The Chief of Staff to Alhaji Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Pharm. Jamiu Asuku has called on Nigerian youths to embrace and support Governor Yahaya Bello for 2023 presidency.
Asuku stated this on Saturday in Gombe when the North East chapter of Rescue Nigeria Mission (RENMISS) – a youth support group agitating for good and youthful governance converged to call on Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state to contest the 2023 Presidential election.
Asuku said the youths must began to look inward and supports their own vying for political positions in the next year general election.
The Chief of Staff said there was a need for the youths to rally around the presidential aspiration of the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, saying he was the one that could put the country into proper shape.
He said, “Governor Yahaya Bello is the only one who will provide purposeful leadership and good governance if elected as President in the 2023 general elections.”
He said no where in the length and breadth of the country as any one place emphasis on youths in governance, “Anyone, like Governor Yahaya Bello who has given women and young people the platform to be the drivers in their own affairs, will perform well if elected into an exalted office.”
The Chief of Staff, though representing the governor said Bello presidency is one that will benefit the youths tremendously.
He said the governor aspiration is for the youths who formed the fulcrum of the country’s development fulcrum.
“I must appreciate the efforts of the various groups standing up to fight for a better Nigeria in 2023.
At this stage, we must come to the reality that their is the need to have a youthful candidate who has the capacity to lead this country out of her present challenges – Governor Yahaya Bello thicked the right boxes in this regards.”
He emphasized that the governor has also broken the barrier of ethnic jingoism in the state, and has shown himself as a pan Nigeria man in his appointment that cut across different tribal groups, coupled with the capacity he displayed in tackling insecurity.
The national Coordinator of the group A.S Damat who led other Youth leaders across the Northeast in his remark commended the Governor for his giant strides in infrastructural development, security, education, women and youth inclusiveness among several others.
They endorsed Governor Yahaya Bello as the only candidate fit and capable to lead Nigeria out of the numerous challenges been faced by the country.
The Special Adviser to Kogi state Governor on Youth and Students Affairs, Comr. Ahmadu Jibril who gave the opening remark highlighted the achievements of the Governor, from infrastructures to health, youth and women empowerment, education, security and mostly his handling of the covid 19 crisis that crumbled the world economy
300 Communities Gets Free Medical Care...
Great progress at the 300-bed Central Reference Hospital Okene, Kogi State. #GYB@work
Governor Yahaya Bello commissions projects at the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi state.
Anyigba - Dekina - North central Nigeria: Ogane - Aji Erosion Control & Land Reclamation.
This one loud gan! Nigerian women rally round Yahaya Bello, support his achievements in Affirmative Action.
By setting up 6 renal dialysis centres across Kogi State, Governor Yahaya Bello brings cheap and affordable kidney dialysis to the doorsteps of the common man.
Dr. Kashim Akoh, DG, National Productivity Center, and many other testimonials, is proof that GYB2PYB IS A NEW NIGERIAN AGENDA
Gully erosion control, land reclamation and road construction at Adumu in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State by the Kogi State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Yahaya Bello, in partnership with NEWMAP. The community was completely cut off from Olamaboro as a result of this age-long gully erosion menace.
YAHAYA BELLO Effect: Governor Yahaya Bello is not running for President apologetically, but on a solid record of verifiable achievements.
NTA Panelist Commends Governor Yahaya Bello's Security Strategy
On-going construction of Ohinoyi Palace...
KOGI STATE PROCURES ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT AMBULANCES
Kogi State sets another record as it procures sophisticated Advanced Life Support Ambulances (ALSA) to serve the good people of Kogi State. The ambulance which will be the first of its kind in the History of the State will place Kogi among the very few States in the Country to own such a State of art mobile life saving unit. The ambulance has fitted in it all Intensive Care Unit (ICU) gadgets that can be used by Paramedics/Medical personnel to perform resuscitation and other advanced interventions while on transit to the hospital. Some of the gadgets specific for Advanced Life Saving manoeuvres include: Ventilator, AED, Pump infusion devices, capacity to deliver medications etc. These are in addition to other gadgets for Basic Life Support.
This is a milestone achievment for His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State as this will boost our ability for rapid response to medical emergencies. Our amiable Governor continues to display his love and commitment to the Health Sector by approving innovative ways to ensure the good people of Kogi State are able to access quality and affordable Health care Services. With this Governor at the helm of affairs, it continues to remain a rare privilege to be a Kogite at such a time.
Dr Saka Haruna Audu
Honourable Commissioner
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
1. Installation of 500KVA/33KV/0.415KV at Igala Unity House
2. Installation of transformer at Inozi/Ageva, Okene LGA.
3. Installation of transformer at Central bank Area I community, Lokoja.
4. Installation of transformer at Kogi State Hajj Commission, Lokoja.
5. The completion of 33KV electricity overhead line extension from Zango-Daji junction to Banda in Kogi State.
6. Supply/procurement of 6Nos. of 500KVA/33KV/0.415KV transformer at MRD Headquarters.
7. Step down of transformers at:
(a) Odokoro in Ijumu LGA
(b) Ileteju/Ogidi in Ijumu LGA
(c) Ekirin Adde in Ijumu LGA
(d) Iyara in Ijumu LGA
(e) Owode/Ogidi in Ijumu LGA
8. Step down of 500KVA/33KV/0.415KV transformer at Ife Olukotun
9. Completion of electrification of Isanlu GRA, Yagba East
10. Electrification project at some communities in Adavi Eba:
(a) Opetu community
(b) Ebachi community
(c) Apachi Adoza community
(d) Irevure Eba community
(e) Ikamani/Adador community
11. Step down of transformer at Karara/Igoti community, Kogi LGA
12. Electrification project at Irepeni/Oziokutu, Adavi LGA
13. Electrification of Araba Salifu, Ajonugbelegu Emewe Opada I & II Community, Abocho, Dekina LGA. Additional Work: Ajakalaga, Okowowolo, Ofoda.
14. Step down and Installation of 500KVA/33KV/0.415KV transformer at Omoko, Kogi LGA.
15. Completion and connection to the National Grid of the following communities in Kogi LGA:
(a) Onzo
(b) Robomi
(c) Kusa
(d) Tazeyin
16. Completion of electrification projct at Irepeni 1 & II communities, Adavi LGA.
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION.: Irevure/ Aleri substation, Adagor/ Ikamani substation, Ebachi/ Apasi Adoza substation, Opetu/Adede substation.
GANAJA FLYOVER PROGRESSING RAPIDLY. GYB IS COMMITTED TO DELIVERING THE PROJECT AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
REFERENCE HOSPITAL, OKENE RUSHING TOWARDS COMPLETION. Roofing, other major external works including Alucobond placement has progressed appreciably.
Zonal Hospital Idah experiences a facelift as Kogi State Government completes facility upgrade to specialist status.
Before and during the construction.
After the construction.
On-going construction and renovation of Kogi State Specialist Hospital
Newly Constructed Administrative Block and Lecture Theatre at Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Kabba.
Ozuri road and other constructions in kogi central
Governor Yahaya Bello kickstarts sustainable development of Kogi State into the future as he inaugurates high-powered Economic Advisory Council (EAC).
GYB-PROJECTS: Ultra-modern General Hospital, Under Construction At Isanlu-Yagba East LGA-Kogi State. Similar projects ongoing simultaneously in two (2) other locations in the state, ie, Gegu in Kogi LGA and Eganyi in Ajaokuta LGA
KOGI STATE PROCURES THE FIRST NIGERIA’S HYPERBARIC OXYGEN TREATMENT CHAMBER.
KOGI STATE PROCURES ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT AMBULANCES
On the spot assessment of the on going GYB SCIENCE SECONDARY SCHOOL ADANKOLO, LOKOJA. It's a 3-Storey building. A 2021 funded project with December 2021 expected completion date. Ensuring Value for Money is one of the objectives of Kogi State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning. Under GYB, Education is KEY.
Governor Yahaya Bello inspect projects inLokoja metropolis...
Update on projects, finished and under construction in Kogi State...
GYB's Week in Review...
Achievements Of The New Direction Administration From The State Ministries...
WELCOME ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO OF KOGI STATE TO THE OPENING SESSION OF THE NIGERIAN MEDIA MERIT (NMMA) AWARDS, 2021 AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LOKOJA ON FRIDAY, 29TH OCTOBER, 2021
WELCOME ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO OF KOGI STATE TO THE OPENING SESSION OF THE NIGERIAN MEDIA MERIT (NMMA) AWARDS, 2021 AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LOKOJA ON FRIDAY, 29TH OCTOBER, 2021
Protocols
The Good People of Kogi State, Lokoja our Capital City and I are elated to have members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm in town tonight. Kogi is Nigeria’s Confluence State – mainly because Rivers Niger and Benue meet here in Lokoja, but also because every single day Nigerians from all over the country meet in Kogi State as they crisscross from South to North and vice versa and friendships and bonds are formed here that transcend tribe and religion. We are therefore the Big Heart at the Centre of the Nation!
The term, ‘fourth estate of the realm’ with reference to the media and her practitioners is attributed to Edmund Burke, a British parliamentarian of the 18th century. He is said to have acknowledged the 3 Arms of Government during a Legislative session, but noted that a ‘fourth estate’ was seated in the Reporters’ Gallery which he considered to be of equal power. If I have learnt anything during my 6 years in Office as a Governor, it is that the Honourable Edmund Burke was wrong to an extent. The fact is that a truly free and vibrant press is more powerful than the 3 traditional Arms of Government combined!
On the one hand, modern society cannot do without journalists. In fact the world would be a scary and dark place without the mavens who collect, curate and communicate information in a timely and responsible manner. In so doing they dispel falsehood, eliminate dangerous assumptions and provide societies with the basic premises upon which governance and other decisions can be made. This helps to bring order to society and engender human cooperation.
On the flip side, lives and whole societies have been ruined by the irresponsible practice of journalism by media practitioners, or quacks who impersonate them. The use of the tools of the journalist’s trade to deal in hate speech has set off many a fire which ultimately consumed whole politics and their people. Fake news is ubiquitous nowadays, whether it is rumour-mongering, dangerous innuendo, character assassination or other forms of inaccurate reportage. The problem is so endemic that in Q3 2020 alone, statistics show there were 1.8 billion engagements with fake news on Facebook alone! Nigeria, like many countries, has fallen victim to it many times, sometimes with devastating loss of lives or properties.
The Press is therefore one of the inescapable hallmarks of modern society and in particular, the custodian of public perception. What a divine responsibility! However, the Press is useful only to the extent that it functions within the ambits of verity and veracity and in line with demands of propriety. It must regulate itself with the help of the Law to avoid malfunction. Practitioners must recognise that due to the incredible powers which society has entrusted to them, there is a corresponding demand for responsibility, ethics and professionalism in the exercise of those powers by journalists.
Necessity is therefore laid on the real journalists to stand up and be counted when it comes to taking back their profession from the quacks and the hacks, specifically the myriad of unregulated persons armed with Internet-enabled devices who haunt the media space, especially on social media.
These malicious persons wreck lives and reputations by the millions simply because someone paid them, or because they have real or imagined grouse against an individual or institution. Worse, they proceed without a care in the world because no one regulates them.
This is why the Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA) Trust is perhaps one of the most important institutions which could exist right now. By rewarding merit in the way individuals and media houses practice journalism, the NMMAs provide critical motivation for the real journalists to do their work professionally. In this way the NMMAs help to promote sanity in the industry and simultaneously function as an accountability partner for most professional journalists.
When I received the Board members of the Trust and other pertinent stakeholders in a courtesy visit yesterday, I was not in the least surprised to see that it is comprised of the doyens of the profession and people of impeccable personal character, whose love for journalism as a profession and the media as an industry can never be doubted. Interacting with them, I came to understand their passion to enshrine merit into the core of media work in Nigeria. We are indeed proud to partner with you to deliver the NMMAs in this 31st year of the NMMA Trust. Even after now, we will commit to help move forward this laudable objective of recognising and rewarding merit-based media practice.
Tonight is not for long speeches. My duty here is to welcome you all to this 2021 edition of this prestigious event. Any other thing I have to say we can leave for the Award Ceremony tomorrow. Our visitors from out of town will discover that our City is hospitality personified and you are welcome to visit our historical places and project sites while you are here. Perhaps, while seeing our heritage sights, marvelling at the natural wonders of our riverscapes and landscapes or sampling the culinary delights of any of our many tribes, you will catch a fresh glimpse of the Great Possibilities upon which this nation was founded in the first place, right in these premises.
I assure you that since we came to Office and as we match towards 2023 we have given ourselves the task of rediscovering and reawakening that promise of a Great, functional and egalitarian Nigeria, literally from the very spot where Lord Frederick Lugard and Dame Flora Shaw first saw it. I promise you that we will do our very best, by the grace of Almighty God, to restore to Nigeria a Vision and a Pathway, call it a New Direction, to reach her full potential which was kickstarted here so many years ago.
Lokoja, Kogi State is the safest place you can be and I urge everyone to relax and have fun without any fear. Just note that the city, like much of Kogi State right now, is one huge construction site, so be both patient and careful with mobile equipment moving materials at odd places and times.
Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, our distinguished guests, I heartily welcome all participants to the Nigerian Media Merit Awards, Lokoja 2021!
God bless you.
YAHAYA BELLO
Governor of Kogi State
WELCOME ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO OF KOGI STATE TO THE OPENING SESSION OF THE NIGERIAN MEDIA MERIT (NMMA) AWARDS, 2021 AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LOKOJA ON FRIDAY, 29TH OCTOBER, 2021
Protocols
The Good People of Kogi State, Lokoja our Capital City and I are elated to have members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm in town tonight. Kogi is Nigeria’s Confluence State – mainly because Rivers Niger and Benue meet here in Lokoja, but also because every single day Nigerians from all over the country meet in Kogi State as they crisscross from South to North and vice versa and friendships and bonds are formed here that transcend tribe and religion. We are therefore the Big Heart at the Centre of the Nation!
The term, ‘fourth estate of the realm’ with reference to the media and her practitioners is attributed to Edmund Burke, a British parliamentarian of the 18th century. He is said to have acknowledged the 3 Arms of Government during a Legislative session, but noted that a ‘fourth estate’ was seated in the Reporters’ Gallery which he considered to be of equal power. If I have learnt anything during my 6 years in Office as a Governor, it is that the Honourable Edmund Burke was wrong to an extent. The fact is that a truly free and vibrant press is more powerful than the 3 traditional Arms of Government combined!
On the one hand, modern society cannot do without journalists. In fact the world would be a scary and dark place without the mavens who collect, curate and communicate information in a timely and responsible manner. In so doing they dispel falsehood, eliminate dangerous assumptions and provide societies with the basic premises upon which governance and other decisions can be made. This helps to bring order to society and engender human cooperation.
On the flip side, lives and whole societies have been ruined by the irresponsible practice of journalism by media practitioners, or quacks who impersonate them. The use of the tools of the journalist’s trade to deal in hate speech has set off many a fire which ultimately consumed whole politics and their people. Fake news is ubiquitous nowadays, whether it is rumour-mongering, dangerous innuendo, character assassination or other forms of inaccurate reportage. The problem is so endemic that in Q3 2020 alone, statistics show there were 1.8 billion engagements with fake news on Facebook alone! Nigeria, like many countries, has fallen victim to it many times, sometimes with devastating loss of lives or properties.
The Press is therefore one of the inescapable hallmarks of modern society and in particular, the custodian of public perception. What a divine responsibility! However, the Press is useful only to the extent that it functions within the ambits of verity and veracity and in line with demands of propriety. It must regulate itself with the help of the Law to avoid malfunction. Practitioners must recognise that due to the incredible powers which society has entrusted to them, there is a corresponding demand for responsibility, ethics and professionalism in the exercise of those powers by journalists.
Necessity is therefore laid on the real journalists to stand up and be counted when it comes to taking back their profession from the quacks and the hacks, specifically the myriad of unregulated persons armed with Internet-enabled devices who haunt the media space, especially on social media.
These malicious persons wreck lives and reputations by the millions simply because someone paid them, or because they have real or imagined grouse against an individual or institution. Worse, they proceed without a care in the world because no one regulates them.
This is why the Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA) Trust is perhaps one of the most important institutions which could exist right now. By rewarding merit in the way individuals and media houses practice journalism, the NMMAs provide critical motivation for the real journalists to do their work professionally. In this way the NMMAs help to promote sanity in the industry and simultaneously function as an accountability partner for most professional journalists.
When I received the Board members of the Trust and other pertinent stakeholders in a courtesy visit yesterday, I was not in the least surprised to see that it is comprised of the doyens of the profession and people of impeccable personal character, whose love for journalism as a profession and the media as an industry can never be doubted. Interacting with them, I came to understand their passion to enshrine merit into the core of media work in Nigeria. We are indeed proud to partner with you to deliver the NMMAs in this 31st year of the NMMA Trust. Even after now, we will commit to help move forward this laudable objective of recognising and rewarding merit-based media practice.
Tonight is not for long speeches. My duty here is to welcome you all to this 2021 edition of this prestigious event. Any other thing I have to say we can leave for the Award Ceremony tomorrow. Our visitors from out of town will discover that our City is hospitality personified and you are welcome to visit our historical places and project sites while you are here. Perhaps, while seeing our heritage sights, marvelling at the natural wonders of our riverscapes and landscapes or sampling the culinary delights of any of our many tribes, you will catch a fresh glimpse of the Great Possibilities upon which this nation was founded in the first place, right in these premises.
I assure you that since we came to Office and as we match towards 2023 we have given ourselves the task of rediscovering and reawakening that promise of a Great, functional and egalitarian Nigeria, literally from the very spot where Lord Frederick Lugard and Dame Flora Shaw first saw it. I promise you that we will do our very best, by the grace of Almighty God, to restore to Nigeria a Vision and a Pathway, call it a New Direction, to reach her full potential which was kickstarted here so many years ago.
Lokoja, Kogi State is the safest place you can be and I urge everyone to relax and have fun without any fear. Just note that the city, like much of Kogi State right now, is one huge construction site, so be both patient and careful with mobile equipment moving materials at odd places and times.
Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, our distinguished guests, I heartily welcome all participants to the Nigerian Media Merit Awards, Lokoja 2021!
God bless you.
YAHAYA BELLO
Governor of Kogi State
New Direction...
The need for compilation and documentation will not only serve antecedent needs for the future, but will also serve as a wellspring of information on the achievements and track records of the administration of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, hence the need for this E-Compendium.
GOODWILL MESSAGE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO OF KOGI STATE TO THE GOODLUCK JONATHAN FOUNDATION’S POLICY DIALOGUE ON ‘DEMOCRACY AND UNITY OF KOGI STATE’ AT TRANSCORP HILTON, ABUJA ON FRIDAY, 19TH NOVEMBER, 2021
Protocols
Let me begin by once again felicitiating with His Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and International Statesman Extraordinaire on his 64th birthday this Wednesday. His Excellency is a man who has earned the right to celebrate the increase of his years on earth with fulfilment. In 2015, he demonstrated in very historic terms that he is a democrat indeed and a patriot par excellence. Where lesser men and less honourable men would have tried to subvert the apparent will of the people in that year’s General Elections, His Excellency as the President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of her Armed Forces took the path of personal honour and national interest. Nigeria, and indeed the world, will always celebrate this wonderful man for that singular feat of selflessness and love for nation.
‘Democracy and the Unity of the State’. Unity is the primary hypothesis on which democracy stands in any state which has chosen it as the form of government. This is because in a functional democracy the people, in spite of their diversity in ideology, faith, tribe and politics, have to always unite in a majority for most things to happen in the society, including leadership. Nigeria’s 4th Republic is now in her 22nd year but unfortunately we remain a shaky democracy tottering along like a toddler still learning to walk. Consequently, we hardly speak with a united voice on anything as a nation. This state of affairs makes me believe that we need more democracy, not less. Of course, by ‘more democracy’ I mean the real essence and practice of democracy, that pure marriage of consensus which enthrones the overall public good rather than any sectional or parochial interest.
With the foregoing in mind, I say that how to make Nigerian Democracy work for us as a uniting factor rather than the divisive measure we have turned it into is the most pressing need of the season, especially as gladiators begin to take position for 2023. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I declare that ‘One Nigeria’ must quickly come to mean more than it currently does to the average citizen or we risk losing more than we bargained for – as leaders and those being led.
For the records, my concept of a united Nigeria is not one where everyone is held down by force or fear, but a nation which guarantees all citizens security, unity and peace. It must be equitable and allow everyone to thrive on his own merits. Tribe, religion and class must not be used to discriminate against or marginalise anyone and civics must encourage cooperation and integration as a cardinal tenet of citizenship. We have to start substituting place of residence for state of origin and finding ways to immediately and brutally punish corruption in private and public spheres.
Our politics and leadership must transform into a service that ensures the quality of life is high despite social status while essential goods and services are affordable. Our local job markets must deliver jobs to people at their levels of learning, skills and experience. The nation must have economic stability and be a family-friendly place where parents can raise the next generation well. We will require income equality, especially across the genders. A united Nigeria will thrive on political stability and social security. It also goes without saying that the quality of the public education system and that of the public health system must be high. Both must deliver free to affordable services. It is only then that people will belong because they want to, not because they must.
It is to these ideals that I have committed my leadership to achieving in Kogi State and while we have not yet arrived, we have definitely journeyed a good part of the way. Kogi is the emerging paradigm for Cooperation and Integration as a basis for citizens’ co-existence instead of the previous divide and rule tactics with which failed politicians harmed citizens in our past. It is a paradigm we hope to expand and export to the larger Nigerian society as we march into the future while building an increasingly peaceful and prosperous Nigerian society. Nigeria is the trigger of Africa and if Africa must free herself from neocolonialism Nigeria must stand up and take her place of leadership in the continent.
‘Democracy and Unity of the State’ is a timely theme at this moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey as a nation. The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and her continuing work in Democracy and Good Governance must be commended for again demonstrating uncanny understanding of, not just the State, but also the Mood, of the Nation.
Thank you all.
YAHAYA BELLO
Governor of Kogi State
Prince Abubakar University Teaching Hospital Anyigba currently under construction by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.
Anyigba - Dekina - North central Nigeria: Ogane - Aji Erosion Control & Land Reclamation.
Welcome To Kogipedia...
New Direction...
The need for compilation and documentation will not only serve antecedent needs for the future, but will also serve as a wellspring of information on the achievements and track records of the administration of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, hence the need for this E-Compendium.
The Governor of Kogi State, Alh Yahaya Bello has been honored for excellent service delivery by the Oodua Progressives Union under the leadership of the Aré Óna kakanfó Yorubaland, Ibà Gani Adams.
The award presentation which took place at the ongoing 8th World Congress of the Oodua Progressives Union happening at Kabba, headquarters of Okun people in Kogi state on Saturday 29th January, 2022.
Ibà Gani Adams while presenting the award commended Governor Yahaya Bello for receiving the team in government house earlier and providing needed enabling environment for the congress to take place in Kogi state. He says Okun people in Kogi state are people of great character, capacity and have made the entire Yorubaland proud.
While receiving the award, Secretary to Kogi state government, Dr Folashade Ayoade who represented the Governor says Governor Yahaya Bello is proud to be associated with the Congress being an agent of national unity who respect and identify with every ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. He emphasized on the need for national cohesion and unity for collective progress and shared prosperity.
Dr Folashade who emphasized her total loyalty to the Governor and her love for Yorubaland says Governor Yahaya Bello has proven to be an agent of national renaissance and unity.
Present at the event were several government officials including Special Advisers on Civil Service and Labour Matters, Hon Bode Adeyemi, Special Adviser on Water Resources, Hon Adesayo Ismail, Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, Hon Femi Bolaji. Others include the Kogi state ALGON Chairman who doubles as Chairman of Ijumu LGA, Hon Taofiq Isah, host Chairman, Hon Moses Olorunleke, several government functionaries, traditional rulers and Yoruba people across the globe
SO FAR, SO GREAT
BEING TEXT OF AN ADDRESS RELEASED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO OF KOGI STATE TO COMMEMORATE END OF THE 2ND YEAR OF HIS SECOND TERM AND HIS 6TH ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE AS THE 4TH EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI ON 27TH JANUARY, 2022
Protocols
My dear Kogites, today is the sixth anniversary in office of my New Direction Administration and the end of the second year of our Second Term. Since my first Inauguration as the 4th Executive Governor of Kogi State on 27th January, 2016 my team and I have done nothing but labour in your service to fulfill our promises. Everything else has been secondary to this primary assignment and I am truly proud of how far we have come together.
It is thus incredibly fulfilling that we are able to stand before you and account for our stewardship with a clear conscience and an ever-growing basket of achievements. I am able to say therefore that the last six years have been satisfying, to the extent that I can show by many proofs that I have steered Kogi State towards the goal of ‘accelerated and proportional development in all her constituencies’ which I set for us in our New Direction Blueprint shortly after I stepped into Lugard House.
Today, your lives and properties are safer as a State than you were when I first took office. This is all the more poignant for me because in the same timeframe much of the country has gone the other way, with many falling deeper into intractable insecurity. Threats from bandits, terrorists, kidnappers or ‘unknown gunmen’ have multiplied across board – except in Kogi State. At great human and financial cost we have continued to ensure that no inch of Kogi State is under the control of criminal non-state actors of any hue or cause.
Today, you have access to tons of new and improved infrastructure across the 3 Senatorial Districts that were only dreams when I first arrived. This includes thousands of kilometres of new roads, hundreds of classroom blocks and primary healthcare centres, several model primary and secondary schools, along with massive urban renewal projects in Ankpa, Okene and Kabba, the traditional capitals of our 3 Senatorial Zones, other larger cities and of course, our state capital, Lokoja.
We have also built a 300-bed reference hospital and half a dozen general hospitals, established the brand new Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara which is currently in session and constructed dozens of legacy buildings in all our other tertiary institutions. We also achieved the first ever 100% accreditation of courses by national regulators at several of our institutions, including the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
When you add all of that to enduring Civil Service and Pension Reforms you will agree that we have been busy with the right things in the New Direction. We do have reasons to celebrate when you consider that for the first time ever an administration in Kogi State is not owing one month of salaries or pensions midway into a second term. To greater or lesser extents, we have continued to pay our state workers on or before the end of each month since our staff screening and verification exercise ended about 3 years ago with a table payment exercise to clear previous arrears.
This does not mean that we do not recognise some issues with the wage-bill, particularly the inability, for the time being, of our cash-flow to accommodate 100% salary payments to Local Government workers. Currently, this can only be possible with extensive staff retrenchment to remove the massive redundancy inherent in the system. This is the sad reality imposed on us by a bloated workforce in the face of severely dessicated allocations cum finances. While there exists strong justifications for this option, it remains one which I, personally, consider too drastic to deploy against citizens in the present state of our Nigerian economy. To be honest, I am likely to kick this problem down the road to the next administration.
We have indeed come a long way in the last six years. Practically in all competitive national rankings, Kogi State under my leadership has remained top-notch. We are leaders in ensuring security of lives and properties of citizens, as well as the indices of transparent governance under the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Program, reduction of childhood mortality rates, depletion of out-of-school-children incidence, cutting down inherited debt profile/appetitie, surpassing the SDG’s affirmative action threshold for the women, and revolutionising inclusiveness for youth and persons with special needs. We are unique for deliberate use of the Multidimensional Poverty Indices (MPIs) as a tool for governance, and in addition to all of this, we beat the mass hysteria and human loss of the Covid-19 pandemic by innovative and scientific approaches, some of which are only now beginning to go mainstream across the globe.
Accordingly, on this 6th Anniversary, I will only accept to be judged by my performance at my constitutional duty post as the 4th Executive Governor of Kogi State. Those who wish to judge me by the impact of Federal policy or the state of Federal infrastructure, especially roads, in Kogi State, are on their own. I am the first to admit that in spite of genuine efforts by the President, HE Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR the neglect remains so indiscriminate and has persisted for so long it has become historic. The Ajaokuta Steel Complex which continues to languish and waste away on 24,000 hectares of prime Kogi land is the most painful instance of all.
The inequities we suffer in Kogi State and in the geopolitical North Central, along with the generalised disenchantment and agitation nationwide, has convinced me that if things must change positively and progressively for Nigeria, then I need to become the agent of the change which I and most Nigerians want to see in our nation. Just like when my journey with Kogi State started, I see again that if the things we collectively desire to be done are to get done at all, I must arise and do it myself, so help me God.
I cannot stand here today and pretend that we are all not already thinking about 2023 equations and permutations. All I can say for now is that we cannot afford to get the question of The Next Nigerian President wrong. If we do, it might well be the end for Nigeria as we know it. I will therefore implore all of us on behalf of our nation, Kogites and Nigerians alike, to be guided by only the National Interest in our approach to 2023. If you enjoy Security, Unity, Peace and Progress, you have a duty not to directly or indirectly work or vote for geography, tribe, religion or class – for that will be voting for more of the very things you hate so much right now.
I felicitate with us on this unique milestone. Like I alluded to earlier, the great thing about where we find ourselves on this 6th Anniversary is that we still have two full years to do more for our dear state and people in line with our second term manifesto. I promise you that we will be doing just that.
My Good People of Kogi State, this is me, #TheEssentialGYB, and I have nothing to hide.
To God be the Glory.
Thank you.
YAHAYA BELLO
Governor of Kogi State.
This Bello
By Akoni Feyisayo
In the early days of Alh. Yahaya Bello Administration in Kogi State, I followed an event with keen interest. I wanted to see how he would deal with the terrorists ravaging his Kogi Central enclave before the advent of his administration.
There were terrorists cells in Okene, his hometown and they were even in control of a mosque. They killed and maimed and no one dared the devilish sect.
So as an investigative journalist, I wanted to see how he would handle the danger. Was he going to toe the lane of his predecessors who were afraid of tackling criminal gangs or was he going to act differently and decisively.
He immediately zeroed in and started from his home front. He led from the front to destroy the abodes of the criminals, pulling down structures housing them. Multi-million naira structures erected with blood were brought to the ground.
And his people and even the criminals immediately knew there was a new Sheriff in town. The signals reverberated through the entire Kogi landscape and it became clear that a sure battle was going to rage as Kogi was already a notorious hot pot for cooking dangerous crimes.
Through a robust synergy between his Operation Total Freedom comprising of operatives from the Police, Army, Navy, Civil Defence Corp and other security outfits including Vigilante Service and local hunters, dangerous extremism was dealt with in Kogi Central.
In Kogi East, I heard of a notorious criminal kingpin that was dreaded by everyone, including the Government. GYB coordinated security operatives to deal with the criminal. He never believed he could be defeated. Many of his types in Kogi East were rooted out with decisiveness.
He dealt with criminals without asking questions about their origin. He dealt with religious extremists and other criminal elements. To him, a crime is a crime and must be dealt with regardless of who is involved.
This is the leadership needed to fix Nigeria. This is the spirit we need to make Nigeria work.
I have taken my time to study Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. In my characteristic manner, I usually choose to discuss ideologies over personality. But I am not ignorant of the fact that there is a personality behind every ideology.
From his Civil Service Reforms to his security policies; Yahaya Bello has proven that what separates good leaders from bad leaders is the ability of the former to act in the spirit of State interest. Leaders who do what is necessary may not be immediately popular because people may find what is wrong immediately convenient.
We all witnessed the crisis and violence which engulfed the Lagos State Local Government Poll. It was bloody and violent, despite surreptitious efforts by the politicians to hide the bloody aspect of the election. Kogi held the same election and it was violent free. Have we investigated how Kogi did it?
By location, no one would have expected Kogi to be so low on crime rate. It shares border with about ten states, including the nation’s seat of power. Virtually all her neighboring states are battling with serious security challenges. How is Kogi different?
Nigeria can be right if we have great leaders taking decisions for the common good. Security must not be politicized. We must act in unity to end terrorism and criminality. Criminals get more audacious when they enjoy State cover. They know it is over when the State choose to deploy its arbitrary powers to ensure peace and security.
Nigeria can’t tolerate insecurity further.
This Bello !
Akoni Feyisayo is an ace columnist and he writes from Oke Agbe Area, Akure, Ondo State.
As CUSTECH Matriculates Her 1st Set of Students
One unique attribute among many superlative qualities my Boss, His Excellency Yahaya BELLO possess that got everyone magnetised to his personality is his ‘dare to do’ quality.
He’s known across the West African sub-region today as a leader who has a large heart, a leader who will nurture his dream to reality no matter the obstacles, a leader who will speak the truth no matter whose ox will be gored, a leader who placed the interest of the people above every other interests.
In August, 2020, after a critical survey of our natural resources and the need to provide refined manpower that will run our industries , the governor incubated the idea of technologically specialized institution in the state. The name of the institution (CONFLUENCE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OSARA) was adopted including the location by the State Executive Council.
The bill for the establishment of the institution was passed by the state House of Assembly who also considered the need for such institution in the state and on the 20th of August, 2020, the governor signed the bill into law.
On the 22nd of September , 2020, the governor submitted the design of the institution and other relevant documents to The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Prof Elias Bogoro who commended the governor on the establishment of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, describing the move by the governor as futuristic and visionary.
On the 26th of November,2020, Governor Yahaya BELLO visited The National Universities Commission (NUC) and the commission granted approval and recognition for the establishment of Confluence University of Science and Technology, (CUSTECH) Osara, Kogi State as the new addition to the list of State owned Universities in Nigeria.
Speaking while reading out the letter of recognition for the institution’s establishment, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Rasheed noted that the newly recognized State University would have the maximum support of the commission.
He enjoined the state government to take full advantage of both professional and technical advice that the commission statutorily provides for the establishment, funding and operation of the University, adding that all other supporting agencies including Tertiary Education Trust FUND, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been notified.
Prof. Rasheed lauded the effort of the State Government towards investing in education, noting that such drive remained the best approach in adding value to the lives of its citizens.
Meticulously, CUSTECH secured all her approvals and recognition from relevant education agencies and commissions in Nigeria between last quarter of 2020 and 1st quarter of 2021.
The governor followed up with massive infrastructure at the campus of the institution which formally housed the Faculty of Engineering of the Kogi State Polytechnic.
Yesterday, 25th of November, 2021 the first set of students, totaling 245 were matriculated .
In addition to the establishment of CUSTECH, all other state owned higher institutions have also witness tremendous infrastructure development under the leadership of His Excellency, YAHAYA BELLO.
As I congratulate the students, staff and management of CUSTECH, a pray that the lofty idea, dreams and vision of His Excellency, YAHAYA BELLO for the establishment of this institution turned out great for the good of the people and Nigeria at large.
ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
26/11/2021