“ Your Excellency.. May Almighty guide your path to greater service for this Nation . My personal experience on the 19th of January , 2024 in OKENE”.
In health sector, Bello established a World Class Reference Hospital in Okene with the capacity to handle complicated medical and surgical cases, renovated and remodelled Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja to include Construction of an Ultra-Modern Administrative Complex with two (2) Suspended Floors; Construction of Psychiatric Department and Complete Renovation and Remodeling of the whole Hospital.
He constructed two Ultra-Modern General Hospitals in Eganyi Ajaokuta, established the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency to help reduce out of pocket expenditure by the people.
It was also praise galore for the governor when he presented ambulances, fire fighting vans to all the councils.
He also gave Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to judges and lawmakers.
Before Bello became governor, Kogi had its share of insecurity but the energetic governor, working with the Federal Government and security agencies, has been able to put kidnappers, bandits, criminals and armed robbers in check.
The first thing he did was to reach out to monarchs, mandating them to flush out all the bad elements in their domains.
He empowered all the security agents in the state and, to complement their works, set up the Kogi State Vigilante Service. This has effectively helped to combat crimes.
His relentless effort to secure the state led to the establishment of two Mobile Police Squadron Bases along Obajana-Kabba road and in Okene, and the location of a Naval Base in Lokoja.
In infrastructure, thousands of kilometres of roads and bridges were constructed and reconstructed across the state.
Also, provision of electricity to rural communities became a cardinal principle of his administration. Low cost houses and estates were also built across the three senatorial districts.
Farmers also benefitted from the Bello administration as fertilisers and improved seedlings were distributed to them.
This agricultural initiatives led to a boost in food production. Employment opportunities were also created.
Agricultural equipment, such as, ploughs, ridgers, tractors and others were distributed to farmers.
The biggest Rice Mill at Ejiba, Yagba West, known as Kogi Confluence Rice Mill, with a capacity to produce 50 tonnes of rice daily, was established by Bello.
On Saturday, Bello will hand over the baton to Ododo.
To Kogites, this is the best legacy bequeathed by Bello as they expressed their optimism that Ododo will never disappoint them.
