Yahaya Bello: The Inimitable White Lion at 50

BY HAFSAT IBRAHIM 

Leadership is often described as a rare gift—bestowed upon many but truly mastered by few. In Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, few figures have embodied the virtues of courage, inclusivity, and transformative governance quite like Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State.

Three years ago, my colleague and I undertook a project that would become a tribute to Bello’s unique leadership journey. We co-authored a book titled “Yahaya Bello: 47 Narratives on a Change Agent”, compiled and written without his prior knowledge.

Presented to him as a surprise gift on his birthday at his Abuja residence, the 183-page volume captured 47 distinct accounts of the Bello administration’s impact across security, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, economic reforms, and his audacious presidential ambition.

The former governor’s response was heartfelt. He expressed deep gratitude for the gesture and pledged to continue serving the people, particularly the underprivileged in Kogi and beyond. That moment underscored a truth many who know him can attest to: Yahaya Bello does not merely hold office; he owns responsibility.

Although he marked his 50th birthday on June 18, 2025, the tributes pouring in highlight that his legacy is not a fleeting chapter in Kogi’s history—it is an enduring imprint on the state’s political and developmental landscape.

Bello’s emergence as governor in 2016 broke conventional norms and political expectations. With the launch of his New Direction Agenda, he introduced a governance model that deliberately confronted long-standing ethnic divides and focused on unity, equity, and merit.

A signature initiative was EBIGO—a vision to unify Kogi’s major ethnic groups: Ebira, Igala, and Okun. This principle of inclusive governance shaped political appointments, project distribution, and state-wide development policies, ensuring no region, religion, or gender was left behind.

His infrastructural strides were equally groundbreaking. Under his administration, Kogi witnessed the completion of the state’s first-ever flyover in Lokoja—a symbolic and functional feat for a state that connects Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.

Bello also established two state-owned universities, initiated a long-overdue Teaching Hospital for Prince Abubakar Audu University, and built the ultramodern Reference Hospital in Okene—one of Nigeria’s most advanced healthcare facilities today.

Perhaps more profound was his deliberate inclusion of young people and women in governance. Bello appointed some of the youngest commissioners and special advisers in the country and ensured persons with disabilities had a seat at the table. This wasn’t tokenism; it was a conscious effort to redefine the face of leadership in Nigeria.

Bello also placed value on culture and tradition. By constructing and renovating palaces of the Atta of Igala, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, and the Obaro of Kabba, he paid homage to the state’s rich traditional institutions. The commissioning of the multi-million-naira Igala House further reinforced his commitment to cultural preservation and ethnic inclusion.

Now, in his post-governorship phase, Yahaya Bello continues to demonstrate rare political maturity. Though widely credited with mentoring and paving the way for his successor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Bello has resisted the temptation to play the overbearing godfather.

In a political climate where many ex-governors seek to pull strings from behind the curtain, often leading to chaos—as seen in Kano, Sokoto, Rivers, Anambra, and other states—Bello’s restraint sets him apart.

He has opted for respectful detachment, offering quiet counsel when needed while allowing the current administration to find its rhythm. This approach underscores his belief in building institutions rather than personality cults—a mark of true statesmanship.

Turning 50 is often seen as a point of reflection, a midlife milestone filled with both retrospection and anticipation. But for Yahaya Bello, the journey of leadership began long before this golden age. If anything, the next chapter promises to be just as consequential, if not more.

As Kogi moves forward under new leadership, the structures and spirit Bello left behind serve as a blueprint for what is possible when vision meets courage and inclusivity. His story—like that of every transformative leader—is ultimately measured not by the offices held or the birthdays marked but by the lives uplifted.

Hafsat Ibrahim writes from the PRNigeria Centre, Wuye District, Abuja.