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The Transformational Leadership of HE Yahaya Adoza Bello Former Executive Governor of Kogi State, is Foundational and Indelible.
HE Yahaya Adoza Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, exemplifies transformational leadership through his innovative policies, inclusive governance, and unwavering commitment to development.
As the youngest Governor in Nigeria’s history at the time of his inauguration in 2016, Bello brought a fresh perspective to governance, characterized by a bold vision and a determination to uplift Kogi State and its people.
His leadership redefined public administration in the state, focusing on security, infrastructure, unity, and empowerment.
We cannot forget this in a hurry as Bello sacrificed and laid the foundation for a modern Kogi State that we are now very proud of. Please, let’s have a ride.
1. Visionary Approach to Governance.
Governor Yahaya Bello’s tenure was marked by a clear vision for a prosperous and united Kogi State. He emphasized strategic planning and implementation to address long-standing challenges:
His New Direction Blueprint became a roadmap for development, focusing on education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and security.
No Governor before Bello have a blueprint for the state, and thankfully with the efforts of Bello, the current Governor of Kogi State HE Ahmed Usman Ododo have a blueprint to work with, run with and possibly fly with.
Bello’s administration prioritized transparency, accountability, and efficiency, fostering trust between the government and the people.
2018 and 2019: Kogi State was awarded for excellence in fiscal transparency, debt sustainability, and domestic revenue mobilization at the State Fiscal Transparency and Accountability Sustainable Program (SFTAS) event.
In 2020, Kogi State was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Governance for its reforms in financial reporting and accountability by the Nigeria Governor Forum.
Under Bello, Kogi State received an award for excellence in financial transparency from the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit of the Nigerian Ministry of Finance in 2021
2. Security as a Foundation for Transformation
A cornerstone of Bello’s transformational leadership was his focus on security.
He recognized that safety was essential for development and worked tirelessly to make Kogi State one of the most secure states in the country:
He established a comprehensive security framework, equipping security agencies with modern tools and logistics to combat crime.
Bello’s innovative collaboration with local vigilante groups helped reduce communal clashes, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
His proactive measures in addressing security challenges positioned Kogi State as a hub for investment and economic activities.
Bello received best performing Governor awards on Security throughout his administration. This fist was recognized by President Buhari and former Governor Yahaya Bello was honored with a distinguished award for Security Management across the states at the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service on Friday, 21st October 2022
3. Infrastructure Development and Modernization.
Former Governor Bello demonstrated transformational leadership through his commitment to infrastructure development. His administration invested heavily in roads, bridges, and public facilities to enhance the quality of life and stimulate economic growth:
The construction and rehabilitation of key roads improved connectivity across Kogi State, fostering trade and reducing transportation costs. About 55Km Idah-Ajaka-Umomi-Ejule-Anyigba Road, over 38km Inele-Adum-Ikem Road(Olamaboro, LGA), Okene-Kuroko-Eika-Ikaturu-Itakpe Road, and Kabba Township Road, Ogori-Ageva Road and many other Road Projects across the state.
Landmark projects such as the GYB Model Science Secondary Schools symbolized his dedication to building a solid educational foundation for future generations.
Healthcare facilities were upgraded, with State-of-the-Art Medical Centres across the three senatorial districts, the World-Class Reference Hospital in Okene, enhancement of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) Teaching Hospital, Upgrade of Idah General Hospital: thereby ensuring better access to quality healthcare for residents.
4. Promoting Unity and Inclusiveness
As a transformational leader, Bello was deeply committed to fostering unity in Kogi State, a region known for its ethnic and religious diversity. He actively worked to break down barriers and promote inclusiveness:
Bello’s administration ensured equitable representation of the three senatorial districts—Kogi East, Central, and West—in appointments and resource allocation.
His government was known for embracing gender inclusivity, appointing women to prominent positions and advocating for their active participation in governance.
Bello is a detribalized Nigerian and a pan African. In the history of Kogi State, Bello was and is still the only elected Governor that picked his core administrative staff; the Chief of Staff from another Tribe
Bello as a committed Muslim, built the Christian Chapel in Government House to foster religious harmony among Kogites.
5. Empowerment of Youth and Women.
Former Governor Bello’s leadership focused on empowering the youth and women of Kogi State, recognizing their pivotal role in driving development:
His administration launched numerous skill acquisition programs and entrepreneurship initiatives to address youth unemployment.
Women were given opportunities to lead in governance and the economy, with Bello consistently advocating for their empowerment. The Secretary to the State Government was a Woman throughout his tenure, the only state Governor with female aide-de-camp.
Bello was the first Governor in Kogi State that politically engineered the emergency of women as either the Chairman or Vice Chairman in each of the 21 Local Government Areas in the State; a worthy template which his amiable and reliable successor HE Ahmed Usman Ododo is emulating.
Through his policies, he inspired a generation of young leaders to participate in governance and nation-building.
Bello is a youth mobilizer and as such, he was appointed as the National Youth Coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, and he led the youth for the victory of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the February 2023 Presidential Election.
6. Economic Transformation and Fiscal Prudence
Bello spearheaded economic reforms that transformed Kogi State’s financial landscape. His administration focused on diversifying the economy and enhancing revenue generation:
Encouraged investments in Agriculture, Mining, and Manufacturing, leveraging the state’s natural resources to boost its economy. In fact, under Bello was the emergency of a multibillion Mangal Cement Company located at Ilu-agba in Ijumu Local Government Area.
The administration strengthened Kogi’s internally generated revenue (IGR) by introducing digital systems for tax collection and reducing leakages.
The annual IGR of Kogi State was N6.5billion as at the end of 2015, but with the transformational touch of HE Yahaya Bello, Kogi State annual IGR was about N26billion in 2023. What a leapt and what a performance. Kudos to FGYB.
Fiscal discipline and prudent management of resources allowed the government to execute key projects despite economic challenges.
7. Crisis Leadership and Resilience
Yahaya Bello’s leadership during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated his ability to navigate complex challenges:
Bello’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kogi State was distinctive, unconventional, proactive and Kogi State recorded the lowest number of COVID-19 inventions in the country.
His government implemented effective measures to protect public health, including awareness campaigns and the provision of healthcare infrastructure.
Economic disruptions were minimized through targeted interventions, ensuring that vulnerable groups received the support they needed during the pandemic.
8. Legacy of Transformation, with a Worthy Successor
Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s legacy as a transformational leader lies in his ability to inspire change, foster unity, deliver tangible results and discovering of worthy successor as a torchbearer of his vision. His achievements have set a high standard for governance in Kogi State, creating a foundation for sustainable development. Key aspects of his legacy include:
A more secure and unified Kogi State.
Improved infrastructure that supports economic growth and social well-being.
A government that prioritizes inclusivity, gender equity, and youth empowerment.
Identified a worthy successor in HE Ahmed Usman Ododo, the current Executive Governor of Kogi State to build on the foundations laid by Bello.
Conclusion
HE Yahaya Adoza Bello’s tenure as the former Governor of Kogi State reflected the essence of foundational and transformational leadership. His bold vision, innovative policies, and inclusive approach to governance have redefined the state’s trajectory. Bello’s leadership not only addressed immediate challenges but also laid the groundwork for long-term development, making him a beacon of hope and progress for the people of Kogi State and beyond.
Written by bunmerite@yahoo.com, 08033482549 from Abuja.
bunmerite@success
