… A destiny child and long-awaited answered prayer.
As I reflect on my journey growing up in Ebiraland, I’m reminded of pivotal moments that shaped my perspective. The passing of Ohinoyi Omolori was a significant event, and I recall hearing the news while hustling as a young shoe mender in Ozuwaya, Okene Local Government Area.
Ado Ibrahim Atta’s ascension to the throne brought controversy, particularly when he transformed his personal residence into the Ohinoyi Palace, abandoning the traditional seat. While many marveled at its grandeur, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. What would become of this magnificent palace when a new Ohinoyi takes over? Would the legacy of our kingdom’s splendor fade away?
God in His infinite wisdom and mercy, answered our prayers by bringing Alhaji Yahaya Bello as the Executive Governor of Kogi State. This visionary leader has been instrumental in building a new Ohinoyi Palace that eclipses its predecessor in beauty and majesty.
But Ebiraland’s story isn’t just about palaces; it’s about the neglect and marginalization we suffered under successive administrations. From Governor Prince Abubakar Audu’s tokenistic gestures, Ebira people were relegated to second-class citizenship. Governor Ibrahim’s tenure was marked by destructive tendencies, including weaponizing thugs in Ebiraland, intense political crises, killings, and burning of houses. I was a victim of this evil perpetrated in Ebiraland; I was shot in the buttocks while trying to leave Yas Photo’s wife’s restaurant in Onoziomi, where I had gone to eat with my friends Abubakar and Adams one fateful evening in the year 2005. Governor Wada’s tenure was marked by inaction, with juicy appointments reserved for his cronies.
In 2016, God smiled upon us, sending a liberator who prioritized equitable distribution of resources for benefits of all. Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s leadership has been a game-changer, transforming Ebiraland with legacy projects: Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, A state-of-the-art reference hospital in Okene, Roads constructed with Asphalt crisscrossing our land( a sharp contrast from the spraying of stones on our roads by previous administration in the name of construction), building of Standard Schools in ECSS Ogaminana, Technical School in Ihima, Girls Girls School in Obangede, Remodeling of College of Nursing and Midwifery in Obangede,etc
Permit me to ask: Has Ebiraland ever witnessed such development?
No doubt, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is human, but his impact is undeniable. To those who criticize him despite benefiting from his projects, I ask: Who did this to you oh Ebiraland? Are we repeating the mistakes of the past, fueled by the “if it’s not me, let it not be another” mentality?
Alhaji Yahaya Bello has repositioned Ebiraland on the world map, leaving an indelible mark on our history. Future generations will remember him with gratitude and admiration for his selfless service and commitment to our collective prosperity.
– Otohinoyi Gabriel Ezekiel writes from Lokoja.
