Kogiflame
Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, is a man of exceptional character, embodying traits that deserve accolades, not condemnation. Born on June 18, 1975, in Okene, Kogi State, Bello grew up with strong values of hard work, moral discipline, and the fear of God .
His educational background is impressive, with a degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master’s in Business Administration. He also became a Chartered Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria.
Bello’s educational background laid the foundation for his successful career in business and politics . His experience as a Revenue Officer II at the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and his subsequent venture into private business, establishing FairPlus International Limited, demonstrate his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create employment opportunities for hundreds of youths.
His remarkable journey is a reflection of his exceptional character, courage, and resilience. As he once said, “Behind the sculpturing of a man’s destiny is the unseen chisel that perfects his purpose and heralds his mission in life” This quote encapsulates his determination to shape his own destiny and leave a lasting impact on Kogi State.
I have decided to deconstruct the imagery of Lion in this piece which symbolizes exceptional courage, resilience and determination while the metaphor as desert represents the typical Nigerian harsh political environment and firmament where only rare breeds and men of iron characters in the mould of Yahaya Bello, in his pursuit of justice fair-play and equity treads the uncharted terrain where lesser mortals feared.
His exceptional courage and indefatigability was tested in 2023 once again when he stuck to his ambition of contesting for the most coveted political seat in the country, President .While hordes of other contestants were mere jesters and jokers, this illustrious uncompromising jewel of Ebira descent prosecuted his desire full throttle against the chagrin of the assemblage of power scavengers who believes they holds its levers and can only dispense it in tandem with their whims and caprices.
Bello’s courage and conviction were evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he took an unpopular stand, demonstrating his willingness to challenge the status quo.
His commitment to his ideology, even in the face of opposition, is a testament to his strength of character.
As a businessman, Bello made a significant impact in the transportation sector, creating employment opportunities for hundreds of youths. His entry into politics in 2015 was marked by his determination to bring about positive change. Despite the challenges he faced, Bello remained resolute, driven by his vision for a better Kogi State.
During his tenure as governor, Bello implemented various initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. His administration’s efforts led to Kogi State being rated first in the World Bank’s portfolio performance in 2018 and 2019 . It is imperative to remind those with acute selective amnesia ( apologies to Late Chief Odumegwu ojukwu in his book “Because Iam Involved” a classical literary of in-depth accounts of his involvement in the botched successionist bid in the mid sixties, that the history of Kogi state will never be completely etched for posterity without the ubiquitous mentioning of the name of this enigmatic personality,Yahaya Bello.
Bello’s commitment to human capital development is evident in his establishment of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara as well as another State University in Kabba, for the purpose of equity and fairness which provides access to higher education for youths from the state and beyond. His administration also prioritized infrastructure development, partnering with the World Bank to address environmental degradation and improve road networks.
Despite facing criticism and opposition, Bello remains a visionary leader, dedicated to the development of Kogi State.
His legacy is a testament to his courage, conviction, and commitment to the well-being of his people. Rather than condemnation, Bello deserves accolades for his tireless efforts to bring about positive change in Kogi State.
During his eight-year tenure, Bello implemented various initiatives aimed at promoting youth empowerment, infrastructural development, security, and inclusivity. His “New Direction” agenda sought to overhaul governance in Kogi State, prioritizing policies that included youth in governance and decision-making processes.
In the face of deafening and scathing criticism and opposition, Bello remained steadfast in his commitment to his vision for Kogi State. His leadership style, though assertive and unyielding, helped him maintain control and navigate the complexities of state politics.
His generosity and commitment to human capital development are unparalleled. He has given opportunities to those who would have otherwise been overlooked, transforming lives and creating a new generation of leaders. His mantra, “Children of nobody can become somebody,” reflects his dedication to mainstreaming and empowering the marginalized.
The people of Kogi State affectionately refer to him as “the white lion,” a testament to his fearless and uncompromising stance on issues. His influence extends beyond Kogi State, with his “New Direction” agenda inspiring a new generation of leaders.
As Bello’s political journey continues to unfold, his legacy as a transformative leader remains unchanged. Despite the challenges he faces, Bello remains a key player in Nigeria’s political landscape, and his impact on Kogi State will be felt for generations to come.
Lest I forget:
This article is crafted without apologies to contrary standpoint!
Yusuf Abubakar Onumoh PhD is a Policy and Development Consultant and Alumni of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
