Kogi is located in a geographical area that exposes her to both hazard and growth; sharing boarder with nine different states, including the Federal Capital Territory. This fact makes Kogi to be the most porous and accessible state in the entire country. She occupies a 29,833 km² land space and ranked 13th compared to other states in terms of landmass.
In terms of economy, Kogi State is ranked 23rd compared to other states, with a Total GDP of US$ 4, 642 (1,790,001.62 Nigerian Naira), and a population projection of 4,473,500, the state have a large population to stabilize, with relatively smaller economy compared to other states.
Judging from the porousness and economic structure, Kogi State is expected to have an aggressively high rates of criminal activities, most especially banditry within its locality. But reverse is the case. Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello has been able to judiciously harness the resources of the State for counter productivity and adequate delivery of dividends of democracy.
If any state should be battling insecurities, it should have been Kogi State; due to her porousness. The state government’s approach has got lots of tongues waggling on what is really going on in the state. What is going on is simply a fact of priority. The Governor made security and education a priority for his administration. These variables are known for decades to be a stain on the image of every northern states. Upon his assumption of office as Chief Security Officer of the State, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello knew that in order to create an enabling environment for businesses to strive, and to increase the chances of good cohabitation; adequate security must be put in place, and his people must have access to quality education without any forms of interference.
The eradication of banditry and kidnapping in the state is enough jingle to prove to Nigerians how committed His Excellency is, as regards providing quality education.
Making sure the source of livelihood of the people are well protected, despite being the most porous state in the country, Governor Yahaya Bello has been able to protect his people from the deadly fear of pandemic that has been ravaging the country, and the entire world.
It will interests you to know that not less than 15,000 commercial vehicles do makes a stop on a daily basis in Lokoja, the capital city of Kogi State. With this, one could have expected that Kogi State would by now, be in despair as a result of COVID-19 and security breach.
In my record of good deeds, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello remain one of the few Nigerian Politician who has refused to play Politics with cases of COVID 19. This gravitationally increased the level of trust imposed on him by Nigerians; as he has proven to be a protector of his people in many cases. Kogi State as at today, under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, remain the most peaceful Northern State, the most educated Northern State, and the most investment friendly. To crown it all, Bello’s administration remains the most Youth and Women friendly government in Nigeria.
Dear compatriots, I cannot help but wonder what other State Governors do discuss at the Governor’s Forum and not rather engage Governor Yahaya Bello to learn from him, how he has been able to keep his state secure despite the security duress in the country.
If we have leaders who are interested in protecting the lives and livelihood of every citizens, Governor Yahaya Bello should have long been saddled to chair the Governor’s Forum. The antecedents are there. Now you should understand why Nigerians are calling on Bello to run for President. We all wants to sleep with our two eyes closed.
Comrade Kelvin Oluseyi Eleta,
Writer, Author, Content Developer.
Abuja, Nigeria.