By Yusuf Nuhu
History has a way of reminding people where they are coming from, what they have experienced and how far they have travelled.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the emergence of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, as the APC senatorial candidate for Kogi Central presents an opportunity for the people to reflect on his eight-year administration and its impact on Ebiraland. His record deserves public consideration as the people prepare to make another important political decision.
To properly appreciate the political journey of Ebiraland, it is important to revisit some of the difficult experiences that characterised the land before January 2016.
There were periods when communal disagreements, political rivalries, insecurity and youth involvement in criminal activities created serious concerns across different communities.
The crises between Idoji and Idozumi, the disturbances in Ihima and Ogaminana, the burning of Bariki Market in Okene, political violence, destruction of properties, killings, kidnapping and armed robbery remain among the painful experiences many residents remember.
Confrontations involving some Islamic sects and traditional masquerade groups also contributed to tensions in certain communities, particularly Okene and Ovehira. Inter-clan conflicts and other communal disagreements further affected peaceful coexistence.
These incidents disrupted social relationships and economic activities, leaving many residents worried about the future of their communities.
It was against this historical background that Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello assumed office as Governor of Kogi State on January 27, 2016.
His emergence marked the beginning of an administration with an ambitious development agenda known as the New Direction Blueprint, which prioritised security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and human capital development.
SECURITY AND THE QUEST FOR PEACE
The activities of criminal elements, including armed robbers and kidnappers, generated fear among residents, while political disagreements sometimes escalated into confrontations that threatened peaceful coexistence in Kogi Central.
Security therefore became an important area of government intervention during Bello’s administration. His government worked with security agencies and other stakeholders to address criminal activities and improve public safety.
Collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders formed part of the efforts to restore confidence and strengthen peaceful coexistence.
The relative stability experienced in many communities across Kogi Central is an important issue that deserves consideration when assessing the former governor’s administration.
For a land that has witnessed communal disagreements, political violence and insecurity, the preservation of peace remains a fundamental requirement for sustainable development.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Beyond security, infrastructure development was one of the visible aspects of the Bello administration.
In Ebiraland, the establishment of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, represented an important investment in higher education. The institution created opportunities for academic advancement, employment and economic activities within its host communities and neighbouring areas.
Similarly, the Reference Hospital, Okene, became one of the administration’s major healthcare projects. The facility was designed to provide advanced medical services and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the state for specialised healthcare.
The hospital has since been upgraded to Confluence University Teaching Hospital, Okene, further strengthening the state’s healthcare and medical education infrastructure.
The administration also embarked on several road projects, including Okene township roads and other road interventions connecting communities across Kogi Central and beyond.
Other notable projects and interventions included the GYB Model Science Secondary School, Ogaminana, the General Hospital project at Adogo in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, road rehabilitation, erosion control and agricultural initiatives.
These projects formed part of the development record that residents of Kogi Central can assess when discussing the former governor’s legacy.
HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Another notable feature of Bello’s administration was its effort to promote women’s participation in grassroots governance, including the provision of elective positions for women as vice chairpersons across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State.
Such initiatives reflected an effort to expand women’s involvement in local administration and political leadership.
For Ebiraland, with its large population of young people, investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and leadership opportunities remain essential to long-term development.
These are important areas to consider when evaluating the former governor’s eight-year record.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINING PEACE IN EBIRALAND
Perhaps one of the most important issues deserving attention as Ebiraland approaches another election cycle is the preservation of peace.
Political participation should never become an excuse for violence, intimidation, destruction of property or attacks on political opponents.
The painful experiences associated with past communal and political disturbances should serve as lessons for present and future generations.
Political campaigns and public engagements must take place in an atmosphere of tolerance and peaceful participation. This responsibility rests on all politicians and their supporters, regardless of political affiliation.
Ebiraland has suffered enough from unnecessary divisions. Its future must be built on unity, mutual respect and responsible political engagement.
WHY YAHAYA BELLO’S SENATORIAL AMBITION DESERVES SUPPORT
Having governed Kogi State for eight years, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello possesses executive experience and familiarity with the development challenges confronting the state, particularly those affecting Kogi Central Senatorial District.
His experience, institutional knowledge, political exposure and involvement in development projects across the state are relevant considerations in assessing his suitability for legislative representation.
The National Assembly requires representatives who understand governance, public administration, development planning and the importance of engaging government institutions to attract projects and opportunities to their constituencies.
The central question is how the experience acquired during his governorship can translate into effective representation of the people of Kogi Central at the National Assembly.
I strongly believe that Bello has the experience, political capacity and institutional understanding to make meaningful contributions as a senator.
His aspiration therefore deserves serious consideration and support from the people of Kogi Central.
A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
As Ebiraland approaches the 2027 general elections, the priority must be to protect the peace, unity and development of the land.
Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello’s eight-year administration remains an important chapter in the political and developmental history of Kogi State. His contributions, particularly in infrastructure, education, healthcare and security, deserve public examination, recognition and historical documentation.
Ultimately, the people of Kogi Central should assess his record and make their political decisions with the future of Ebiraland in mind.
We must remember where we were in the past, appreciate the progress recorded and recognise the importance of sustaining the restoration of Ebira pride and dignity under the present administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State.
The political and developmental progress of Ebiraland should not be sacrificed on the altar of unnecessary political rivalry.
Ebiraland needs peace, responsible leadership, meaningful representation and sustainable development. Therefore, as the 2027 general elections approach, I believe Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello deserves the mandate of the people of Kogi Central to represent the district in the Senate.
Ebira people must embrace unity, protect the peace and work collectively towards a better future for the next generation.
– Yusuf Nuhu, a Media Consultant, writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.
