By Comrade Danfulani Lukman Ohinoyi
As political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of future elections in Kogi State, supporters of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, have intensified efforts to highlight what they describe as his enduring legacy of leadership, development, and inclusive governance.
According to many of his political associates, community leaders, youth groups, and loyal supporters across the state’s three senatorial districts, Alhaji Yahaya Bello remains one of the most influential political figures in Kogi’s history. They describe him as Kogi’s National Hero, a visionary leader, a builder of modern Kogi, and a national statesman whose years in office left a lasting impression on the state.
Supporters argue that Bello’s administration marked a turning point in Kogi’s political and developmental journey. They contend that upon assuming office in 2016, he faced significant challenges, including insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and governance issues. In their view, his administration responded with reforms and investments intended to reposition the state.
Among the achievements frequently cited by supporters are improvements in security through collaboration with security agencies, the construction and rehabilitation of roads, including the Ganaja Junction Flyover in Lokoja, expansion of healthcare facilities, investments in education, reforms in the civil service, and programmes aimed at promoting agriculture and rural development.
Supporters also point to what they regard as Bello’s commitment to youth and women inclusion in governance. They say his administration provided opportunities for many young professionals and women to serve in strategic public offices, a policy they believe inspired greater political participation among younger generations.
Speaking at various political gatherings and community meetings, supporters have maintained that Bello’s leadership style promoted unity among the state’s diverse ethnic groups. They argue that his administration sought to ensure broad representation for communities across Kogi East, Kogi Central, and Kogi West, fostering a stronger sense of inclusion.
Several youth leaders interviewed by this newspaper said the former governor’s political influence remains evident across the state. According to them, many ongoing political conversations continue to reference his administration’s policies, leadership approach, and development initiatives.
Political observers note that Alhaji Yahaya Bello remains an important figure within Kogi politics and continues to command a loyal support base. While assessments of his tenure vary, his supporters insist that his administration laid foundations that continue to shape governance and political discourse in the state.
For many of those supporters, Yahaya Bello’s legacy extends beyond physical infrastructure. They say he will be remembered for championing youth participation in governance, pursuing reforms in public administration, strengthening security efforts, and promoting policies they believe advanced development across the state.
As political realignments continue ahead of future electoral contests, supporters say Bello’s record in office remains central to their message. They argue that his years in government demonstrated purposeful leadership and left what they describe as enduring footprints in Kogi’s history.
To his admirers, Yahaya Bello is more than a former governor. They regard him as a leader, a builder, a unifier, and a statesman whose contributions continue to shape political conversations and inspire many across the Confluence State.
