By joshua 
Transformational Governance: Yahaya Bello’s Landmarks that Reshaped Kogi State
… Place him better chance to Represent Kogi Central Senatorial District come 2027.
By Abu Micheal
Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s eight-year tenure as Governor of Kogi State has without ioata of doubt left an indelible mark on the State’s governance landscape.
Between 2016-2023, Bello’s administration’s focused on institutional reforms, infrastructural development, security consolidation, fiscal discipline, and inclusive leadership, that has no doubt repositioned Kogi State for sustainable growth.
From modernizing infrastructure to empowering citizens, Bello’s achievements are a testament to his vision for a better Kogi when juxtaposed with his legacy’s of achievements.
The former Governor’s top landmark achievements that define his era can best be seen in the areas of Infrastructure and Urban Renewal.
The administration constructed and rehabilitated major highways across the three senatorial districts, including the iconic Ganaja Flyover. His administration also upgraded township roads and expanded rural feeder roads. Specifically the Bello’s administration constructed the Okene-Kuroko-Eika-Ikaturu-Itakpe road project. The 13.71km road project from Itakpe Junction to Kabba Junction. Agassa-Ahache-Upogoro road, Ogaminana-Ebogogo road, and other projects in Kogi Central. His administration was behind the construction of the Iyamoye-Jege-Ife-Olukotun-Ponyan-Ejuku-Ijowa Isanlu roads in Kogi West. Ayingba-Umomi-Akpagidigbo-Ugwolawo-Ajaka road and other projects in Kogi East.
Similarly, the administration is credited to have improved water supply and electrification in rural communities. The Bello’s administration expanded the Greater Lokoja Water Supply Scheme. Upgraded water reticulation systems in major towns. Provided potable water to rural communities. Constructed boreholes and water treatment plants in various communities.
The administration provided rural Electrification to underserved rural communities. Installation of solar-powered streetlights in rural areas. Connected rural communities to the national grid. Provided generators and solar power systems to rural health centers and schools
Specifically, the water and electrification projects the administration embarked upon include: Water projects in Okene, Adavi, and Ajaokuta LGAs. Electrification projects in Kogi East, including Ayingba and Ugwolawo communities. Provision of Solar-powered streetlights in various rural communities across the State
These projects helped improve access to basic amenities, enhance the quality of life for rural residents.
Still under the Bello’s Urban Renewal program. Was the development of new layouts and access roads, enhancing intra-state mobility.
It is without mincing words that the Bello’s administration placed emphasis on Education and Human Capital Development. This he did with the
Introduction of the Kogi State Education Strategic Plan (SESP).
This policy saw to the recruitment of 4,000 teachers and trained 2,000 school administrators. He also Constructed and rehabilitated over 600 basic education schools, Expanded STEM education programmes and ICT-driven learning initiatives, knowing the importance of digital learning in contemporary education across the globe.
With an excellent mark scored in the Healthcare System Strengthening, former Gov Bello’s administration constructed a 250-bed Reference Hospital in Okene, Upgraded Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital, Improved maternal and child healthcare services as well as enhanced medical equipment supply to hospitals.
It is without gainsaying that the Bello’s administration won deserving laurels and accolades in the area of Security, Safety and Peace Building in Nigeria during his tenure. During his tenure, Kogi became unsafe for criminals, who saw Kogi State as a no go area. It is worth noting that Governor Bello’s administration was credited with improving security in the state, including reducing armed robbery and kidnapping incidents.
Before the advent of his administration, Kogi State was previously plagued by insecurity, including bank robberies, kidnappings, and other crimes. Governor Bello’s administration toke steps to address these issues
The administration was able to achieve that feat with the establishment of the Kogi State Vigilante Service. It is on record that the former Governor was intentional in his approach, collaborated with security agencies to reduce kidnapping and armed robbery in the State.
His administration was reputed to have placed premium on improved intelligence gathering and community policing that is being advocated and championed by the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Kogi State is blessed with two major Rivers, Niger and Benue. The Bello’s administration enhanced security of highways and waterways, thus locking both the land and sea, for crimes and criminalities, enabling citizens sleep with their two eyes closed.
The Bello’s economic management and fiscal reforms witnessed the digitalization of tax and revenue collection systems, leading to improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). It is on record that the State IGR hitting over N3billion was the handiwork of the Bello’s administration.
Before the advent of the Bello’s administration, the Civil Service was a harbinger for corruption. The administration eliminated ghost workers through biometric verification,
and promoted fiscal discipline and budgetary control.
The slogan Youths are the leaders of tomorrow came to full realization under the Bello’s administration. Youth, Women and Social Inclusion in the State history became top notch as the administration empowered youths through skills acquisition programmes.
The administration was reputed to have appointed women to key cabinet positions and LG Chairpersons, beyond the United Affirmation Action. It was not an exaggeration, under Bello, the Youths, women and persons with disabilities became Kings and Princes.
His administration supported youth entrepreneurship and startups, as well as promoted gender balance in public service. Today, with the foundation solidly laid by Bello, his trajectory is being sustained by the Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo’s administration.
The then administration of former Gov Bello placed emphasis on Culture, Environment and Social Development.
This he was able to achieve with the preservation of Kogi’s cultural heritage, Promoted peace and unity across ethnic lines. His Ebigo Policy was well hailed as it brought the unity the people have long desired that was lacking in a multi ethnic State.
Similarly, the Bello’s administration improved waste management systems, enhanced community engagement in governance.
It was this and many other accomplishments that made the administration of former Gov Bello to be named “Governor of the Year” by Global Excellence Awards (2023). For his transparency and Prudent use of the State resources, the Bello’s administration won the National commendation for fiscal transparency award. The award for Recognition for security innovation and inclusive governance by the Federal Government, underscores the significance the Bello’s administration placed on Security in the Country during his tenure.
Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s transformational governance when he glowingly administered the State between 2016-2023, redefined Kogi State’s trajectory. His legacy is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, positioning him for future success.
Thus far, the call has been loud and defeaning in appeal for former Governor to aspire to the Senate. According to Senator Abubakar Sadiku Ohere, he publicly declared his support for Bello, citing his courage, political weight, and experience as key reasons why Kogi Central needs him in the Senate.
Similarly, Hon. Umar Abdulkarim, A political figure in Kogi Central, believes Bello’s achievements in office make him the best candidate to represent the district in the Senate.
Adding his voice, Philip Usman, an Ebira indigene, praised Bello’s security and peace-building initiatives, saying he will transform Kogi Central as a senator.
In the words of Halima Musa Abubakar, from Kogi Central, she credited Bello for upgrading township roads, fighting insecurity, and bringing development to the state.
To underscore the call for the Senate representation, Governor Usman Ododo, urged Bello to heed calls to represent Kogi Central insisting that he has the political will to amongst wisemen that will be at the Senate come 2027, attract and make impact if former Gov Bello is elected to the Senate
It is widely acknowledged that the loud call for the former Governor to represent the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District come 2027, is therefore not out of place. The call is without overstating the obvious, that Bello’s magic wands is very much desirious by the people, for the further transformation and consolidation using the instrument of Legislation when elected to better as well as sustain his legacies in the district, State and Nigeria as a whole.
– Micheal, a Journalist, is the Publisher of Nigerian Post newspaper. He is also on the Editorial Board of the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria