NIGERIA: Ododo Celebrates Yahaya Bello At 50, Calls Him Pathfinder

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has extended warm birthday wishes to his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

In a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismail Isah, Governor Ododo described Bello’s 50th birthday as a significant milestone in the life of a leader whose political journey has left a lasting impact on Kogi State and Nigeria.

Ododo praised Bello’s courage and transformative leadership, noting that his emergence in 2016 as the youngest governor in Nigeria marked the beginning of a new era in Kogi politics.

He said Bello redefined leadership by creating an inclusive system that empowered youths and women, breaking traditional political barriers.

“Our leader, Governor 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,” Ododo stated

Ododo, who served under Bello before succeeding him, said his own rise to power reflects the former governor’s commitment to mentoring new leaders.

He lauded Bello’s achievements in civil service reform, education, healthcare, security, and infrastructure, saying they laid a solid foundation for the current administration.

“With over 30% 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,” he said.

The governor also praised Bello’s promotion of women in leadership, highlighting the 35% affirmative action policy as a legacy of inclusive governance.

Ododo concluded by praying for divine guidance and success for the former governor as he celebrates his golden jubilee.