Sworn in as the Executive Governor of Kogi State on 27th January, 2016, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello’s administration has been dotted with tactile human and infrastructural development which even the global community have had cause to applaud. While the ovation was still at its peak then, Governor Yahaya Bello unveiled his plans and programme for the state anchored on five thematic areas.
Some of his achievements in these thematic areas include:
1. Security: Governor Bello has made efforts to improve the security situation in Kogi State. He established the Kogi State Vigilante Service, which has helped in combating crime and ensuring the safety of citizens.
Kogi State was a lucid example of a near-failed territory. Not to mince words, Okene, one of the major towns in the state used to be the operational base of ISWAP and other criminal elements.
Then comes Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, a young man considered by the political establishment as an underdog, lacking experience, guts and clout. Frankly speaking, many political leaders underrated him. As at the time he was sworn-in be on 27 January, 2016, some pundits and political bookmakers gave him six months to wear out.
Bello first took his battles to two purveyors of conflicts: the traditional Institutions and politicians. He sounded a clear note of warning to the traditional rulers, mandating them to do everything to secure their domain, while vowing not to spare them, if they are found culpable of fomenting troubles.
Apart from motivation for security agencies in the frontline, with logistic and other supports, the Kogi Government in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force also established two Mobile Police Squadron Bases along Obajana-Kabba road and in Okene.
He also facilitated the location of a Naval Base in Lokoja, established to ensure adequate security of the waterways in the confluence state.
He personally commissioned the Nigeria Navy Ship Lugard and Navy Barracks.
In recognition of Governor Bello’s outstanding performance in the security sector, he has been honoured with several prestigious awards from around Nigeria and beyond.
2. Infrastructure: The Bello administration has invested in infrastructure development across the state. This includes road construction and rehabilitation, provision of electricity to rural communities, and the construction of bridges and other public facilities.
The governor’s massive construction and reconstruction of infrastructures,like the recent overhead bridge at Ganaja Junction, and the quality and quantity of the job done across the state.
3. Agriculture: The governor has implemented various agricultural initiatives to boost food production and create employment opportunities for the teaming youth. These initiatives include the distribution of fertilizers and improved seedlings to farmers, as well as the establishment of farm settlements.
As part of efforts to enhance food security and promote agriculture, Governor Bello has continued to procure and distribute agricultural equipment across the 21 local government areas of the state. They include tractors, ridgers, harrows, ploughs and power tillers. Others are boom sprayers, combined harvestors, planters among others.
Governor Bello also created cluster value system through Agro Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) where group of youth and women farmers are provided with implement, incentives and cash to engage in farming in their respective communities and the establishment of the ‘Cluster Agricultural Settlement Scheme’, (CASS) .
Also interesting to note is the establishment of the biggest Rice Mill at Ejiba, Yagba West known as Kogi Confluence Rice Mill and has the capacity to produce 50 tonnes of rice per day.
Aside from training and empowering youths in livestock initiative, aqua culture (fish farming), cassava plantation among others, Governor Bello has also commenced a greenhouse vegetable agricultural program in Osara in the Central Senatorial axis of the state.
So far, one can state that the government is already on right track at diversifying the economy of the state from a mono-economy to a multi-faceted economy using agriculture as a pivot to galvanize its revenue base. The efforts can surely produce sufficient food for the citizenry and create more job opportunities.
While most of the projects have Public Private Partnership (PPP) components, the administration has continue to support local farmers, youths and women with necessary tools for crop farming and animal husbandry.
4. Health: Governor Bello has focused on improving healthcare delivery in Kogi State. He has renovated and equipped several healthcare facilities, provided free medical services to vulnerable groups, and initiated programs to combat diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS.
In other to fix the infrastructural deficit that was left behind by the previous Administration Governor Bello took a decisive action to establish a World Class Reference Hospital that is at par with any standard Hospital elsewhere in the world.
• Establishment of a World Class Reference Hospital in Okene with the capacity to handle complicated medical and surgical cases in the State as well as promote medical tourism in the State.
• Renovation and Remodeling of Kogi State Specialist Hospital Lokoja
a. Construction of an Ultra-Modern Administrative Complex with two (2) Suspended Floors,
b. Construction of Psychiatric Department,
c. Complete Renovation and Remodeling of the whole Hospital.
• Construction of two (2) New Ultra-Modern General Hospitals in Eganyi Ajaokuta Local among others.
4. Establishment of Kogi State Health Insurance Agency: In other to help reduce out of pocket expenditure, the New Direction Administration established the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency. This demonstrates the strong political will of His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello to provide financial risk protection to the residents of Kogi State irrespective of their socio-economic status and ethnic/religious affiliations.
This has put the State in the right direction for Universal Health Coverage (Health for all).
5. Education: The Bello administration has made efforts to improve the quality of education in Kogi State. This includes the construction and renovation of schools, provision of educational materials, and the training and recruitment of teachers.
The administration of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria has continued to show giant strides in the education sector in recent times, investing and reinvesting in creating infrastructures to meet the educational needs of its indigenes.
Many ultra modern educational facilities have being constructed all over the state.
The establishment of the Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara which has since absorbed students to study their courses of choice.
The teaching hospital and Prince Abubukar Audu university have been well equipped to deliver on sound education and higher learning.
Thousands of teachers are undergoing recruitment exercise for proper placement into the facilities across the state.
One of his latest record in education is the establishment of State University across the three Senatorial district of Kogi State, the latest among them is the Kogi State University Kabba.
As for the prospects for the incoming governor under the APC, it will depend on the individual elected and their policies and priorities. However, the APC as a party has a focus on good governance, economic development, and social welfare. The incoming governor will likely continue to prioritize these areas and work towards the overall development of Kogi State. It is important to note that the success of the incoming governor will also depend on the support and cooperation of the state government, citizens, and other stakeholders.
– Muslimat Ometere Itopa writes from Lokoja.
