By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
It is no longer news that the Kogi state Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is a born leader with the ornament of basic leadership prowess and unblemished political feats which has made him to stand tall amongst men particularly politicians in the History of Kogi state and Nigeria at large.
It is pertinent to note that Governor Bello has done impressively well for Kogi state since his assumption of office and eyes have seen and ears have heard of his Uncommon Transformation in all sectors of the state economy, ranging from Construction of standard roads, building of bridges, construction of World class hospitals and host of others which has pushed Kogi state to be recognized as the Hub of social, economic and political growth especially when the North Central region is involved.
As it has always been, Governor Bello although promised to leave no stone unturned as regarding the development of the state, his flare for human capital development is second to none, and as God has it, he has been able to leave up to expectations in various categories of endeavor, therefore setting the pace for deserving economic sustainability in Kogi state.
Perhaps, he doesn’t promise and fail neither is he known for reneging on his promises, but he has been able to maintain a status quo of being the best and that he has held on high esteem, even as he continues to unravel more developmental milestones in the state despite his plenty assignment at the national level.
Noticeably, overtime the governor has distinguished himself as a Topnotch leader filled with vision and mission to bettering the lives of Kogites which has made it necessary for Nigerians sometime ago made to yearn for his type as the number One citizen of this great country.
Some time in May 2022, myself and a couple of colleagues visited the state to see for ourselves the amazing work of the governor.
The Reference hospital was one of the projects we inspected. It is not only huge, it is impressive in terms of quality of work done and the entire edifice of the building.
The hospital, among other projects which were near completion as at then is now completed and was finally commissioned on 29th December, 2022 by immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari. The Reference hospital is adjudged to be the first of its kind in Nigeria with modern medical facilities and of international standard.
Among other landmark projects commissioned by Buhari include the new Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebira Land in Okene and the fly-over Bridge at Ganaja Junction, Lokoja The importance of the fly-over project cannot be overemphasized as it will tackle traffic congestion and ease the movement of road users and residents who use the township road to access other parts of the city like Phase II, Barracks and the road that leads to Okene, Obajana and Kabba.
The former President also commissioned the Okene-Agasa-Ukpgoro road and other township roads in Okene, together with ambulances, special security vehicles, the GYB Model Science Secondary School Adankolo in Lokoja, and Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre.
Buhari, in his remark, commended the governor for delivering all his electioneering campaign promises to Kogites. He also urged the good people of the state to cooperate and support the governor for him to deliver more dividends of democracy to them.
While commissioning the legacy project implemented by the Kogi State Government, President Muhammadu Buhari said Gov. Yahaya Bello had performed creditably in his two terms as governor of the state.
He also commended the governor for rising up to the occasion in many sectors especially security.
”We are proud of him and I encourage the people of Kogi State to continue to support him and his team as they are working hard to ensure peace, security and development in the state.
”I am glad that we have an impressive array of legacy projects through your own state government as proof of our stewardship of Kogi. The APC Administration has indelible footprints in Kogi,” he said.
On why he chooses, Usman Ahmed Ododo as his preferred successor, Governor Yahaya Bello, said he means well for the state.
The governor disclosed this while answering questions from journalists recently.
He said; “Let me say this emphatically, I mean well for this state, that is why I waited for God to show me the man who would continue with the pace of developmental strides we have started in the last seven-plus years and then move the needle even further.
“Ododo is a highly respected person; he has enormous capacity, is an epitome of humility, and is blessed with the common touch, a compelling story and is God-fearing.
“He is a man of peace and will ensure that the peace and security of life we have enjoyed in the last sevn-plus years will be maintained.
“His life story resonates with the story of most ordinary Kogi people.
The governor stated that he never looked for a surrogate to do a third term but rather was looking for a man of exceptional capacity, of peace and humility and enjoined all peace-loving and progress-minded Kogites to rally round and support God’s choice.
“I will never use God’s name in vain” the governor stated at an interview.
Usman Ahmed Ododo is the former Kogi State Local Government Auditor General.
He is the Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship candidate for the November 11, governorship election.
Below are some pictures of the projects:
