Good Governance

ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO OF KOGI STATE AT THE 4TH COMBINED CONVOCATION CEREMONIES OF KOGI STATE POLYTECHNIC, LOKOJA, ON 6TH JANUARY, 2024

Protocols

I am honored to address this 4th Combined Convocation of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja. This marks my inaugural attendance as the Visitor to the Institution since assuming office in 2016. I have, of course, visited the Campus on several occasions to inspect ongoing and completed projects which we undertook to improve the quality of your curricular and extracurricular activities. It is therefore a source of personal joy to experience firsthand the radical transformation which your school has undergone under our Administration over the last 8 years.

I wish to commend the grand visions of the current management of the school led by your very indefatigable Rector, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman in the years that they have been in Office for overcoming some decades-long challenges which confronted the school in the past – for instance, ensuring that today’s celebration becomes a regular academic tradition. Our commendations also go to the Governing Council, Academic Board, Polytechnic Assembly, staff, and students without whose willing efforts and strong support Dr. Ogbo and his team could not have achieved any of the milestones that has turned a once backward and chaotic institution into the citadel of academic excellence and discipline that we are here to celebrate today.

Congratulations to the graduates, you are the pride of this institution and the stars of today’s events. The fact that you are part of this Convocation is proof that you have been adjudged worthy in character and learning to be certified as products of our great Kogi State Polytechnic. This achievement proves that you possess the ability to start the pursuit of something significant and commit to it until completed – a trait which is empirically recognized as a primary contributor to success in life. I must appreciate parents, guardians, and the institution for their joint and respective roles in your success.

This Convocation is another legacy milestone in our commitment to the growth and development of education Kogi State. We were been able to unveil our New Direction Blueprint in Kogi State Polytechnic, and just like we did in all our tertiary institutions, we were steadfast in the pursuit of educational and infrastructural transformation of this School. Today, as all stakeholders can testify, we have enforced stability and progress for this school – allowing both staff and students to proceed with their respective career and learning objectives here unhindered. The case is the same in all our higher institutions across Kogi State.

Key to this success is our restoration of an unbroken academic calendar, ensuring predictable and timely graduation for all students who come here with a sense of purpose and a willingness to work hard at their studies. I am indeed proud that none of you can say that you lost even a moment of your life to industrial action under my watch. Not many of your colleagues in other public Polytechnics in this country can claim the same.

Infrastructure development is a crucial component of our governance Blueprint, and it is evident to you all that Kogi State Polytechnic received her own fair share of attention in that regard. We thank Zenith Bank Plc and other private sector partners who joined hands with us to transform hostels and other campus utilities. Our gratitude also goes to the Federal Government and her agencies like TETFund for working alongside us to provide better living and study conditions for our students.

Of course, none of the foregoing will make any sense if your lives and properties are not safe and secure on this Campus. This led us to tackle the violent cultism that has claimed the lives of many students, along with other social vices that used to be endemic, both on this Campus and in other tertiary institutions in the State. With the full collaboration of staff and students of goodwill here we have been able to expunged the rotten eggs while fostering an environment where students and lecturers can thrive without fear.

Our commitment to the all-round development of your school and to your own progress also extended to the academic front in the form of accreditation for new programmes of study and the re-accreditation of existing ones. We also saw to it that the quality of academic instructions available to you is nothing short of excellent by investing in the requisite human capital through a deliberate policy of merit in staff recruitment and rewards, including promotions.

Your experience here reflects our commitment to the provision of quality and affordable education in a conducive environment in all public institutions in Kogi State. The establishment of two new universities in the State, namely, the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara and the Kogi State University (KSU), Kabba reflect our response to the rising demand for higher education among our populace. There is no doubt that our Administration has kept the promises we made to our people to improve education and other modern indices of development.

In conclusion, I thank the people of Kogi State and the Kogi State Polytechnic community for their votes in the 2023 Kogi State Governorship Elections which helped to ensure victory for our candidates. As we work towards the transition to a new Administration on the 27th of January, 2024 I assure you that His Excellency, Governor-Elect Usman Ododo will uphold our vision for Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja by ensuring sustained progress in the development of this beloved institution. I solicit your continued support for the incoming team.

Once again, I celebrate our graduands as well as their parents/guardians, and the various support structures which stood behind them to make this day possible. They have been equipped to excel in their various fields and I charge them to go forth and boldly take their place in life as worthy ambassadors of this great and veritable citadel of excellent scholarship.

May 2024 bring increased productivity, promotion and prosperity to Kogi State, to Nigeria – and to us all.

Thank you, and God bless.

YAHAYA BELLO, CON
Governor of Kogi State
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SPECIAL NEW YEAR MESSAGE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO OF KOGI STATE TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF KOGI STATE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY, 1ST JANUARY, 2024

Fellow Kogites,

Welcome to 2024. For all of us fortunate enough to have seen the new year, it is only proper that we acknowledge the divine power that brought us through. Thus, as we bid farewell to 2023 and receive the new year that we have been given, let us do so with joy, collectively thankful to the Almighty God for life, the most precious gift of all.

The past year presented many challenges, true, but it also gave us major triumphs, both of which make up the fabric of existence. It was a year that tested the mettle of individuals, peoples and nations, confronting us with all forms of challenges, but also presenting us with manifold opportunities. For Nigeria, and especially our beloved state, Kogi, I will only say that the past 12 months testified to our resilience and fortitude. Our battles and victories reflect, not our wisdom or strength, but the mercy and help that the Almighty God, to Whom be all glory, bestowed upon us.

On the 27th of January, 2024 we will mark the conclusion of the 8th year of our audacious journey in the New Direction Administration in Kogi State. By the grace of God, all people of goodwill can testify that we made each successive year to bring forth fruits that signify our brutal commitment to the progress of Kogi State. The cumulative results of our first and second terms reflect deliberate and sustained efforts during our tenure to fulfill the promises we made to you, our dear citizens.

The legacies we are leaving behind across the state echo louder as a scorecard than any words. They are the eloquent proof of our dedication to transformational leadership and effective governance that we promised you. Prioritizing you and your needs was my chief promise during my first Inauguration when I declared that my Administration would make all of Kogi’s resources work for all of Kogi’s people. Well, at this tail-end of our second term, we make bold to say that we have delivered on that promise to the best of our abilities, having regards to the state of the nation and the limitations imposed by available resources.

In the First Term (2016 – 2019) we focused our agenda on five (5) thematic areas, namely, Education, Health, Job
Creation & Youth Empowerment, Infrastructure & Utilities, and Public Service & Pension Reforms. We expanded to nine (9) thematic areas in the Second Term (2019 – 2024) by the addition of Agriculture, Human Capital Development, Entrepreneurship & Youth Engagement, Security as well as Cooperation and Integration (the Socio-cultural Agenda) to the existing five focal areas. Today, our efforts in all of these areas of governance and more stand tall in spite of severe economic and security challenges.

Our New Direction Administration broke new grounds, literally, in all our chosen priority areas. Today, hundreds of newly constructed or reconstructed primary, secondary and tertiary educational and health institutions are available for your use in communities across the State. This second term in particular saw intensified upgrade of public infrastructure and utilities in the state, with our secondary and tertiary educational and healthcare institutions being major beneficiaries. Our achievements include the founding of two brand new universities which are currently in session and the construction of a 300-bed Reference Hospital at Okene and at least 6 full-fledged District hospitals in our State. There has also been a complete overhaul of the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, transforming it into a centre of healthcare excellence.

We all know how societal inequalities are often rooted in financial disinclusion, so, beside the vastly improved engineering infrastructure across board, we also instituted free education and a sweeping health insurance scheme across primary to secondary educational and healthcare levels. This is part of our resolve to alleviate the financial burden on our people. This will ensure that even the poorest and most vulnerable among us can access the services at these revitalized institutions. Today, the Government of Kogi State covers basic medicare and all examination fees (WAEC, NECO, and JAMB) for all citizens enrolled in the appropriate service. Recently, we paid four hundred and ninety-seven million for the 2023 WAEC examinations for all students in our public schools.

Let me mention that I am also especially proud of our uninterrupted academic calendars in Kogi State since 2017. Given the incessant industrial actions that steals at least one full year out of life for every student studying in our public higher institutions, it is gratifying to report that universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions in Kogi State have operated seamlessly for the past seven years under our stewardship, providing uninterrupted sessions to all scholars. I am also urging the Federal and our fellow State Governments as well as all stakeholders to chart sustainable means of resolving their differences so that the hemorrhage of productive years suffered by our public school students can end.

Despite the severe financial constraints, we remained steadfast in providing you with security of lives and properties, promoting unity in our diversity and doing everything humanly possible to maintain the peace. We also achieved remarkable indices in Affirmative Action for gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. Our appointments reflect that we crossed the 35% affirmative action threshold years ago. The mainstreaming of inclusion for persons with special needs in both governance and society has also been an acclaimed priority on which we also made substantial progress.

This new year message is not the place to reel out a comprehensive rundown of our achievements. For that, you will have to wait for my handover speech in 26 days’ time. What is key now is that you, the great people of Kogi State, have given me my choice of a successor in the person of Governor-Elect Ahmed Usman Ododo and his deputy, Joel Oyibo Salifu, whom you elected so resoundingly on November 11, 2023. My dear Kogites, I extend heartfelt gratitude. Your confidence in our New Direction reinforces our conviction that it is indeed the Right Direction.

The outcome of the 2023 Kogi State Governorship Elections is the greatest mark of approval you could have given to me as my time in Lugard House winds down, for now I can be certain, as far as is humanly possible, that our legacies will be continued and consolidated. Therefore, as transition to the incoming Administration proceeds apace, let me reassure you that I have utmost confidence in the Team that will be taking over from me. His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo and his No. 2 will not only build upon the solid foundation laid by my Administration but they will be armed with a painstakingly drafted Blueprint for even more accelerated and proportional development for Kogi State in all her constituencies.

They can of course do nothing without the help of God and your support. We are convinced that God will help them so, while thanking you for the solid support you have always given me in the last 8 years, I am passionately soliciting that you extend even more of it to them.

Once again, we thank the Almighty God for Year 2024. Congratulations on being counted among those alive to witness and live it. I pray that it will bring increase, promotion and enhanced productivity for each one of us, our beloved state, Kogi, and our great country, Nigeria. Accordingly, I wish all of us a happy and prosperous New Year!

Thank you, and God bless.

YAHAYA BELLO, CON
Governor of Kogi State

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, formally presented the Kogi State Governor-elect, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Lagos. The event preceded a Christmas Homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Forum.

In a poignant ceremony at the Lagos State Government House, Governor Bello introduced his successor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to the NGF, to an enthusiastic reception by members. The NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, welcomed Ododo as the ‘new luminary’ of the forum, congratulating him on his victory in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.

The governors, accompanied by Ododo, later visited President Tinubu in his Ikoyi residence to pay him their Christmas homage. They exchanged pleasantries with him and held far-reaching discussions on national security and the state of the nation’s economy.

As it stands now, preparations are kicking into high gear for January 27, 2024 when Governor Bello will complete his constitutional two terms in office and hand over to Ododo as the new Kogi State helmsman.

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Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, extends warm felicitations to Christians in Kogi State, Nigeria and across the globe as they celebrate Christmas.

He emphasizes that the season symbolizes hope for humanity, encouraging citizens to maintain a positive outlook.

The Governor urges Nigerians to embody God’s love for humanity and extend that love to their neighbors during the festive season. While acknowledging that the holiday is an excellent time to share joy with family and friends, Governor Bello also emphasizes the importance of sober reflections and prayers for peace, unity, and togetherness, especially during a time when the country is navigating a new economic course.

Expressing joy that the people of Kogi State are witnessing another Christmas, Governor Bello acknowledges the boundless mercy and love of God Almighty despite the individual and collective challenges faced. He highlights the administration’s commitment to peace, security, and safety, noting the remarkable progress in socio-economic growth and infrastructural development.

In his final Christmas celebration as governor, Bello outlines his administration’s achievements in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital development. He commends the citizens for their support and commitment to the state’s progress since the beginning of his tenure in 2016.

Governor Bello assures that the quarterly distribution of palliatives to cushion the effects of petroleum product subsidy removal, a government policy, will be diligently sustained by the incoming administration.

He lauds the people for their peaceful conduct and support during the recent governorship election, expressing confidence that Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo will uphold and build on the legacy of his administration for inclusive growth.

During the Christmas celebration, Governor Bello encourages Nigerians to promote peace and good neighborliness. He calls for prayers for leaders at all levels of governance and advocates for acts of kindness toward the less privileged, emphasizing that such gestures foster love and peaceful coexistence.

Governor Bello reassures citizens of their safety during the celebrations, emphasizing the state’s preparedness to handle any security challenges. He cautions against any criminal activities, affirming that Kogi State is not conducive for such actions.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

December 24, 2023
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Abuja, Nigeria – December 23, 2023: The Kogi State office of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) received stellar recognition from the World Bank, achieving top marks in environmental safeguards and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) oversight, and placing second in transparency and integrity for the project’s first year.

Top Performer:

The World Bank/Federal Ministry of Environment lauded Kogi ACReSAL’s commitment to environmental protection, awarding them the ‘Best on Environmental Safeguards’ title. They further commended their exemplary performance in M&E oversight, deeming them the ‘Best in Monitoring and Evaluation.’ Additionally, Kogi ACReSAL secured the ‘Runner-up’ position for demonstrating exceptional transparency and integrity in project execution.

Recognition at Stakeholder Forum:

These accolades were announced at the World Bank’s one-day Stakeholder Engagement Forum held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abuja. The event drew representatives from the 19 participating states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the authorizing environment.

Kogi Delegation Leads by Example:

The Kogi State team, led by Hon. Commissioner for Environment and Kogi ACReSAL State Steering Committee (SSC) Chairman, Hon. (Chief) OMOFAIYE Victor Adewale, actively participated in the forum. Joining him were co-chairmen from the Ministries of Water Resources and Agriculture, along with the State Project Coordinator, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto OON.

Kogi’s strong representation also included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Jibrin (Chairman, Kogi ACReSAL State Technical Committee), Permanent Secretaries from other relevant ministries, and the Head of the Project Financial Monitoring Unit (HPFMU).

Platform for Progress:

The forum served as a vital platform for fostering communication and understanding between the World Bank and implementing partners. It offered the participating states a clear view of the ACReSAL Project’s development objectives, promoting seamless implementation at the state level.

Furthermore, the event facilitated performance evaluation and provided valuable support to participating states.

Kogi’s Commitment to Sustainability:

Speaking at the forum, Hon. OMOFAIYE attributed Kogi’s success to the Governor’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection. He emphasized the state’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in project execution.

Echoing this sentiment, Barr. Jatto reaffirmed their commitment to the project’s long-term sustainability. She expressed gratitude to Governor Bello for his unwavering support, which has empowered Kogi ACReSAL to achieve their set objectives.

Kogi ACReSAL’s exceptional performance in environmental safeguards, M&E oversight, and transparency serves as a commendable example for other participating states. Their dedication to project sustainability ensures a bright future for the ACReSAL program.

©Kogipedia
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Kogi Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, Inaugurates Operational Vehicles comprises of 30 State-of-the-Art referral Ambulances, Modern Firefighting Trucks, official vehicles for the State Assembly members and principal officers, Heads of the Judiciary, Heads of Institutions and others.

The inauguration of the vehicles is done at the Muhammadu Buhari Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State on Friday.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 22, 2023
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2024 Kogi State Appropriation Law. His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State assented to the Kogi State Appropriation Law, 2024 yesterday, 20th December, 2023 which made the 2024 Draft Budget of Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth a functional statute in the Confluence State.

It will be recalled that the Governor had presented the draft Budget to the Kogi State House of Assembly on Monday, 11th December, 2024
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In a significant milestone, the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, has officially signed the N258,278,501,339 Appropriation Bill for the year 2024 into law. The governor, expressing the uniqueness of this budget signing, remarked that it marks the final one under his tenure as the state’s governor.

Governor Bello extended commendations to the Speaker and members of the Kogi State House of Assembly for their exceptional collaboration and prompt attention to his request, leading to the swift passage of the appropriation bill into law.

The 2024 budget, titled “Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth,” stands at N258.3bn, representing a notable increase from the N197.5bn revised approved budget for 2023—a 30.71% increment of N60.6bn.

Governor Bello outlined key areas of emphasis within the 2024 budget, spanning good governance, infrastructural development, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, peace-building, women empowerment, gender equality, environment, sustainable development, industry, commerce, information technology, innovation, youth empowerment, sports development, entertainment, culture, tourism, housing, enhanced internally generated revenue, water, and sanitation.

As the governor approaches the conclusion of his administration on January 27, 2024, he expressed a heartfelt desire for continued cooperation with the incoming administration of Governor-Elect Ahmed Usman Ododo. He anticipates that the transition will be embraced with excitement and optimism, paving the way for the state to achieve new horizons.
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Expressing gratitude to God and the people of Kogi State for their unwavering support during his nearly eight-year tenure, Governor Bello expressed confidence in the State Assembly’s ability to maintain a harmonious relationship with the incoming administration.

Speaking optimistically about the budget’s implementation under the leadership of Governor-Elect Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor Bello foresees the incoming administration building on the foundation laid during his tenure. He commended the commissioner, management and staff of the ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning for painstakingly put the budget together.

Earlier in his address, the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that the 2024 budget is a reflection of the resolve of the people of the state to address their critical needs and pledged the assembly’s cooperation and collaboration with the incoming administration for the overall interest of the state.

In addition to signing the 2024 budget, Governor Bello enacted laws to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State Local Government Law, 2000; law to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State College of Nursing Sciences; and law establish the Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, among other crucial matters.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 20, 2023
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Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, pays glowing tribute to the late General Chris Ali, extolling his unparalleled patriotism and unwavering commitment while offering his final respects to the deceased general in Abuja on Wednesday.

Attending the burial ceremony at the military Cemetery in Abuja, Governor Yahaya Bello who was accompanied by the Kogi State governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo extends heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, the Nigerian Army, friends, and colleagues of the former Chief of Army Staff, who peacefully passed away at the age of 78.

Governor Bello characterizes the late General Ali as an extraordinary Nigerian patriot who fearlessly risked his life in the defense of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He acknowledges Ali as a quintessential Army General, whose impeccable passion for peace, development, and progress in Nigeria is truly unmatched.

Governor Bello urged the family to take solace in the distinguished and exemplary life the late Army officer lived.

Born on December 1, 1944, in Koto-Karfe, Kogi State, Major-General Ali held esteemed positions, serving as a former Chief of Army Staff and military administrator of Plateau State.

Ali’s distinguished career includes his role as the Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) before his well-deserved elevation to Chief of Army Staff, earning him respect as a dedicated officer.

The late Army General also demonstrated his leadership during a critical period, serving as an interim administrator of Plateau State in 2004.

Also present to pay their last respects to the late distinguished Army General were former military head of states, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Former Minister of defense, General Abdulrahman Danbazau, and numerous other dignitaries from various spheres of life.
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Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, on Wednesday received a delegation from the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR. The visit was to offer condolences over the passing of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Ado Ibrahim, CFR.
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During the visit, the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Majesty, Abubakar Yahaya, CFR, who led the delegation, delivered a letter of condolence to the governor, commiserating with him, the government, and good people of Kogi State, on the passing of Dr Ado Ibrahim.

Governor Bello expressed his gratitude to the delegation for sympathising with the people of Ebiraland and the government of Kogi State, as well as for taking the time to pay a condolence visit.
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He praised the late Ohinoyi, HRM Ado Ibrahim, for his impactful and exemplary life, stating, “I want to sincerely thank you for finding it worthy to commiserate with us and also finding time to pay a condolence visit. Late Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Sa’aki, lived well and made a huge impact in the lives of his people during his time. While he was alive, we had a father and son relationship because we come from the same lineage.
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Our late royal father’s mother and my grandfather were of the same parents, so the demise of His Royal Majesty is a personal loss to me.”

Governor Bello also reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of traditional rulers in the state, a policy he assured would be continued by his successor.

He emphasised the harmonious coexistence and collaboration between the government and traditional rulers in Kogi State for the greater good of the people.

Furthermore, Governor Bello highlighted the positive relationships that the late Ohinoyi had fostered with the Sultan of Sokoto and all traditional rulers in Nigeria.
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Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Etsu Nupe conveyed the condolences of the Sultan and the entire Northern Traditional Council Chiefs to the governor, offering prayers for the peaceful repose of late Ohinoyi’s soul.

He commended Governor Bello for establishing and maintaining a strong relationship with traditional rulers and particularly highlighted the priority the governor placed on the welfare of traditional rulers in Kogi State.

The delegation said during their visit to the deceased’s family in Okene on Monday, they were briefed about the government’s support to the family and commended the governor for his care, love, and respect for the traditional institution.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 1, 2023
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