What I Picked from Yahaya Bello’s Bold Statement
I am the kind of person who pays close attention to every word spoken by a leader during public events. I believe most of them usually pass thoughtful messages in such gatherings, if only we listen carefully.
Yesterday, at the Tinubu Endorsement Program held at the Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, one particular statement from the former governor of Kogi State, Alh Yahaya Bello (FGYB), really struck me.
While moving the motion to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, he confidently reflected on his achievements while in office. He said,
“Where we are standing now is my achievement. Those standing here are my achievements. Those watching me on the screen are also my achievements.”
That statement alone says a lot. It wasn’t pride, it was truth. FGYB indeed recorded numerous achievements, both in infrastructure and in human capital development, before leaving office. His message carried a deep lesson: after leaving office, you will be remembered for your achievements, not how well you spoke English or how white your clothes were or the number of countries you visited. What people will remember are your legacy projects.
Now, who are those he counted as his achievements? The sitting governor, senators, House of Representatives members, State Assembly members, local government chairmen, and state appointees, both past and present. Those watching from their screens were also his mentees who couldn’t make it to the event.
Across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, you’ll find traces of his legacy projects everywhere. That’s leadership with impact.
But as his mentees, you must ask yourselves some sincere questions:
What am I learning from this bold statement?
What foundation am I laying now so that one day, I too can stand proudly in public and say, “These are my achievements”?
Even if you can’t surpass him, you should at least come close. Within the little time and opportunity he has given you, what can you truly point to as your achievements?
Let’s remember something important, the current governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, was an appointee when he built a hospital in his community. That means you don’t have to be a governor before you can create legacy achievements.
At the same time, as a governor, you are expected to do more because your capacity and resources are far greater than that of an appointee.
So ask yourself:
As an appointee, what can I point to as my achievement?
As an elected official, what have I done to better the lives of the people who believed in me?
What job opportunities have I created for my people?
CUSTECH and Kabba University are clear examples of how FGYB’s vision reduced unemployment and gave hope to many young people. That is the kind of leadership worth emulating.
So, don’t just call him “Supreme Leader”, follow his footsteps. Create opportunities for your people, just as he helped many to become somebody in the society.
However, there was one part of his statement that I wasn’t entirely comfortable with. He said, “all of you are my children and we have grandchildren that are coming”
That’s true, but it seems the grandchildren are being neglected.
When the grandchildren don’t have access to their father let alone their grandfather, they may have no choice but to seek support elsewhere, especially when the “children” who have access to their father fail to convey his goodwill to the grandchildren. That gap can lead to frustration, and frustration can drive people to find comfort wherever they can.
These grandchildren are struggling, and we all know what hunger and neglect can cause. The grandfather should create time for his grandchildren, they are passing through serious challenges and need attention. Remember, the grandchildren outnumber the children.
In all, FGYB’s speech reminded me once again that leadership is not about position or grammar; it’s about impact. What you build, who you empower, and the lives you touch will always speak louder than any title you ever held.
When the microphone is handed to you someday, may you also have the confidence to say, “Those standing here are my achievements.
Engr Ira Habib