By Anthony Edogbo.
Kogi State and beyond are awash with heartfelt tributes, celebratory messages, and glowing testimonies this Wednesday 18th June, 2025, as former Governor Yahaya Bello marks his 50th birthday.
From politicians to professionals, social media users to ordinary citizens, the outpour of goodwill reflects the depth of Bello’s impact on lives, governance, and leadership in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
Across the streets of Kogi state, banners bearing congratulatory messages adorned major junctions, while radio and TV stations aired specially curated programs chronicling Bello’s eight years in office and his transformative achievements.
Leading the wave of encomiums is the current Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who penned an emotional and widely circulated tribute, describing Bello as “a Leader with a heart so pure, so rare.”
“Your Excellency, you completely rewrote my story. From appointing me into your cabinet to entrusting me with the future of our great state, you have been a father, a mentor, and a destiny helper,” Ododo wrote.
He praised Bello’s commitment to unity, youth empowerment, security, and infrastructure, noting that “Kogi State has become a reference point in subnational leadership because of your bold and visionary governance.”
Across X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, hashtags such as #YahayaBelloAt50, #FatherOfTheNewKogi, and #GoldenLeader trended throughout the day, with thousands of messages pouring in from Kogites at home and in the diaspora.
Videos and posts highlighted Bello’s contributions to education, healthcare, civil service reform, women inclusion in politics, and youth leadership, with many sharing personal stories of how his administration directly impacted their lives.
National and state political figures, including former appointees, senators, traditional rulers, and party stalwarts, also joined in celebrating the milestone. Many described him as a trailblazer who redefined what it meant to govern with courage and results.
“Alhaji Yahaya Bello is not just a former governor; he is a movement. His boldness, discipline, and sense of justice have inspired a new generation of leaders. He appointed me into his cabinet as a student and gave me so many opportunities even after his tenure, and today, I’m also a medical doctor because of him”, said Anthony Edogbo, who served under his administration.
Perhaps the most touching tributes came from everyday people—farmers, traders, artisans, and students—who spoke of free education programs, improved security, and access to opportunities during Bello’s tenure.
“I’m a graduate today because of his scholarship initiatives which I benefited from,” says Usman Omeiza.
Alhaji Yahaya Bello governed Kogi State from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024. Under his watch, the state witnessed massive infrastructural development, the establishment of a specialized Reference Hospital in Okene, civil service digitization, establishment of two state owned universities, improved state security architecture, massive infrastructural developments and increased youth and women participation in governance.
As he turns 50, Bello remains a major political force and mentor to many young leaders, with calls from supporters urging him to continue playing a central role in national affairs.
From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of state leadership, Yahaya Bello’s 50th birthday stands not only as a personal milestone but as a celebration of vision, service, and the enduring power of transformative leadership.
As the tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Yahaya Bello’s impact on Kogi State and on countless lives remains indelible, and his legacy continues to inspire.
