When examining the history of leadership in Kogi State, one cannot ignore its unique complexities. From the time of its creation to present day, the state has seen various transitions of power some smooth, others turbulent. However, the only thing constant has been the pursuit of capable leadership that can address the diverse needs of its people.
Kogi State was created on August 27, 1991, by the Babangida administration, carved out from parts of the old Kwara and Benue States. This act brought together communities that had been separated since the 1976 state reorganization. It was a significant step meant to correct the socio-economic neglect of the region, which was previously part of the Kabba Province.
Since then, Kogi has seen a number of leaders. His Excellency, the late Prince Abubakar Audu, served as Governor from January 1992 to November 1993, and again from 1999 to 2003. He was succeeded by His Excellency Ibrahim Idris, who governed from May 29, 2003, to February 6, 2008, and again from April 5, 2008, to January 26, 2012. He handed over to His Excellency Idris Wada, who served from January 27, 2012, to January 27, 2016.
Then came Alh. Yahaya Bello, who assumed office on January 27, 2016, and served until January 27, 2024. His successor, the current Governor, His Excellency Alh. Usman Ododo, took over the mantle of leadership on the same day.
In the history of Kogi State, only two Governors Alh. Ibrahim Idris and Alh. Yahaya Bello have had the opportunity to choose their successors. However, the outcome of these choices have been markedly different.
While Alh. Ibrahim Idris looked outside his circle and initially settled on Echocho only for things to fall apart (a story for another day) Alh. Yahaya Bello took a more calculated approach. He selected his successor from within his team, someone who had worked closely with him for over seven years. He chose a man who understands the system, recognizes its strengths and weaknesses, and knows where adjustments are necessary.
The result? A smooth transition and a governor whose performance in the past year has been nothing short of excellence.
We cannot examine the leadership records in Kogi State without acknowledging Alh. Yahaya Bello’s foresight and commitment to mentorship. He has empowered many individuals, nurturing them from obscurity to prominence. His wisdom in choosing an “in-house” successor is bearing fruit today through the unprecedented strides of Alh. Usman Ododo.
While we continue to pray against the spirit of Wike vs Fubara, we also ask God to grant Governor Ododo the wisdom and strength to build even further on the legacy he inherited.
Alh. Yahaya Bello raised the bar in infrastructure, security, education, and healthcare in Kogi State. We look forward with hope that Governor Usman Ododo will not only sustain these gains but surpass them—for the good of all Kogites.
You may have personal reservations about Alh. Yahaya Bello, but you cannot deny the positive impact he has made. He is a leader who genuinely believes in empowering those around him to go even further than he has.
God bless the pathfinder, Alh. Yahaya Bello.
– Okeji Daniel writes from Lokoja.
