Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, has been credited with driving significant development across key sectors of the state’s economy during his tenure.
Speaking on the administration’s achievements, Hon. Muktar Bajeh, former Chief Whip and Member representing Okehi Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly (KGHA), highlighted what he described as a focused and people-oriented leadership that improved the quality of life for citizens.
According to Hon. Bajeh, the Bello administration recorded remarkable progress in infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, and security.
Infrastructure Development
The administration undertook massive infrastructural renewal across the three senatorial districts, including:
Construction and rehabilitation of major highways
Completion of the iconic Ganaja Flyover — the state’s first major urban flyover
Extensive upgrade of township roads in Lokoja metropolis
Expansion of rural feeder roads connecting farming communities
Construction of strategic bridges to enhance intra-state mobility
Education
Education received unprecedented attention, with nearly 30% of the state budget reportedly allocated to the sector. Key milestones include:
Establishment of Confluence University of Science and Technology
Establishment of Kogi State University
Introduction of the Kogi State Education Strategic Plan (SESP)
Construction and rehabilitation of over 600 basic education schools
Establishment of GYB Model Science Secondary Schools
Implementation of free education from primary to secondary levels
Payment of WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examination fees for students
Agriculture
The administration strengthened food production and agribusiness development through:
Distribution of mechanized farming equipment
Establishment of cluster farming settlements
Launch of the Kogi Confluence Rice Mill
Support for cassava processing initiatives
Expansion of fisheries and aquaculture programs
Provision of farm inputs and improved seedlings
Healthcare
Healthcare delivery was enhanced through strategic investments, including:
Construction of a 250-bed Reference Hospital in Okene
Upgrade of Idah General Hospital to Zonal Hospital status
Construction of new general hospitals across the state
Revitalization of Primary Healthcare Centres
Recruitment of over 2,000 health workers
Launch of the Bello Health Intervention Programme
Security and Governance
On security, Hon. Bajeh noted that the administration took proactive measures to safeguard lives and property, including:
Establishment of the Kogi State Vigilante Service
Strategic collaboration with the Nigeria Police and Armed Forces
Hosting of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard base
Establishment of security checkpoints across flashpoints
Reduction in kidnapping and armed robbery incidents
Hon. Muktar Bajeh emphasized that these achievements reflect a deliberate and sustained commitment to repositioning Kogi State for growth, stability, and long-term development.
– Hon. Muktar Bajeh
Former Member Representing Okehi Constituency
Former Chief Whip, Kogi State House of Assembly (KGHA)
