We owe a great deal to philosophers for their invaluable contributions in shaping our understanding of leadership and providing us with useful models to guide our own leadership journeys. Their profound thoughts have undeniably played a significant role in making the world a better place. The ultimate goal of visionary leaders is to leave their political jurisdiction in a better state than they met it, and this aspiration serves as the driving force behind the requirement for leaders to have a substantial influence in the complex realm of governance.
After all, it is our collective belief that today should be better than yesterday, and tomorrow should be better than today.
This is where innovation comes into play. Innovation seeks to revolutionise the way things are done. As Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” However, beyond the social contract between leaders and followers lies the hypothesis that leaders are responsible for introducing ground-breaking interventions for the benefit of their followers.
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In the case of Kogi State, a radical governor emerged in Alhaji Yahaha Bello, who brought with him a wave of innovative ideas that have positioned him as a proponent of the leadership theories put forth by early thinkers. Recognising the interconnectedness of the past and present, and acknowledging that today is a product of yesterday, it is only fitting to briefly delve into his political background.
In 2015, Bello was divinely prepared to rebuild Kogi State from the ruins of the people’s frustrations, which were a result of the laissez-faire approach to governance adopted by past leaders over the years. It was not without reason that the people yearned for a change in the leadership profile of the state.
Bello implemented a unity policy known as the EBIGO policy, which stands for the major ethnic groups in the state; Ebira, Igala, and Okun. This policy has resulted in the fair distribution of amenities and a balanced approach to appointments, thus ensuring that no section of the state is left behind. Over the course of eight years, Bello successfully fulfilled this commitment, alleviating the suffering of the people and putting an end to the outcry of marginalisation. Moving forward, Bello continued this ethnic balancing to ensure justice and fairness.
These initial steps taken by Bello set the stage for a new direction in the state, one that prioritised the overall well-being of the people. It demonstrated his administration’s commitment to inclusivity, where a holistic approach is employed to drive progress. This commitment was further exemplified in the balanced appointments made in the cabinet during his second term.
Bello’s approach was guided by the NEW DIRECTION AGENDA, a compass crafted by the government that had been upgraded for his second term in office. He made it clear that he would not take any risk with the welfare and future of the people of Kogi state. The team working alongside him in the new Direction administration consisted of individuals with exceptional intellectual capabilities, remarkable cognitive skills, and unwavering political determination. Together, they embarked on their work in his second term with a remarkable display of strength and determination. After all, the core principle of Bello’s government was to do things differently for the good of Kogites.
Arguably, Bello of Kogi State emerged as a true champion of progress and development since his election in 2016. With a clear vision for the future of Kogi State, he created a vibrant and prosperous economy, enhanced infrastructure, and ensure the welfare of the people. Through the implementation of numerous projects and initiatives, Bello was steadfast in his pursuit of this vision.
These included the construction of roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructures, the establishment of industrial parks, and the implementation of agricultural and health initiatives. Furthermore, Bello took significant steps to alleviate poverty and generated employment opportunities for the people of Kogi State.
Situated in the North Central region of Nigeria, Kogi State serves as the backdrop for Bello’s ambitious vision for economic development. Since he assumed office, Bello tirelessly worked towards transforming the state’s economy. By identifying key areas for development, he actively sought to enhance infrastructure, create job opportunities, and attract investments.
Bello’s vision for economic development in Kogi State revolves around four pivotal areas; agriculture, tourism, industry, and education. To boost agricultural production and productivity, he implemented measures such as facilitating improved access to credit, modernising farming techniques, and encouraging private sector investments in the sector. In a bid to promote tourism, Bello launched initiatives aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure, including the construction of new roads and bridges.
In addition, Bello introduced incentives to attract investors and encouraged them to establish businesses within the state. His unwavering commitment to economic development in Kogi State yielded remarkable results, as evidenced by his strategic focus on agriculture, tourism, industry, and education, which paved the way for a brighter future.
Bello made significant strides in creating an environment conducive to businesses in Kogi State. He implemented policies aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining the process for businesses to establish and operate within the state. Additionally, he prioritized improving the state’s power supply and ensuring access to reliable energy sources, which are crucial for sustainable economic growth.
Bello demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Kogi State. He allocated a larger portion of the state’s budget to education and introduced various initiatives to elevate the standard of teaching and learning. Moreover, he took steps to increase access to higher education and provided scholarships to students from low-income households, thereby promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.
Bello’s vision for economic development in Kogi State is both ambitious and far-reaching. It has the potential to revolutionise the state’s economy and create abundant opportunities for its citizens. It is evident that the Bello was wholeheartedly dedicated to making Kogi State a better place to live and work.
On Education, Bello unveiled an ambitious and comprehensive plan to reform the education sector in the state. This plan was aimed at not only enhance the quality of education but also improve its accessibility to all residents of Kogi State.
One of the key components of this plan was the establishment of a state-of-the-art Kogi State University, the first of its kind in the state. The university offers a diverse range of degree programmes, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern world. Moreover, the university provides vocational training and other courses to ensure that students are well-prepared for the demands of the contemporary job market.
It is crucial to acknowledge the commendable efforts of the state government under Bello by establishing the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara. This institution’s commitment to providing quality education and promoting scientific advancements is truly praiseworthy. The university has proven its dedication to nurturing students’ academic growth through its strong faculty, comprised of experienced professors. Additionally, the institution boasts of state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhances the learning experience and enable students to conduct cutting-edge research in various scientific fields.
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We must not overlook the renovation of the Kogi State Polytechnic, which serves as a hub for technical and vocational training. This institution not only offers courses in business and management but also equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s modern economy.
Bello’s plan for educational reform in Kogi State demonstrates a clear vision for the future of education in the state. By prioritising quality education and accessibility, and by establishing institutions that cater to the needs of students in various fields, Bello unarguably paved the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the residents of Kogi State.
Shifting our attention to healthcare, Bello has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to improving the healthcare system in Kogi State since assuming office in 2016. Through various initiatives, one notable being the establishment of the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme (KSHIS), he prioritised the well-being of the state’s citizens.
The KSHIS guarantees that every individual in Kogi State has access to free healthcare services, including primary healthcare, ante natal care, and hospitalisation. This initiative was aimed at alleviating the financial burden on citizens and promoting a healthier population.
Bello’s dedication to healthcare in Kogi State is truly commendable. By implementing these initiatives, he has taken significant strides towards improving the overall healthcare system. Additionally, Bello established a Health Financing and Investment Programme (HFIP) to enhance access to healthcare in the state. This programme was specifically designed to provide financial assistance to individuals and families who cannot afford medical services. It has proven successful in increasing access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.
Bello implemented a Health Information System (HIS) to enhance the quality of healthcare in the state. This system provides real-time data on the health status of citizens, as well as information on the availability of healthcare services. Its implementation has been instrumental in improving the overall quality of healthcare in Kogi State.
Bello’s efforts in both education and healthcare are truly praiseworthy. His comprehensive approach and commitment to these sectors have undoubtedly brought about positive changes in Kogi State.
Bello has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to prioritising healthcare in Kogi State, implementing a Primary Health Care System (PHCS) to enhance access to essential medical services. This system aims to provide citizens with fundamental healthcare services, such as immunisations, antenatal care, and treatment for common illnesses. Under Bello’s leadership, numerous initiatives were successfully implemented to boost the healthcare system in the state. These endeavours have yielded positive outcomes, including increased accessibility to healthcare services, improved healthcare quality, and a reduction in preventable diseases.
One area where Bello made significant strides is in the enhancement of infrastructure throughout Kogi State. By investing in projects that generated employment opportunities, attracted investments, and improved the overall quality of life for the people, Bello demonstrated his unwavering commitment to progress.
Furthermore, Bello recognised the importance of a reliable power infrastructure and therefore dedicated resources to its development. His pledge to provide consistent electricity to all Kogi citizens has resulted in on-going efforts to improve the state’s power situation. This endeavour not only facilitated easier access to electricity for businesses and individuals but also ensured a more dependable power supply.
As a governor, Bello also directed his attention towards the advancement of Kogi’s agricultural sector. Through the introduction of modern farming techniques and the provision of agricultural loans to farmers, he launched several initiatives to enhance the state’s agricultural productivity. These endeavours undoubtedly contributed to increased agricultural output, job creation, and a more secured food supply for the people of Kogi.
Bello made substantial investments in the development of Kogi’s health infrastructure. By focusing on improving access to healthcare services through the establishment of new hospitals and clinics, as well as ensuring better availability of medical supplies and equipment, he actively worked towards enhancing the overall healthcare landscape in the state.
Bello outlined a comprehensive vision for social and cultural development in Kogi State. His vision was aimed at establishing a safe, prosperous, and vibrant environment for residents to live, work, and enjoy their lives. To achieve this, the former governor focused on enhancing access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. Additionally, he dedicated to fostering economic growth by generating employment opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Preserving the rich cultural heritage of Kogi State was another key aspect of Bello’s vision. He devised a plan to safeguard and promote the traditional values, customs, and beliefs of the people. This includes the revitalization of traditional festivals, the preservation of historical sites, and the promotion of traditional music and dance forms.
Bello was equally committed to protecting the environment of Kogi State. His plan encompassed measures to reduce air and water pollution, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable development. This involves the promotion of renewable energy sources, the development of green technologies, and the implementation of effective waste management and recycling programmes.
Through these initiatives, Bello spearheaded a transformative agenda that not only enhanced the well-being of the people of Kogi State but also contributed to the overall progress and prosperity of North Central region.
Bello was firmly dedicated to advancing social justice and upholding human rights in Kogi State. He devised a comprehensive plan to guarantee that every citizen in the state has equal access to opportunities and fundamental rights. This encompassed the promotion of gender equality, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and championing human rights.
Bello’s vision for Kogi State was to transform it into a paragon of excellence across all facets of development. He outlined comprehensive plans to enhance infrastructure, generate employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty. Furthermore, he aspired to position Kogi State as a thriving centre for commerce and industry within the region.
Whichever side it is viewed, it remains a statement of fact, that Yahaha Bello left a legacy of service to the people of Kogi state. History will be kind to him.
* Ebenezer writes from Lokoja
