By Comrade Danfulani Lukman Ohinoyi
One aspect of the administration of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, that continues to attract commendation from supporters and gender advocates alike even after leaving office, is his deliberate policy of women inclusion in governance and politics.
From the inception of his administration in 2016, Bello placed women in strategic positions of authority and decision-making, a development many observers described as unprecedented in Kogi State’s political history.
Among the notable women who rose to prominence under his administration are Chief (Barr.) Ladi Ahmed Jatto, OON, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Hon. Aishat Omade, Hon. Habibat Onumoko, Mrs. Deborah Ogunmola, Petra Akinti Onyegbule, SP Ifeoma Akanya, Hon. Maryam Abedoh, and several other female political leaders and appointees who played critical roles in governance and public service.
A landmark decision of the Bello administration was the appointment of Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), making her one of the most influential women in the state’s political structure. Bello also appointed Mrs. Deborah Ogunmola as the state’s first female Head of Service and appointed SP Ifeoma Akanya as his Aide-De-Camp (ADC), a move widely reported as a pioneering step for female participation in security and executive administration.
Beyond appointments, Bello’s administration expanded opportunities for women at the grassroots level. In the 2020 Local Government elections, all 21 Local Government Areas produced female Vice Chairpersons, a development that drew commendation from UN Women and several gender advocacy groups.
The administration also facilitated the emergence of 63 female councillors across the 21 Local Government Areas, while many women emerged as Legislative Council Leaders in their respective councils. Reports indicate that over forty women occupied the positions of Vice Chairpersons and Council Leaders across the state, significantly increasing female participation at the grassroots level.
Political observers note that the Bello administration moved beyond rhetoric by institutionalizing opportunities for women through appointments as commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, board chairpersons, agency heads and local government executives. Reports from women organizations and government sources indicated that more than one hundred women occupied various leadership positions under the administration.
Supporters argue that this record helped Kogi State become a reference point in conversations around affirmative action and women participation in governance. The administration’s policies attracted recognition from organizations such as UN Women, the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), and other gender-focused groups.
Today, many of the women who benefited from those opportunities have become respected political leaders, legal practitioners, administrators, entrepreneurs, and public servants, contributing meaningfully to society within and outside Kogi State.
As discussions surrounding the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial election continue, supporters of Yahaya Bello maintain that his legacy of women empowerment, youth inclusion, and grassroots political development distinguishes him from many contemporary politicians. They argue that his Senate ambition is receiving support from many women because of his record of opening political space for female participation at all levels.
For his admirers, the story of Yahaya Bello is not merely about holding public office; it is about creating opportunities for others to lead. They contend that his investments in women leadership have produced a generation of female politicians and administrators whose impact continues to be felt across Kogi State and beyond.
As the political landscape gradually shifts toward 2027, proponents of his candidacy insist that the same philosophy of inclusion, empowerment, and representation that defined his years as governor would be an asset to Kogi Central in the National Assembly.
– Comrade Danfulani Lukman Ohinoyi writes from Okene.
