By joshua Engr. Bashir Gegu Hails GYB At 51: “You Taught Us Leadership Is About Service, Not Title”
… Kogi Commissioner for Solid Minerals pays tribute to his mentor, recalls GYB’s impact on Kogi LGA and youth mentorship
Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, Sarkin Yaki, has paid glowing tribute to former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, as the former governor marks his 51st birthday.
In a heartfelt birthday message, Engr. Gegu described GYB as his “mentor, boss and godfather” who redefined governance in Kogi by making development deliberate, inclusive, and people-centered.
Reflecting on GYB’s leadership style, Engr. Gegu noted that the former governor opened doors for young Kogites when others doubted their capacity.
“Thank you for grooming boys to men. You gave young people a seat at the table when others said we were ‘too young.’ You believed in us, mentored us, and gave us responsibilities that built character and capacity. Because of you, many of us who were once ordinary now serve Kogi with dignity and purpose. You did not just create jobs, you created leaders,” Engr. Gegu stated.
He added that GYB’s “new direction” mantra is now visible in Kogi’s roads, schools, hospitals, and in the confidence today’s youth carry. “Kogi is no longer waiting for development to happen, Kogi is now making things happen courtesy of you,” he said.
Engr. Gegu praised the former governor for changing Kogi’s security narrative through intelligence-driven policing and joint security task forces.
“Kogi was once labeled unsafe. You changed that narrative completely. Through zero tolerance for crime, you made Kogi one of the safest states in Nigeria. That peace created the environment for all other development to thrive. Without security, no project succeeds. You secured the land first, then built on it,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Kogi LGA, Engr. Gegu listed key projects he said bear GYB’s footprints at home and statewide:
Kogi LGA.
1. Gegu-Beki Ultra Modern Hospital
2. Upgrading of traditional stools
3. Renovation of primary healthcare centers in all wards
4. Rural water projects and boreholes across villages
5. Empowerment of women and youth groups with skills and capital
Statewide:
1. Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara
2. Kogi State Referral Hospital, Okene
3. Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba
4. Ganaja Junction Flyover, Lokoja
5. Muhammadu Buhari Civic Center, Lokoja
6. Renovation of over 1,000 primary schools statewide
7. Free WAEC/NECO/JAMB registration for indigent students
8. Kogi Health Insurance Scheme
9. Kogi Youth Development Fund
“Your 8 years were filled with purposeful action. You proved that age is not a barrier to performance, and that a leader with courage can move mountains,” Engr. Gegu said.
On behalf of himself and Kogi LGA, Engr. Gegu prayed that Allah continues to guide, protect, and uplift the former governor.
“May your new age bring greater honor and influence, so you can keep impacting lives beyond Kogi. Kogi will never forget you, GYB. The White Lion’s roar still echoes in our roads, hospitals, schools and in the hearts of the boys you raised to become men. Happy birthday, Governor Yesterday, Senator Tomorrow Inshaallah!” he concluded.
Engr. Bashir Gegu, Sarkin Yaki, currently serves as Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources.