By Noah Ocheni
“Governance is a process of social management between the rulers and the ruled in a political community” -The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
If one examines the journey of Kogi State from creation on 27th August, 1991 till date, reflecting on the corresponding evidences of development, Gov Bello becomes a golden fish that has no hiding place.
As at today, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello who took over the governance of Kogi State from Capt Idris Wada in January 2016 has left indelible mark in the history of the development of Kogi State.
According to Kofi Annan (cited in UNDP 1997;20), “without good governance, without the rule of law, predictable administration, legitimate power and responsive regulation, no amount of funding and charity will set us on the path of prosperity”
Gov Bello embraced the above school of thought, got a comprehensive blue print on insecurity, culture and tourism, Youths and sports development in the state.
Insecurity: In the spirit of if you see something, say something, Governor Yahaya Bello used aggressive diplomacy with tactical influence of security operatives to barricades and curb insecurity in Kogi.
“Kogi State is no longer safe for criminals” – Bello’s crackdown on insecurity has not only made Kogi state a new Haven for the citizenry but won him an award as the best Governor on security matters.
It was summarized by the former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, rtd. that Gov Bello is a dependable ally on in the war against insecurity.
Culture and Tourism:
He has been branded as ‘culture friendly’ due to his untiring efforts at revitalizing culture and tourism. Consequently, Kogi State represented Nigeria at Congo Brazaville (2016) and India (2021) cultural events respectively.
Youths and Sports: In 2019, Gov Bello approved, established and supported the registration and certification of Youth Clubs/Associations and Youth Organizations.
Governor Yahaya Bello sponsored our Youths to attend different Skills Acquisition Training organized by Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports in Plateau and Ogun States respectively.
In the same vein, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has enjoyed the support of his Excellency through government’s award and employment of two (2) outstanding corp members, under the interpretation and implementation of of the relevant sections of the National Youth Policy for Nigeria (2019-2023) Edition and the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (with amendments 2011).
Just at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 of the NYSC held at the State’s Orientation Camp, Asanya, in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Tuesday, 4th September 2023,
Governor Yahaya Bello approved 100 per cent increment in the allowance of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to Kogi State for their mandatory one-year service.
The Governor also announced a donation of N37.7 million as logistics support for the Youth Corps members as they move to their respective places of primary assignments and called on private sector employers to prioritise their welfare.
He successfully sponsored sensitization and awareness campaign against youth restiveness and cultism, under His Excellency’s New Direction Agenda. Similarly was the free and fair election that produced the leadership of the State Chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) under his watch.
HEALTH SECTOR: The New Direction Administration of Gov Bello invested hugely in the health sector. In this regards,
government has prioritised the provision of modern medical equipment, supplies, and drugs to healthcare facilities in the state.
The massive health infrastructural development includes, the establishment of The Reference Hospital, Okene, with the state of the art medical equipment of global standard and the clinical complex of Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba.
