Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, during his reelection campaign promised to consolidate and finish strong the work at hand. The work at hand to Governor Yahaya Bello is the all-round development of Kogi as well as laying solid foundation for economic prosperity of the state.
The governor, in his manifesto with the theme: ‘Let’s Do More’, said: ”…I present to you the logical next steps for accelerated and proportional development of Kogi State in all her constituencies and demographics”.
Without wasting time, the Okene born politician is conquering new grounds in area of development. One of the quick wins within 100 days is the commencement of the World Bank assisted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) for the stabilisation, reclamation and channeling of Adumu and Agassa erosion sites in Olamaboro and Okene local government areas. The contractors are working at sites in Ogugu and Agasa simultaneously.
Recall that Governor Bello released N500million in 2019 as counterpart fund for NEWMAP. The project, when completed will stop flooding, gully erosion and tackle environmental degradation threatening safety of the state residents, especially in Kogi East.
Furthermore, the new direction administration, through ”Operation Light Up Kogi East”, will be providing electricity for 200 communities in the area, in furtherance of Yahaya Bello’s rural electrification project. Therefore, many communities will be connected to national grid after decades of perpetual blackout as N1.5billion has been earmarked for Operation Light Up Kogi East.
Governor Bello while launching the project before the expiration of his first tenure, said it would improve the lives and energize economic activities of the people living in rural areas.
Amidst paucity of funds and COVID-19 pandemic, Bello is energizing Kogi information sector by making radio stations in each senatorial district functional and stronger, the move aimed at serving three major tribes in the state effectively.
According to State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Evangelist Kingsley Fanwo, “we visited our station at Egbe, 97.1 FM. We have seen what we need to put in place as the GYB Do More Government is determined to strengthen our Information and Communications facilities. We are already doing more.
“We are on the move. The leadership of the Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communication visited our station 93.5 fm at Okene Eba. Through the station, we are reaching 14 LGAs in the state and 5 neighboring states. Thanks to my people in the Ministry for believing in the vision of GYB.”
Recently, Kogi state government secured a $10million loan for infrastructural development projects across the state and contractors will soon be mobilised to sites. Kogi is also among the 24 states assessing N43.416 billion WorldBank performance-based grants which was based on the results achieved in 2018.
Apart from that, the erudite politician is consolidating on the new-direction administration’s achievement in area of revenue generation.
The governor as part of efforts to consolidate on his success recorded in Financial Sector directed all MDAs including State Owned Higher Institutions to implement TSA and this is yielding positive result as Kogi generated N1.7billion in March before the lull caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The milestones of Governor Yahaya Bello is already attracting accolades as Progressive Governors Forum in the February monthly rating ranked Kogi second with 17 strides behind Kebbi state. Kogi state was rated high in Youth Development, Education, Security, Water, Environment, Women development and others. PGF referenced the erection of MOPOL Base along Obajana as part of GYB’s efforts in enhancing the state security.
Furthermore, the New Direction Administration has modernised Kogi Agriculture sector to encourage youths to embrace farming, reduce unemployment and poverty in the state.
Bello’s administration also distributed TME 419 Cassava stem which would be ready for harvest within six months and most preferred stem for ethanol production to farmers. Kogi ADP created six zonal offices and deployed extension officers across the state to train farmers on mechanized farming. The state government is empowering more youths to venture into large scale fish farming.
On rural development, Bello administration through GYB Connect is putting finishing touches on new boreholes and other impactful projects in Lokoja local government and other areas in order to improve wellbeing of rural dwellers. GYB connect is a rural intervention programme of Yahaya Bello to fast track rural development.
In a recent interview with a public affairs analyst and President TeamNigeria4Change, Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo opined that the people of Kogi are in good hands with Yahaya Bello.
Bestman Nze-Jumbo said: “Yahaya Bello doesn’t play to the gallery neither does he wallow in populism rather he does things based on conviction. Such a man is thorough and firm, transparent and sincere in his dealings with Kogites. His stern and principled stand on the Covid-19 activities is proof positive GYB is God sent for such a time as this. Now you see why I a have the conviction that Kogi is a happy bunch with Bello.”
What more can we say? It’s now crystal clear that Governor Yahaya Bello would do more to better the lots of Kogites and deliver dividends of democracy to every part of the Confluence state.
– Oyelola Jacob
obalola234@yahoo.com
