“Effective leaders prioritize people, build trust, and empower others to achieve their best.” — Stephen Covey
By Oyibo Salihu, Lokoja
The renowned American leadership expert, Warren Bennis, founding chairman of the Leadership Institute at the University of Southern California, once said: “Leadership is the capacity to transform vision into reality.”
This quote aptly reflects the leadership trajectory of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello (CON), whose style of governance continues to shape the state even after his tenure as the fourth executive governor ended.
Bello’s eight-year administration (2016–2023) witnessed what many observers describe as a period of transformational leadership, marked by numerous developmental projects that directly impacted the lives of the people of Kogi State.
Without mincing words, former Governor Yahaya Bello recorded notable achievements during his tenure. Some of the key highlights of his administration include infrastructural development, agricultural transformation, security improvements, youth empowerment, education reforms, and healthcare expansion.
Infrastructural Development
The Bello administration embarked on several infrastructural projects across the state, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and flyovers. The administration also invested significantly in the renovation and construction of schools and hospitals.
Notably, the Okene Reference Hospital was established by former Governor Yahaya Bello and upgraded to CUSTECH Teaching Hospital, providing facilities for the training of medical students of Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara in Kogi State.
Agricultural Transformation
Yahaya Bello’s administration placed strong emphasis on agriculture as a tool for economic growth and food security. The aggressive and sustained policies on food production significantly boosted agricultural productivity in the state.
The administration promoted sustainable agricultural technologies, enhanced farmers’ resilience against post-flood losses, and strengthened nutrition and food security initiatives.
One of the major projects in this sector is the 571-hectare irrigation project at Omi Dam in Kogi West Senatorial District, designed to support year-round farming and boost large-scale food production.
Similarly, the administration established the Kogi Confluence Rice Mill, widely regarded by observers as one of the largest rice mills in North Central Nigeria. The mill processes rice grown locally, creating opportunities across the rice value chain.
In addition, the Bello administration distributed 100 tractors to farmers across the state to facilitate large-scale cultivation of arable land.
The government also trained 700 youths and mobilized them for cassava production in Adavi, Okehi, Ibaji, Olamaboro, Dekina, Lokoja, and Kabba-Bunu local government areas. This initiative helped position Kogi as one of the leading cassava producers in Northern Nigeria.
The administration also ensured prompt counterpart funding for agricultural development programmes supported by international development partners such as the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the APPEALS project.
Security
The Bello administration made considerable efforts to improve security across the state. Even critics acknowledge the strides made during his tenure. Through collaboration with security agencies, the government strengthened efforts to combat crime and criminality.
The administration also procured vehicles and modern security equipment to support security operations. Built military Operation Base at Achoze in Okene local government to combat criminal activities.
Youth Empowerment
Youth empowerment was another priority of the Bello administration. Several programmes were introduced to create employment opportunities and promote entrepreneurship among young people.
Training and skills acquisition programmes were implemented to equip youths with practical skills, enabling them to become self-reliant and job creators rather than job seekers.
Education and Healthcare
The administration also made significant contributions to the education sector.
A retired principal in the state, Mallam Diyo Omuya, noted:
“The Governor transformed education. He established two universities, making Kogi State the first in the North Central region to have three functioning state universities. We are very grateful for this vision.”
In the health sector, the Bello administration established the Reference Hospital in Okene, as well as specialist hospitals in Gegu-Beki, Isanlu, and Ajaokuta, alongside the rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres in over 120 communities across the state.
Other Developmental Strides
As part of his developmental initiatives, the former governor converted the old Lokoja Township Stadium into a multipurpose event centre known as Muhammadu Buhari Square. The facility now accommodates about 15,000 regular spectators and 600 VIPs.
The administration also improved working conditions in several state agencies by constructing modern office facilities, including new offices for the Graphic Newspaper and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service. These efforts provided more conducive working environments for staff and strengthened institutional efficiency.
Calls for Senate Representation
Following the end of his tenure on January 27, 2023, many stakeholders from the Kogi Central Senatorial District began calling on Bello to represent the district at the National Assembly.
During a forum at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo appealed to the traditional ruler, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, to persuade Bello to heed the calls of his people and contest the 2027 senatorial election.
Supporting the appeal, a group known as the Kogi Central Good Governance Forum pledged to purchase the nomination form for the former governor.
The forum’s spokesman, Usman Yusuf ,, Ada’ava, said Bello deserved any political position in the district as a mark of appreciation for his leadership and contributions to the development of the area.
A market woman in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Seriya Umar, also expressed her support for Bello’s senatorial ambition. According to her, his achievements and empowerment programmes for youths and women would speak for him during the campaign.
Declaration for the Senate
Residents of Kogi Central will long remember Tuesday, December 30, 2025, when their long-standing calls were answered.
During a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Bello declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general election, stating:
“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027.”
The announcement was widely welcomed across the five local government areas that make up the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
A civil servant in Adavi Local Government Area of the State, Joseph Aniko, expressed excitement over the declaration.
“Former Governor Bello performed excellently in agriculture, healthcare, education, civil service reforms, youth and women inclusion, and security. The electorate knows his achievements, and we believe he will do even more at the Senate.”
Conclusively, given his record of multi-sectoral development and the perceived impact of his administration on the lives of the people, many believe Bello’s achievements could significantly influence the outcome of the 2027 senatorial election in Kogi Central.
Ultimately, the decision now rests with the electorate, who will determine their next representative in the Senate.
