Prince Abubakar University Teaching Hospital Anyigba currently under construction by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. *** Governor Yahaya Bello at work on the age-old erosion ravaged section of the road from Anyigba to the headquarters of Dekina LG and to the neighboring Bassa LG.*** 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*** The World Bank commended Governor Yahaya Bello for refunding $4.63 million surplus funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP)***  This app, is an Audio/visual excursion into the stewardship of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello*** 

Day: May 29, 2023

FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU 29 MAY 2023

THE NIGERIAN IDEAL

My Fellow Citizens,

I stand before you honoured to assume the sacred mandate you have given me. My love for this nation is abiding. My confidence in its people, unwavering. And my faith in God Almighty, absolute. I know that His hand shall provide the needed moral strength and clarity of purpose in those instances when we seem to have reached the limits of our human capacity.

This day is bold and majestic yet bright and full of spirit, as is our precious nation.

As a nation, we have long ago decided to march beyond the dimness of night into the open day of renewed national hope.

The question we now ask ourselves is whether to remain faithful to the work inherent in building a better society or retreat into the shadows of our unmet potential.

For me, there is but one answer. We are too great a nation and too grounded as a people to rob ourselves of our finest destiny.

This nation’s journey has been shaped by the prayers of millions, and the collective sacrifices of us all.

We have endured hardships that would have made other societies crumble.

Yet, we have shouldered the heavy burden to arrive at this SUBLIME moment where the prospect of a better future merges with our improved capacity to create that future.

To the surprise of many but not to ourselves, we have more firmly established this land as a democracy in both word and deed.

The peaceful transition from one government to another is now our political tradition. This handover symbolizes our trust in God, our enduring faith in representative governance and our belief in our ability to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be.

Here, permit me to say a few words to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President, you have been an honest, patriotic leader who has done his best for the nation you love. On a more personal note, you are a worthy partner and friend. May History be kind to you.

For many years, Nigeria’s critics have trafficked the rumour that our nation will break apart, even perish.

Yet here we are. We have stumbled at times, but our resilience and diversity have kept us going.

Our burdens may make us bend at times, but they shall never break us.

Instead, we stand forth as Africa’s most populous nation and as the best hope and strongest champion of the Black Race.

As citizens, we declare as one unified people devoted to one unified national cause, that as long as this world exists, NIGERIA SHALL EXIST.

Today, Fate and Destiny join together to place the torch of human progress in our very hands. We dare not let it slip.

We lift high this torch so that it might shine on every household and in every heart that calls itself Nigerian. We hold this beam aloft because it lights our path with compassion, brotherhood, and peace. May this great light never EXTINGUISH.

Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.

We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.

In this vein, may I offer a few comments regarding the election that brought us to this juncture. It was a hard fought contest. And it was also fairly won. Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality.

The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic.

They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore.

They have taken their concerns to court. Seeking legal redress is their right and I fully defend their exercise of this right. This is the essence of the rule of law.

Over six decades ago, our founding fathers gave bravely of themselves to place Nigeria on the map as an independent nation.

We must never allow the labor of those who came before us to wither in vain but to blossom and bring forth a better reality.

Let us take the next great step in the journey they began and believed in.

Today, let us recommit our very selves to placing Nigeria in our hearts as the indispensable home for each and every one of us regardless of creed, ethnicity, or place of birth.

My supporters, I thank you. To those who voted otherwise, I extend my hand across the political divide. I ask you to grasp it in national affinity and brotherhood. For me, political coloration has faded away. All I see are Nigerians.

May we uphold these fitting and excellent notions as the new Nigerian ideal.

My fellow compatriots,

The Nigerian ideal which I speak of is more than just an improvement in economic and other statistics. These things are important; but they can never convey the fullness of our story.

Our mission is to improve our way of life in a manner that nurtures our humanity, encourages compassion toward one another, and duly rewards our collective effort to resolve the social ills that seek to divide us.

Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared sense of fairness and equity.

The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise.

Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all.

In the coming days and weeks, my team will publicly detail key aspects of our programme. Today, permit me to outline in broad terms a few initiatives that define our concept of progressive good governance in furtherance of the Nigerian ideal:

The principles that will guide our administration are simple:

1. Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the constitution and the rule of law.

2. We shall defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace and stability of our country and our subregion.

3. We shall remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end of extreme poverty.

4. In our administration, Women and youth will feature prominently.

5. Our government will continue to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture to discourage corruption while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the various anti-corruption agencies.

SECURITY

Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security DOCTRINE and its ARCHITECTURE.

We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide, better training, equipment, pay and firepower.

THE ECONOMY

On the economy, we target a higher GDP growth and to significantly reduce unemployment.

We intend to accomplish this by taking the following steps:

First, budgetary reform stimulating the economy without engendering inflation will be instituted.

Second, industrial policy will utilize the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.

Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike. Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.

I have a message for our investors, local and foreign: our government shall review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions.

We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends and profits home.

JOBS

My administration must create meaningful opportunities for our youth. We shall honour our campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy.

Our government also shall work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill. This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable.

Agriculture

Rural incomes shall be secured by commodity exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for certain crops and animal products. A nationwide programme for storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage and waste will be undertaken.

Agricultural hubs will be created throughout the nation to increase production and engage in value-added processing. The livestock sector will be introduced to best modern practices and steps taken to minimize the perennial conflict over land and water resources in this sector.

Through these actions, food shall be made more abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more while the average Nigerian pays less.

INFRASTRUCTURE

We shall continue the efforts of the Buhari administration on infrastructure. Progress toward national networks of roads, rail and ports shall get priority attention.

FUEL SUBSIDY

We commend the decision of the outgoing administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy regime which has increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor. Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.

MONETARY POLICY

Monetary policy needs thorough housecleaning. The Central Bank must work towards a unified exchange rate. This will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.

Interest rates need to be reduced to increase investment and consumer purchasing in ways that sustain the economy at a higher level.

Whatever merits it had in concept, the currency swap was too harshly applied by the CBN given the number of unbanked Nigerians. The policy shall be reviewed. In the meantime, my administration will treat both currencies as legal tender.

FOREIGN POLICY

Given the world in which we reside, please permit a few comments regarding foreign policy.

The crisis in Sudan and the turn from democracy by several nations in our immediate neighbourhood are of pressing concern.

As such, my primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African subregion and the African continent. We shall work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and to resolve new ones.

As we contain threats to peace, we shall also retool our foreign policy to more actively lead the regional and continental quest for collective prosperity.

Conclusion

This is the proudest day of my life. But this day does not belong to me. It belongs to you, the people of Nigeria.

On this day, Nigeria affirms its rightful place among the world’s great democracies. There, Nigeria shall reside forever.

The course of our past and the promise of the future have brought us to this exceptional moment.

In this spirit, I ask you to join me in making Nigeria a more perfect nation and democracy such that the Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the Nigerian reality.

With full confidence in our ability, I declare that these things are within our proximate reach because my name is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I am the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

May God bless you and May He bless our beloved land.

CITATION OF HIS EXCELLENCY YAHAYA BELLO, THE 4TH EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE OF NIGERIA

(With Abstract and Reference)
His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, is the Governor of Kogi State, in the North Central Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. Yahaya Bello is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur with diverse and humongous investment interests across several sectors of Nigeria’s economy. Old friends agree that not only is he divinely blessed, but that he was blessed early. They testify that he became a billionaire early, and long before his foray into politics.

Those who know Yahaya Bello well will tell you how he was hurt by the underdevelopment of Nigeria, and his native Kogi in particular, especially how the roots of that underdevelopment was fertilized by the rampant corruption and arrogance of successive political elite and their public service and private sector collaborators. As a youth, he was pained no end by the suffering of the ordinary citizen and driven by radical ideas of a dream nation.

The foregoing, along with his belief in Muhammadu Buhari as the Change Agent for Nigeria, motivated him into politics, an undertaking at which he has also proved very successful – like in everything else he has tried his hands.

Born on 18th June, 1975 in Agassa, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, he spent most of his early childhood in his native Kogi State during which period he completed his early education before leaving to earn secondary and tertiary education qualifications in Suleja, Niger State and Zaria, Kaduna State respectively.

His Excellency who is today a Chartered Accountant of many years’ standing and a distinguished Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) bagged an outstanding Bachelors Degree in Accounting and an MBA in Business Administration from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in staccato fashion. He was mobilised along with his mates into the National Youth Service Corps for the mandatory 1-year National Youth Service Corps and posted to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

During his service year, and determined to be an entrepreneur rather than a civil servant he launched the Fairplus Group which quickly blossomed into a thriving conglomerate over the next couple of years. However, at the end of his service year, the young Yahaya Bello had so distinguished himself at work that he was retained by the RMAFC and rewarded with full employment into the Commission. This shifted his full-time self-employment dreams for a while.

Alhaji Yahaya Bello refused to rest on his laurels, studied hard and became a Chartered Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in 2004 while continuing to excel at work. He earned rapid promotions through Revenue Officer, Revenue Officer II, Accountant and then Head of Department at his employer’s Zonal Office in Makurdi, Benue State.

Yahaya Bello’s serious work ethics and dedication catapulted him through the ranks at a relatively young age into the commanding heights of a Civil Service career. Before long he was promoted Assistant Chief Accountant of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) of Nigeria.

Yahaya Bello, who had become a consistent and skillful investor in Nigerian securities in addition to the successes of his Fairplus Group rode the stock boom of the early 2000s and grew his nest egg into substantial wealth. He distinguished himself as a good judge of market and business trends and reinvested his money in real estate, transportation and other profitable sectors. In what must be a case study for serious investors, he grew a diversified portfolio which helped him to avoid the worse of the global economic meltdown of 2007-2008.

The economic meltdown was a turning point which reminded Yahaya Bello of his passion for private business and enterprise. Ever restless for fresh opportunities, he took the bold step of voluntary resignation from the Civil Service, and became a full-time entrepreneur. As the MD/CEO of a burgeoning conglomerate, he made numerous successful investments in the years following, considerably enlarging his net worth.

His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello is the chairman and founder of the Kogi Youths Arise Group, the political action group with which he prosecuted his campaign for Office in 2015. At first it was to mobilize young persons in Kogi State for increased roles in leadership and governance but it soon morphed into a tsunami of political action which helped him get elected as the youngest state Governor in Nigeria in 2015.
The group’s twin tenets of ‘not too young to run’ and a ‘New Direction Agenda’ encapsulates the Governor’s passion for youth to get involved in politics and to try out fresh, if controversial ideas, in Office.

Upon Inauguration, His Excellency’s New Direction Blueprint was a groundbreaking document which purposely utilizes a select number of the Sustainable Development Goals to attack multidimensional poverty in his state using the UN/Oxford Multidimensional Poverty Indices.

In 2017, less than 2 years into his first term, Kogi State was invited by the United Nation to the 72nd UN General Assembly as one of only 4 success stories in the SDGs in Nigeria. One is not surprised. His Administration’s New Direction Blueprint and its faithful implementation is arguably the first time a Nigerian subnational Government will be making such utility of the new global development frameworks.

The results turned out better than expected. Commenting on Governor Bello’s stewardship during his State visit to Kogi on December 29, 2022 an impressed, and obviously excited President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR had this to say: ‘I am glad that we have an impressive array of legacy projects through your own state government as proof of our stewardship of Kogi. The APC Administration has indelible footprints in Kogi.’

The President further assured the throng of wellwishers that he considered Bello and his New Direction Administration in Kogi State as one of the APC Government’s success stories: ‘We are proud of him and I encourage the people of Kogi State to continue to support him and his team as they are working hard to ensure peace, security and development in the state.’

Governor Yahaya Bello is a committed party man and a matchless political operative who has delivered for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in every assignment handed to him by the National Executive Council (NEC). His Excellency played prominent roles in the APC’s electoral successes in several States. His Excellency is the Treasurer, Progressive Governors’ Forum.

His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State was appointed Chairman of the Youth, Women and Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) Mobilisation and Sensitisation Committee for the APC Membership Registration and Revalidation Exercise, 2021. As all and every Nigerian can attest, Governor Yahaya Bello helped to attract millions of young to older people across the nation to the APC through a colourful and creative drive during the exercise.

Reporting to the President after the exercise, the then national leadership of the APC singled out Governor Bello and his team for special Commendation, noting that their work was indeed a positive turning point for the party: ‘(The) Youth, Women and People Living with Disabilities’ Sensitization and Mobilization Committee contributed tremendously to the success recorded in the nationwide membership registration/re-validation exercise’.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State also participated in the APC Primaries for 2023 Presidential Elections and helped to galvanize youthful interest in the political season like never before. Upon the emergence of His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu (now President-elect) as the APC flagbearer at those primaries, Governor Bello demonstrated his sportsmanship and loyalty to Party supremacy immediately by collapsing his campaign into the winners.

Later appointed the National Youth Coordinator and Chairman of the National Youth Mobilisation Directorate in the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council for the elections, His Excellency went on to discharge his duties with characteristic excellence and despatch. It is on record that the youth component of the APC has never been as physically involved in the Party’s electioneering as they became in 2023. Pundits believe that the credit should go to the President-elect’s personality and his formidable political machinery, of which Yahaya Bello was a leading light.

For his sterling successes in leadership and governance, Governor Yahaya Bello is the recipient of many awards from prestigious institutions, both within Nigeria and internationally. It is however a measure of His Excellency’s values that one of the most cherished is the first ever Inspector-General of Police Award for Excellence In Security Governance. It was an award bestowed exclusively on him by Nigeria’s then top cop for his Administration’s successes in turning Kogi State from the most insecure state in Nigeria outside of the North East pre-2015, into the safest state in the country within two years of taking Office, according to data from the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS) and other rating agencies.

His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is a leading performer in the Vision 2030 of the United Nations via the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He has exceeded the 35% Affirmative Action for Gender Equity and Youth Inclusiveness. He is also a grand advocate of persons with special needs and makes sure to include members of the community in government.

No wonder he is the recipient of the Most Gender Sensitive Governor Award from the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) which also invested him as the He-For-She Ambassador of Nigerian Women 2021. UN Women and AU ECOSOC have also issued him Commendations for his exemplary leadership in gender equity, as have frontline female leaders on the African continent such as Her Excellency, Jewel Cianeh Taylor, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.

His Excellency’s appeal as a cross-cutting politician is well documented and he has forged friendships with other leaders across party lines. His enduring friendship with his brother Governor in Rivers State, who is the de facto National leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made him one of the few opposition figures to be conferred with the highest honours in the State, to wit, the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) in 2022.

Alhaji Yahaya Bello is a philanthropist who, long before he ventured into politics, was already deploying his personal funds to run three orphanage homes while sponsoring scores of undergraduate and postgraduate students in various higher institutions within and outside Nigeria. He is still neck-deep into philanthropy to this day.

Yahaya Adoza Bello is a devout Muslim who is happily married with children. His hobbies include reading and travelling, although he has fully sacrificed the latter in order to sit at home and focus on the job of governing his state and people. In the 7-plus years that he has led Kogi State, he has only travelled out of the country twice – both time on assignment with or for President Muhammadu Buhari.

It goes without saying that in Nigeria’s leadership space today, Yahaya Bello is the undisputed front-runner in security, affirmative action, youth inclusivity, unity and diversity. He is a bridge-builder who has stepped in to restore peace and unity to the nation when crisis loomed large. For example, during the face-off between Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria caused by the Shasha Market crises and subsequent blockade of food shipments to the South, Governor Yahaya Bello brokered a peace deal which not only caused trade to resume normally but also stopped planned reprisal attacks against southerners in the north.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is popularly known in the media as ‘The White Lion’ and ‘The Stormy Petrel’ of Nigeria’s current political dispensation. The former salutes his strength of character and untainted reputation while the latter references his penchant to confront and ride out storms, unafraid – especially when they threaten the welfare of the people.

To his teeming supporters across Nigeria, His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is, by the grace of Almighty God, a man for today and for tomorrow.

End.

Part II: ABSTRACT

This formal citation provides a comprehensive account of the illustrious career and noteworthy achievements of His Excellency Yahaya Adoza Bello, the esteemed Governor of Kogi State in Nigeria. Governor Bello’s remarkable journey is outlined, showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen, commitment to addressing underdevelopment and corruption, and his subsequent entry into the political arena. The article meticulously details his early life and education, including his completion of primary education in Kogi State, followed by secondary and tertiary education in Niger State and Kaduna State respectively.

Governor Bello’s academic accomplishments as a Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) are highlighted, underscoring his attainment of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and an MBA in Business Administration from the esteemed Ahmadu Bello University. His dedication and work ethic are evidenced during his National Youth Service Corps assignment at the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), where his exceptional performance led to his retention and subsequent employment by the commission.

The citation showcases Governor Bello’s meteoric rise in the civil service, marked by rapid promotions and significant contributions to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission. During this time, he also demonstrated his investment prowess, capitalizing on market trends and expanding his financial portfolio in diverse sectors such as real estate and transportation.

The article delves into Governor Bello’s entry into politics, driven by his deep-rooted desire to combat underdevelopment and champion the cause of the ordinary citizens. His involvement in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his pivotal role in mobilizing and galvanizing youth for increased participation in politics are highlighted. The citation further acknowledges his appointment as Chairman of the Youth, Women and Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) Mobilization and Sensitization Committee for the APC Membership Registration and Revalidation Exercise in 2021, which significantly contributed to the party’s nationwide success.

Governor Bello’s transformative leadership and governance are explored, with a specific focus on his groundbreaking New Direction Blueprint. This blueprint, which utilizes select Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrates Governor Bello’s innovative approach to tackling multidimensional poverty within Kogi State. The citation highlights the recognition received from the United Nations for Kogi State’s exemplary implementation of the SDGs, underscoring the administration’s commitment to global development frameworks.

Furthermore, Governor Bello’s commitment to gender equity, youth inclusiveness, and the welfare of persons with special needs is emphasized. His initiatives and achievements in these areas have earned him prestigious awards, both nationally and internationally. Notably, the citation acknowledges the Most Gender Sensitive Governor Award from the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) and his appointment as He-For-She Ambassador of Nigerian Women 2021. Governor Bello’s leadership in promoting gender equity has garnered commendations from UN Women, AU ECOSOC, and esteemed female leaders on the African continent.

The citation recognizes Governor Bello’s commendable efforts in fostering unity and building bridges across party lines. His enduring friendship with a fellow governor from an opposing party, which resulted in the conferral of the Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS), exemplifies his commitment to national unity and cooperation.

Governor Bello’s philanthropic endeavors are also highlighted, including his pre-political involvement in running orphanage homes and sponsoring numerous students in higher education. His dedication to public service is further exemplified by his limited international travel, prioritizing governance and the well-being of his constituents.

In conclusion, this citation encapsulates the exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication of His Excellency Yahaya Adoza Bello, the 4th Executive Governor of Kogi State, Nigeria. His transformative leadership, innovative governance, and commitment to the welfare of the people have earned him accolades and recognition both nationally and internationally. Governor Bello’s remarkable journey, from a young entrepreneur to a visionary politician, serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders and underscores the potential for positive change through dedicated public service. With his relentless pursuit of progress and development, Governor Bello continues to shape the trajectory of Kogi State and contribute to the advancement of Nigeria as a whole.

Part III: REFERENCE

BELLO, Yahaya Adoza. “Citation of His Excellency Yahaya Bello, the 4th Executive Governor of Kogi State of Nigeria.” Kogipedia Compendium of Governance In Kogi State, vol. 7, no. 1, 2023 (www.kogipedia.net).

FG Confer Yahaya Bello with CON Honours

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has been honoured with the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON,) award by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari approved the different categories of the Special National Honours award 2023 on Sunday.

Disclosing approval of the award, in a statement, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onogwu Mohammed, said President Muhammadu Buhari gave the approval in recognition of the governor’s immense contributions to security national development, unity and commitment to national cohesion.

He said “having displayed unwavering dedication in restoring our state from the clutches of criminals and transforming it into one of the safest regions in Nigeria today, while simultaneously spearheading numerous commendable and impactful initiatives across our land.

“A true luminary in nation building whose exceptional leadership has been instrumental in fortifying democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law in Kogi in particular and Nigeria at large.

“The federal government have found governor Yahaya Bello worthy to be conferred with the National Award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

In the appreciation letter to the President signed by Governor Yahaya Bello, he noted that news of the award was received with excitement by him and the entire Kogi people, especially as it comes from no other person than President Buhari whom he has long regarded as a father-figure and political mentor, stressing that they were appreciative of Buhari’s love for the him and people of the state.

“Your Excellency, I recall your working visit to Kogi State on December 29, 2022, during which you graciously commissioned projects executed by our Administration. I would love to believe that this award represents, in your unique leadership style, an acknowledgement of our service to our people in Kogi State and to the Nigerian nation at large – for only then would it have an enduring significance to me.” Bello said.

Kogi people are already excited over the harvest of awards which they say were both fitting and deserving of a hardworking Governor.

Click the image below to read the letter of acceptance and appreciation of Governor Yahaya Bello on his national honour.

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