Yahaya Bello: Six Years of Remarkable Statesmanship
By Nafisat Bello
Many years ago, Kogi state was regarded as one of the least developed states in the country despite being naturally endowed with over 42 mineral resources. The state was economically comatose, politically volatile and relatively unsafe for business and tourism. Majority of the youth were jobless, hopeless and disillusioned. They took to petty crimes, armed robbery and political thuggery.
Women had no place beyond the kitchen and even in the kitchen, there were not many quality food stuff as poverty was endemic.
The Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja, was almost the only Hospital the sick could visit in search of succour and even with that, it was a nightmare for patients as lack of drugs, inadequate manpower and lack of basic amenities were nagging problems. People outside Lokoja were not even lucky enough to have that.
The emergence of a relatively young, charismatic Yahaya Bello therefore came as a monumental blessing to the people of the state.
He knew he had his job cut out for him, so he swung into action immediately he was sworn-in into office on the 27th of January, 2016.
His blueprint of prosperity for the state was clear. His agenda was unambiguous. His actions were straightforward. Six years down the line, majority of Kogites are happy they found a gem, a true servant of the people.
His achievements are noticeable in the five(5) thematic areas (security, economy, health, education, infrastructure) which he identified as quickly as he came into office.
In his statewide broadcast on the occasion of his 6th anniversary recently, the governor used the opportunity to reminisce on the journey so far; successes and challenges.
Read Also:
He reminded all and sundry where the state was before he took over and where he has been able to lead the people to.
The governor stated that lives and properties are safer in the state than when he first took office. This was possible because of the innovative ideas, policies and actions which he brought to the table in tackling insecurity in the state.
Governor Bello provided over 200 utility vehicles and 500 motorcycles for security operations across the state. He also established the Nigerian Army Forward Operations (NAFO) and set up a Vigilante Service in Kogi State. By so doing he ensured that no inch of the state is under the control of criminals. While other state governors are either running to Abuja to lament the security situation in their states or attacking the President for not coming to the states to fix it, Governor Bello was busy taking bull by the horns and showing everyone how to lead from the front.
Governor Bello has also done remarkably well in the health sector by providing a 300-bed Reference Hospital and building at least six general hospitals across the state.
In the education sector, the governor established the brand new Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUTECH), Osara. He also constructed dozens of legacy buildings in all tertiary institutions.
In other to improve the state of infrastructure in the state, Bello’s administration procured modern technology in constructing thousands of kilometers of new roads, hundreds of classrooms and primary health centres. Several model primary and secondary schools were also remodelled and constructed to ease learning and create condusive environment for teachers.
Governor Bello has performed creditably well for the people of Kogi state. He has succeeded in transforming the state from a struggling entity to a commercially viable, safe and secure state.
