Farewell
Farewell GYB, and thank you for your leadership.
.
.
The 8th Referral Compendium
The assumption of office by His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello as the 4th Executive Governor of Kogi State on the 27th of January 2016 effectively ushered in the ‘New Direction Administration’ and a new dawn for Kogi State.
which deprived the State and her people of many dividends of democracy, Governor Yahaya Bello has managed to change the narrative positively by delivering significant development strides in all sections of the State through the judicious utilization of the State’s limited resources.
The Government that he led in the last eight years was young and strong, leadership. He governed by a set of globally recognized principles measurable and scalable.
The use of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) developed by the United Nations/ Oxford University Poverty and Human Development Initiative (UN/OPHI) and the In the last eight (8) years, the Governor Yahaya Bello-led New Direction Administration has carefully implemented plans and programs to put the state on the path of sustainable growth and development whilst overcoming several challenges and constraints.
So far, Kogi State has come a mighty long way from the pervasive dysfunction inherited by the Yahaya Bello-administration in 2016.
Despite the failings of the past Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to build the New Direction Blueprint (NBT) gave access to tools which already incorporated global best practices for governance.
An active implementation framework driven by the New Direction Blueprint Team gave unusual clarity on Training, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation (TIME) of his plans.
In the First Term (2016 – 2019) his agenda for the state was hinged on five (5) thematic areas of Education, Health, Job Creation & Youth Engagement, Infrastructure & Utilities, and Public Service & Pension Reforms.
These were further expanded to nine (9) thematic areas in the Second Term (2019 – 2024) of his administration with 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 thematic areas.
There is plenty of evidence that what he has accomplished in this administration has helped to leapfrog progress in the state today. This has not happened by chance. Not at all.
He came into Office with a well-defined Blueprint and massive political will to make positive change – and he has done precisely that.
Today, it could be proven that he has made impressive efforts to reposition Kogi State for the future.
This has the direct effect of enhancing the citizen’s abilities to take advantage of their vast endowments in human and other natural resources for development purposes. characterized which by were By making security of lives and properties a constant priority, Governor Yahaya Bello has placed Kogi State in a great position to attract and keep new residents and investments in her economy by getting rid of criminals and making Kogi State a safe haven for her people and other Nigerians plying the highways between the North and the South of the country through her territory.
The education sector has also received topnotch attention from his government. There has been significant improvement in human capital development indices from basic through tertiary education levels and through targeted programmes in the vocational and informal education sub-sectors.
His administration has founded new schools including two state-owned universities, the Confluence University of Science & Technology (CUSTECH), Osara and the Kogi State University (KSU), Kabba.
He also renovated, and in many cases reconstructed, physical and non-physical infrastructure in all the state’s existing tertiary institutions.
He also improved access to educational opportunities, school enrollment and retention numbers and the performance of students in both internal and external examinations.
Furthermore, It is important to note that since the last strike by university lecturers about 7 years ago, Students in Kogi State Tertiary Institutions have enjoyed uninterrupted academic calendars.
The result is that Kogi undergraduates have advanced at least 2 to 3 years ahead of their contemporaries in other schools who continue to be bedeviled by pernicious industrial actions in this all important sector.
The Health Sector has grown exponentially under Governor Yahaya Bello’s careful management. Hundreds of Primary Healthcare Centres in Kogi have been renovated and ultramodern secondary and tertiary hospitals are springing up across the three Senatorial Districts.
They are all equipped with State of the art equipment. The Kogi State Health Insurance Agency is fully set up and has absorbed tens of thousands of citizens under her free to subsidized healthcare policies. Gradually, Kogi State is becoming the Health Tourism destination that his goal envisioned.
Heavy investments have been made in roads, bridges and other civil engineering infrastructure all over the state including the now completed and commissioned first flyover and interchange in Kogi State at Ganaja junction.
This has helped to improve the quality of life available in Lokoja metropolis, major towns and rural areas. Good governance across board with respect to equity in political appointments, with deliberate policies of inclusion for women (45%) and persons living with special needs) has been embedded by the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello.
These success stories are, to a great extent, replicated in agriculture, the Civil Service and other sectors. In a bid to alleviate poverty and to take his vision of pulling one million Kogi youths above the poverty line, he approved the establishment of the Kogi State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in December 2023.
This he said will enable Kogi State to integrate seamlessly into the overarching vision of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu encapsulated in the Renewed Hope agenda which aims to uplift 50 million Nigerians from poverty annually. For the first time perhaps, the presence of Government is felt by the widest cross-section of Kogites under one administration.
This 8th Referral Compendium showcases how Governor Bello’s Mission Statement (To develop Kogi State into Nigeria’s foremost and most secure emerging commercial hub through optimization of the State’s geographical location, natural endowments and human resources for a sustainable future) has dovetailed nicely into his implementation strategies.
Success without a successor, they say, is failure.
He remained committed to moving Kogi State forward as aggressively as possible within the ambits of the overarching governance objectives by ensuring that having laid a foundation for rapid development, the task of consolidation and continuity falls to people who are versed in the New Direction ideologies and practices, hence the election of Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo and Mr. Joel Oyibo Salifu as the next Governor and Deputy Governor of Kogi State respectively.
This Referral Compendium will unfold under the following components:
1. Leadership & Governance.
2. A Review of the New Direction Administration’s Performance using the Global Standards Index
3. An xray of the Legacies of the New Direction Administration.
Moses Okezie-Okafor, ESQ.
Director General Research and Development
Click any of the images below to view the detailed Compendium document.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Governor Bello Highlights Healthcare Success In Kogi at Hospital Commissioning
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, emphasized on Thursday that his administration’s persistent investment in the health sector has yielded positive outcomes, evident in the enhanced quality of life and well-being of the citizens. He underscored the continued attention given to the health sector, ensuring its ongoing improvement.
This disclosure took place during the official commissioning of the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child 110-Bed Hospital at Iruvichonomi, Adavi LGA, Kogi State.
Governor Bello conveyed to the citizens that the hospital, equipped with cutting-edge medical tools and state-of-the-art equipment, extends its services beyond maternal and child care, emphasizing its capacity to address a wide range of health issues. He urged citizens to maximize the facility for maintaining good health.
The governor commended the community for generously donating the land for the hospital’s construction, assuring that the government acknowledges and appreciates this kind gesture. Governor Bello pledged adequate compensation for the landowners. He disclosed additional efforts made by the administration, such as extending a 33kVA electricity line, ensuring 24-hour operations at the hospital, and providing water and improved access roads to complement Federal Government initiatives.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs who was represented at the event, applauded Governor Yahaya Bello for his remarkable achievements in Kogi State, particularly in the health sector. She encouraged the community to fully utilize the facility to enhance their well-being.
Former Special Adviser to the governor on SDGs, Hon Nasir Ahiani, affirmed the commitment of both the state and federal governments to strengthen their collaboration in achieving the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals.
ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
GYB paid 100% fees for the entire pioneer students of Kogi State University, Kabba
ICYMI: Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State personally paid 100% of registration fees for the entire pioneer matriculating set of the brand new Kogi State University, Kabba established by his Administration.
.
.
Governor Yahaya Bello Presents Staff of Office to New Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe
In a colourful ceremony held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State presented the Staff of Office to the new Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Akawu Salihu. This symbolic presentation took place at the palace of the Ohimegye Igu in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, and was attended by thousands from the historic town and from far.
The appointment of the new Ohimegye Igu followed the recent removal from office of his predecessor, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Koto by the Kogi State Government. The people of Koton-Karfe greeted their new monarch with jubilation. The town, known for its rich history dating back centuries, is revered as the cradle of Egbira civilization and contributes significantly to the cultural heritage of Northern Nigeria and Nigeria in general.
Addressing the challenges facing Koton-Karfe, the newly appointed Ohimegye Igu pledged to collaborate with Governor Bello and the community to overcome obstacles such as the decline in traditional iron smelting and the need for development. Emphasizing peace and unity, the new king expressed a commitment to attract investment and foster growth in the historic town.
Governor Bello, in his remarks at the event, commended the wisdom and leadership of the new Ohimegye Igu. He expressed confidence in the monarch’s ability to lead Koton-Karfe towards a brighter future. The governor reiterated his dedication to supporting traditional institutions in the state and promised that the Government will work closely with the new king to ensure the development of Koton-Karfe and her principalities.
The presentation of the Staff of Office to a new Ohimegye Igu is a tradition deeply rooted in symbolism, and marks the formal installation of the new king by the Governor of Kogi State, an act he is empowered to do by the Constitution of Nigeria and the laws of Kogi State. Today’s event marks a new chapter in the history of Koton-Karfe, and raises hope for a future characterized by peace, prosperity, and development.
©Kogipedia
Governor Bello Signs Kogi State Free Examination Registration Fees Bill, 14 Others into Law
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, on Wednesday assents to a total of 15 bills including the Kogi State Free Examination Registration Fees Bill,that had been diligently passed by the State House of Assembly.
Governor Bello, while putting his signature to these legislative measures, took a moment to commend the State Assembly for their invaluable contributions to the overall development of Kogi State. Recognizing the importance of a robust legislative framework, the governor praised the Assembly for their dedication to the betterment of the state.
the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar, extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Bello for the successful completion of his terms in office. Acknowledging the lasting impact of the governor’s administration over the last eight years, Aliyu praised Bello for leaving behind indelible marks of progress.
Expressing his feeling, Aliyu noted that these bills, being the last to be signed by Governor Yahaya Bello, mark the end of an era. The Speaker emphasized the state’s gratitude for the governor’s invaluable guidance, profound wisdom, and deep vision that have played pivotal roles in steering the state towards growth.
Looking to the future, Aliyu expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo. He believes that Ododo will not only consolidate but also continue the legacy of good governance established by Governor Yahaya Bello.
Among the notable bills signed into law by Governor Bello is the repeal of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Administration, Harmonization of Taxes, Duties, Levies Rates, Fees, and Charges due to the State and Revenue Appeal Tribunal Law 2017. This has been re-enacted as the Revenue Administration and Other Matters Connected Therewith Law, 2024.
Additionally, other bills include the establishment of the Kogi State Social Investment and the establishment of the Kogi State Senior Secondary Education Board, among others.
This brings to a total of 89 bills assented to by the governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello between January 27, 2016 and January 24, 2024
This legislative milestone signifies a pivotal moment in the governance of Kogi State, setting the stage for continued development and progress.
ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
KOGI ISSUES STATE IDENTITY CARDS TO ITS WORKERS
In a bid to further authenticate the updated staff records exercise carried out by the Office of the Head of Service; Kogi State has issued State Identity Cards (ID) for workers.
During the flag off ceremony of the ID cards, the Head of Civil Service, Mrs Hannah Odiyo, emphasized that an authentic data was required for adequate planning by the government, especially in a transition period like this.
She explained further that in May, 2022, her Office had earlier sent out an enclosed form (Bio Data Form) to all Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to be filled by the Civil Servants and returned.
Although the Bio Data exercise revealed a lot of inadequacies on the part of the MDAs,Mrs Odiyo revealed that a total number of 231 ( Two Hundred and Thirty-One) staff have failed to show up for the updated records exercise,which has led to the suspension of their salaries since November, 2023 till date. The question now is, “where are they?, Who are they?, Are they ghosts?”.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Research Evaluation and Policy Analysis/Certificate Verification Department (REPA), Head of Civil Service, Mrs Shuaib Memunat Dede, in a welcome address,commended the Head of Civil Service for her proactiveness in ensuring the actualization of the project.
Mr Teddy Adegbola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications in a goodwill message congratulated the Head of Service for a landmark achievement in the history of Kogi State Civil Service.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Modupe Andi also applauded the Office of the Head of Civil Service for a successful update exercise.
Igiku Mary,
PRO (HOCS),
Reporting.
KOGI GOVT CLEARS JAMB REGISTRATION FEES FOR 15,033 PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS
The Kogi State Government, in line with its free education policy under Governor Yahaya Bello, has released the sum of one hundred and fifteen million naira (N115,000,000) to cover the cost of JAMB Registration fees for 15,033 students in public schools across the State.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemmy Jones, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Lokoja, on Tuesday, saying the gesture is a further demonstration of the commitment of Governor Yahaya Bello to giving all Kogi children free access to education.
According to the Commissioner, the action is a follow up to the earlier payment of about N497 million to WAEC to ensure no student in Kogi public schools is made to pay a dime before writing any internal or external examination.
“I am pleased to announce to parents of Kogi students in public schools that they do not need to bother themselves about paying for their children’s JAMB Registration Fees as the Governor has already released funds for that purpose.
“This happening a few weeks after the State Government paid hundreds of millions of Naira to WAEC for the registration of thousands of students in public schools is a further demonstration of the determination of the Governor to ensure no Kogi student is deprived of the chance to be educated on account of poverty.
“Having surpassed the benchmark of UNESCO on education budgetary allocation, Kogi has continued to be a beautiful commentary on education for all,” he said.
kogistate.gov.ng has also reported that all the students in public secondary schools across the State will be covered by the policy.
The State Government under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello has strengthened education in the state with better education infrastructure, employment of qualified teachers, broadening technical education and making education free for all.
A parent, Mr Adejoh Philip, thanked the Governor for the gesture, saying he will be remembered for laying a solid foundation for the renaissance of education in the state.
“After seeing how beautiful the GYB Model Science Secondary School, Adankolo is; I withdrew my child from a private school and took him to the school. Many parents are doing same. He has invested so much in the education of our children,” he said.
GYB LEGACY PROJECTS
A short video slide showcased the developments and legacy projects of Governor Yahaya Bello across Kogi State.
.
.
.