By joshua 
HE BELIEVED IN THE ORDINARY: MY TRIBUTE TO FGYB
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Some leaders are remembered for their titles, others for the lives they transform. For me and thousands of Kogites, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, belongs to the latter. He is the leader who gave ordinary people a chance to make a difference, who saw potential where others saw none, and who reshaped what leadership means in Kogi State.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello will be remembered as the governor who opened government to those without political connections. Under his administration, young men and women from humble backgrounds were appointed as Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, Board Members, and Commissioners. Many of us now serving our communities are a direct result of that trust. He didn’t just empower individuals, he created opportunities for an entire generation.
His impact was most visible in youth and women empowerment. Thousands of Kogites benefited from skills training, start-up grants, and public appointments. He believed that the best way to secure the state was to give young people a role in governance rather than leave them idle. Through FGYB, the son of a farmer became a policymaker, the daughter of a trader became an aide, and the artisan became part of the decision-making process.
Kogi’s infrastructure landscape also changed significantly during his tenure. The Ganaja Flyover in Lokoja, the first of its kind in the capital, eased years of traffic congestion and gave the city a modern face. Hundreds of kilometers of rural and township roads were constructed or rehabilitated, connecting farming communities to markets. The Reference Hospital in Okene now stands as one of the most advanced medical facilities in the North Central, while the Ultra Modern General Hospital at Gegu-Beki has expanded access to quality healthcare.
Education and healthcare also received renewed focus. Over 375 primary healthcare centers were built or renovated, and secondary schools across the three senatorial districts were upgraded. The establishment of Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara gave Kogi students access to tertiary education within the state. In addition, he cleared salary arrears inherited from previous administrations and implemented promotions with cash backing, restoring confidence in the civil service.
On security, his record remains notable. At a time when insecurity affected many neighboring states, Kogi maintained relative stability. His administration invested in security equipment, provided over 200 operational vehicles, and worked closely with vigilantes, hunters, and formal security agencies. For several years, Kogi was consistently ranked among the safer states in the country.
Agriculture and health were also prioritized. Rice mills were established, tractors distributed, and more than 70,000 farmers supported with inputs through various programs. The Bello Care initiative and the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme extended affordable healthcare to vulnerable populations. During COVID-19, his administration kept the economy running while setting up isolation centers and strengthening hospital capacity.
Perhaps most importantly, his government was inclusive. Women were given 35% representation in appointments, a first in Kogi’s history. His cabinet reflected the ethnic and religious diversity of the state, and he was known for standing with the common man regardless of background.
That is why his impact remains personal to me. He gave a voice to those who had none and turned people once overlooked into contributors to society. History will remember His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, as a leader who believed in people. Kogi is better for his leadership, and many of us are better for the trust he placed in us.
I am Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, a proud beneficiary of GYB’s leadership and one of the many he helped lift from obscurity to purpose..