By Abdul Mohammed Lawal.
In the halls of power, where challenges are many and setbacks are common, few leaders have the strength to stand firm, undeterred by difficulties. Alhaji Yahaya Bello is one of those rare individuals whose journey as Governor of Kogi State was marked by a strong spirit, one that did not give in to pressure or lose sight of his vision, no matter the obstacles. His resilience became a key part of his leadership; a force that moved Kogi State forward, even when the winds of opposition and ethnic divide blew hardest.
With Alhaji Yahaya Bello, there has never been a reason to yield and break, rather he sees a strength in every supposed weakness. This belief molded his leadership, which has inspired unity and shared purpose across Kogi state.
Through political storms, policy hurdles, and economic trials, Alhaji Yahaya Bello showed a rare kind of resolve, handling complex issues with a steady hand and clear focus. Each challenge his government faced was met not with retreat but with new energy and determination. This resilience allowed him to support causes and carry out policies that others might have given up on, and proved that true leadership is not about avoiding obstacles but tackling them head-on.
Beyond his achievements, Bello’s persistent nature inspired the people of Kogi State in ways that haven’t been talked about as it should. He represented the spirit of a new generation; fearless, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to progress. His time in office proved that resilience, joined with a clear vision, could open the path to real change. No wonder he effortlessly envisioned today when many were still engrossed in their thoughts of what the past could have been.
Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s rise to governorship was a historic moment for Kogi State. As the first non-Igala to hold this role, he took office with the weight of a long-standing ethnic legacy to handle. Kogi, a state with a lively mix of ethnic groups—Igala, Ebira, and Okun—had seen decades of Igala leadership, making Bello’s election a symbolic shift and a potential source of tension. This change, however, became a chance for his fortitude to shine as he set out to unite Kogi under a shared identity, rising above historical divisions.
From the start, Yahaya Bello embraced a vision of inclusiveness, introducing the important EBIGO policy; an acronym for the main ethnic groups in Kogi: Ebira, Igala, and Okun. Through EBIGO, he committed to a fair distribution of resources, positions, and chances across all ethnic lines, that brought in a new age of unity. Putting this policy into action was no easy task; it required untangling deep-rooted biases and creating a place where every Kogite could feel included. Bello’s resilience was key in overcoming the doubts and resistance that came with these changes.
He stayed firm in his belief that Kogi’s strength lay in its diversity, turning possible divisions into a rallying point for shared progress. In his words, “our strength lies in our diversity; together, we can achieve greatness.”
Bello’s focus on youth and gender inclusion also strengthened his vision of an inclusive Kogi. By giving young people and women important roles in leadership, he shaped a government that reflected Kogi’s diversity. This move was not just about filling positions; it was a statement about the future he saw, where every voice mattered, and each group had a stake in Kogi’ State’s progress.
Building on the foundation of resilience, Bello’s vision extended beyond Kogi State, leading him to pursue national leadership in 2023. His decision to compete for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket was not just a political move; it was proof of his firm belief in his ability to bring positive change across Nigeria. This ambition symbolised a leader unafraid to push boundaries, and showed his commitment to solving Nigeria’s challenges with the same resolve that shaped his successes in Kogi State.
The APC primary contest brought him to the national stage, where he stood side-by-side with respected figures, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. Although the primary did not end with him winning the ticket, his campaign was that of an unbreakable spirit. Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s run showed his readiness to represent Nigeria’s younger generation on a larger scale, and advocate for a vision of unity, progress, and prosperity; a vision he had already started in Kogi.
Even as he returned to complete his time as governor, his presidential ambition left a lasting mark. It told the tale that true leadership has no limits and that the values he stood for; resilience, inclusiveness, and progress, could spread beyond Kogi’s borders to benefit the whole nation. The experience highlighted his hopes to keep building a legacy, not just for Kogi, but for all of Nigeria, and it remains a key part of who he is.
This unbreakable resilience of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello drove Kogi State into an era of progress, with new infrastructure, unmatched economic reforms, and improved security as hallmarks of his time in office. Bello’s approach was more than just governance; it was a mission for change, led by a vision to lift Kogi State from its past challenges and take it to new heights of peace and prosperity.
The “New Direction” government’s achievements in boosting security created an atmosphere where all ethnic groups could thrive without fear. At the same time, its economic policies boosted local growth, and gave every community a sense of belonging and purpose in the state’s journey forward. What a great story it was!
His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s time in office showed a hands-on leadership style that questioned the usual way of doing things, and redefined the role of government in the lives of the people. Where others saw limits, Bello saw potential. This outlook drove innovations in governance, empowered communities and created an environment where growth and stability flourished together.
As Bello’s tenure concluded on January 27, 2024, he left behind a Kogi State where unity is not just a goal but a living reality, achieved through resilience and commitment to inclusiveness. This experience shows that true leadership is about breaking down barriers, building trust, and inspiring hope across divisions. This is definitely a legacy that future generations in Kogi State will look to with pride and gratitude.
Through all of this, Alhaji Yahaya Bello constantly challenged himself, pushed boundaries, and made a difference on every possible front. His bid for the presidency may have been a stepping stone, but it is also a statement of purpose. Every stone being cast at him as a result will only form the building block to stronger and more resilient Alhaji Yahaya Bello. This vision for a united, secured and prosperous Nigeria continues.
Thank you for all that you have given.