Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has felicitated his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on the occasion of his 50th birthday, even as he commended his ‘exemplary and lasting leadership qualities.’
Ododo, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Ismaila Isah, described Bello’s 50th birthday as a milestone worthy of honour and reflection.
According to him, it is a celebration of a man whose journey in leadership had been defined by courage, transformation and lasting impact on the lives of many individuals and communities across Kogi and Nigeria.
“I could recall you made history in 2016 as the youngest governor in Nigeria and the youngest to lead Kogi State, ushering in what has become a model for building a new generation of leadership in Kogi politics.
“Our leader, Gov. Yahaya Bello, came as the pathfinder of the future. He built a system where sons and daughters of anybody could aspire for positions of influence; where streets once forgotten became pathways to leadership.
“My emergence as a successor to the former governor is a testament to Bello’s belief in grooming new generations of leaders.
“His legacy is manifest in the performance of the present administration, having built a system that is sustainable and worthy of emulation.
“I am here today as the Chief Servant of Kogi and a living testament to that philosophy,” he said.
Ododo further stated that Bello’s administration ‘shattered traditional political glass ceilings’ by offering opportunities to youth and women across wards and local government areas, regardless of their status or background.
He said that the former governor built men and women of value, not just with titles but with purpose, raised individuals from different backgrounds to the corridors of public service and turned loyal followers into shining lights.
Ododo noted that Bello’s philosophy of governance was to serve as a bridge for ordinary people to access opportunities, adding that he ensured that those who served in his administration remained accessible to the people in their new roles at both state and federal levels.
He said that the former governor’s strides in civil service reform, education, healthcare, infrastructure and security laid a foundation that had continued to guide the present administration to succeed in the state.
“With over 30 per cent of the state’s annual budget invested in education, two new universities established within four years, safer communities and many lives transformed, the results are there and we are consolidating on them.
“His commitment to promoting women in leadership with 35 per cent affirmative action became a signature of inclusive governance, setting the standard for what we are now doing in Kogi State,” he said.
The governor prayed for God’s continued guidance for the former governor in all his future endeavours, as he celebrates his 50th birthday.
