PRINCE MUHAMMED OTAIKI CELEBRATES THE EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP AND ENDURING LEGACY OF H.E. ALHAJI YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO, CON
Honourable Prince Muhammed Otaiki, Senior Aide to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ododo, has paid glowing tribute to the exceptional leadership qualities and transformational achievements of former Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON.
Prince Otaiki described the former Governor as a leader of rare vision, courage and compassion, whose remarkable contributions continue to shape the political, social and economic advancement of Kogi State. He noted that Yahaya Bello’s administration marked a golden era defined by expansive infrastructural growth, strategic institutional reforms and far-reaching human-capacity development initiatives that repositioned the state for long-term stability and sustainable progress.
Prince Otaiki highlighted several landmark achievements across critical sectors. In education, Yahaya Bello ended the prolonged academic strike that had affected tertiary institutions and established the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, as well as the Kogi State University, Kabba. His administration also carried out comprehensive renovation works at the Kogi State University, which has now been renamed in honour of the late political icon, Prince Abubakar Audu.
In the area of healthcare, the former Governor embarked on the construction of specialist hospitals across all twenty-one local government areas and delivered the world-class Reference Hospital in Okene, which today stands as a centre of medical excellence in the region.
On infrastructure, he delivered the iconic Ganaja Flyover, installed modern traffic light systems across Lokoja, developed the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre and constructed many kilometres of high-quality roads that enhanced mobility and economic activities across the state.
Prince Otaiki also emphasized Yahaya Bello’s unprecedented investment in security, noting that he built Kogi State’s security framework from a position of near absence to one of national reference. This, he explained, transformed the state into one of the safest in the country throughout his tenure.
Speaking on the former Governor’s human-capital impact, Prince Otaiki described him as a leader whose compassion uplifted countless individuals, empowering both the prominent and the previously unknown, and nurturing many who today serve as pillars in governance. Among those whose careers were shaped under Yahaya Bello’s tutelage are His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ododo, former Auditor-General for Local Governments and now Governor of Kogi State; Senator Abubakar Sadiku Ohere, who served in various strategic positions at both state and national levels; Chief Pharmacist Asuku, former Chief of Staff; Senator Yakubu Oseni, who played notable roles in the administration; Chief Edward Onoja, former Chief of Staff and later Deputy Governor; Honourable Momoh Jibril; Honourable Idris Ashiru; Honourable Bashir Gegu; Honourable Kingsley Fanwo; Honourable Wemi Jones; Honourable Prince Onyekechi; Honourable Mumin Danga; Hajia Asmau Gogo; Admiral Umar Shaibu Oricha, PhD, Director General Government House; and Salami Deedat, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Prince Otaiki stressed that these individuals represent only a fraction of the many lives positively transformed by Yahaya Bello’s leadership.
He further asserted that the former Governor’s contributions to Kogi State’s development can never be forgotten, adding that the foundation he laid continues to guide and strengthen the continuity and consolidation agenda of the current government led by His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ododo. According to him, the administration’s stability and progress reflect the solid institutions and governance architecture established under Yahaya Bello.
Prince Otaiki concluded by affirming that in terms of leadership capacity, developmental foresight and genuine mentorship, no figure in Kogi State’s recent history compares to His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON.
SIGNED:
Prince Muhammed Otaiki
Senior Aide to the Executive Governor of Kogi State