Unbeatable Records of Yahaya Bello as Governor of Kogi State

*Unbeatable Records of Yahaya Bello as Governor of Kogi State*

By:

Farouk Ozigi Onimisi 

(The White Orator)

Governor Yahaya Bello's emergence as the 4th Executive Governor of Kogi State was indeed unprecedented, and many have accepted as truly a divine mandate. As an Ebira man, he has proven to be a game-changer for the state, surpassing all previous administrations in his achievements. 

While his predecessors failed to deliver meaningful projects in their respective senatorial districts, Governor Bello's administration was marked by numerous groundbreaking initiatives that have transformed the state's landscape, some of them broken below, in their respective sustainable development goals. 

 *A. Security* 

*Construction of Army Forward Base*: A strategic move to enhance security in the state

*Distribution of over 200 operational vehicles*: Equipping security agencies to effectively respond to threats

*Inauguration of Vigilante Group and Forest Guards*: Empowering local communities to take ownership of security

*Enhanced Intelligence Gathering*: Strengthening security agencies' capacity to anticipate and respond to security threats

*Community Policing Initiatives*: Fostering collaboration between security agencies and local communities

*Capacity Building for Security Agencies*: Providing training and equipment to enhance security agencies' effectiveness

*B. Agriculture* 

*Construction of Rice mill factory in Omi*: Boosting agricultural productivity and creating jobs

*Green House farm in Osara*: Promoting modern farming techniques and increasing crop yields

*Cassava Bread Bakery across the State*: Diversifying agricultural products and creating economic opportunities

*Purchase of mechanised farming equipment*: Enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency

*Agricultural Extension Services*: Providing farmers with technical support and guidance

*Farmers' Training Programmes*: Building capacity and enhancing agricultural productivity

*Agricultural Input Support Scheme*: Providing farmers with subsidised inputs to enhance productivity

*Value Chain Development*: Promoting value addition and agro-processing to increase agricultural productivity and create jobs

 *C. Health* 

*Construction of Advanced Medical Diagnostic and Imaging Centre (CAMDIC)*: Providing state-of-the-art medical facilities

*Construction of Okene Reference Hospital*: Improving healthcare infrastructure in the state

*Construction of Gegu Specialist Hospital*: Expanding specialised healthcare services  

*Remodelling and Reequipping of medical Laboratories*: Enhancing diagnostic capabilities

*Inauguration of Health Care Plus Initiative*: Expanding access to healthcare services

*Introduction of Sustainable Drug Supply System*: Ensuring consistent access to essential medicines

*Recruitment of Health personnel*: Strengthening the healthcare workforce

*Re-equipping and upgrade of public Hospitals*: Improving healthcare infrastructure across the state

*Introduction of Maternal Newborn and Child Health programme*: Reducing mortality rates and improving health outcomes

*Free medical outreach under Bello Health Intervention Initiative*: Providing access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations

*Professional Training of Health Care Officials*: Enhancing healthcare quality through capacity building

*Free medical and surgical treatment of over five thousand patients*: Demonstrating commitment to healthcare delivery

*D. Education* 

*Construction of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara*: Providing access to quality education 

*Construction of Kogi State Universities, Kabba*: Sustaining its greatest politics of unity's achievements 

*Construction of GYB Model Secondary School across the three senatorial districts*: Providing quality education infrastructure

*Remodelling of Legacy Schools*: Improving learning environments

*Reconstruction of Ministry of Education*: Strengthening education governance

*Construction of Library at Kogi State College of Education and Technical Studies*: Enhancing educational resources

*Construction of Hostel at GSS, Obangede*: Improving student welfare

*E. Infrastructure* 

*Construction of Kogi State Revenue House*: Enhancing revenue generation and boosting the state's revenue generation from 400 million naira to 2 billion naira monthly. 

*Installation of Street Lights in Lokoja Township*: Improving public safety and ambiance

*Renovation of Glass House*: Preserving historical landmarks

*Purchase of Earth Moving Machines*: Enhancing infrastructure development

*Construction of Ganaja Flyover*: Improving transportation infrastructure

*Construction of Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre*: Promoting cultural and civic engagement

*Renovation of Governor's Office Complex*: Enhancing governance infrastructure

*Construction of New SDG Building*: Demonstrating commitment to sustainable development

*New Building for Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs*: Strengthening local governance

*New Ultra modern Clinic Centre in Isanlu*: Expanding access to healthcare services

*Construction of Hostel Blocks, Kogi State College of Nursing and Midwifery*: Improving education infrastructure

*Construction of Office Complex for Ministry of Transport*: Enhancing transportation governance

*Construction of Swimming pool at Confluence Stadium*: Promoting sports development

*Remodelling of Kogi Hotels*: Enhancing tourism infrastructure

*Some of the Road Works under Yahaya Bello's Administration*

1. Rehabilitation of welcome to Lokoja Army Barracks, Ganaja junction-Nataco junction Road, Lokoja

2. Construction of Ganaja Flyover

3. Construction of mount patti Road

4. Construction of 2.7km, Agasa-Ukpogoro Road

5. Construction of 2.8km, Ebiya Kpatesi Ogigiri Road

6. Construction of 2km, Obehira Okengwe Obangede Road

7. Rehabilitation of Idah Ajaka - Umomi Ejule Road

8. Construction of Oguma Sheria Road Bassa LGA

9. Construction of Ganaja - Otokiti dual carriage way bye pass Road

10. Construction of Embankment along Kpata, Kabawa Lokoja

11. Rehabilitation of Ankpa Township Road

12. Rehabilitation of Kabba Township Road

13. Rehabilitation of Okene Township Road

14. Rehabilitation of Lokoja Township Road

15. Rehabilitation of Ibana junction, Ikeje-Ibana Ogugu Ete Road

16. Construction of Onyedega Odike Road Ibaji

17. Construction of Eika/Kuroko/Inoziomi Road in Adavi LGA

18. Construction of Nagazi Eba Road

19. Construction of Agassa/Checkpoint Road

20. Rehabilitation of all internal roads in Kogi Central

21. Rehabilitation of army Barrack street road, Lokoja

22. Construction of Ganaja village road Lokoja

23. Construction of Ganaja village-500 Unit Estate Road

24. Rehabilitation of Ankpa-Abejukolo road

25. Rehabilitation of Shintaku-Dekina road

26. Construction of 55kms Anyigba to Idah highway

27. Police Sq. Hqs office road

These road works demonstrate Governor Yahaya Bello's commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity across Kogi State.

*N.B.* 

Yahaya Bello also Constructed Modernised palace for the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland; Constructed the GYB Nutritional House; Constructed PAAU Teaching Hospital, etc. 

Governor Yahaya Bello's administration indeed was marked by numerous achievements that have transformed Kogi State's landscape. His commitment to security, agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure development has improved the quality of life for Kogi State citizens. As a divine mandate, Governor Bello's leadership was characterised by visionary policies and initiatives that have positioned the state for sustainable growth.

Farouk Ozigi Onimisi writes from Abuja, FCT