Yahaya Bello Holds Historic Town Hall Meeting With Kogi Community in Lagos
..Urges Support for APC for more Democratic Dividends…
Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, on Sunday called on members of the Kogi community residing in Lagos State to continue to live in peace and unity, remain worthy ambassadors of the state, and sustain their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bello made the call during a town hall meeting with the Kogi community in Lagos shortly after participating in a congregational prayer session and Endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu re-election and Obafemi Hamzat as APC candidate for Lagos State gubernatorial elections, 2027 respectively.
Speaking during the event at the Teslim Balogun Square earlier in Lagos, Bello urged President Tinubu to remain steadfast and committed to providing purposeful leadership for Nigeria despite the challenges confronting the nation. In his goodwill message, the former governor described President Tinubu as a courageous, visionary, and forthright leader whose political guidance and support played a pivotal role in his emergence as Governor of Kogi State.
He assured the President that the people of Kogi State would continue to identify with and support the progressive ideals and developmental policies championed by the Tinubu administration and the APC.
“I am here to express our deep appreciation to President Tinubu and the people of Lagos State for the tremendous work being done in moving this country forward. Mr. President, you cannot afford to be tired. Nigerians still look up to your leadership, vision, and courage. Please continue to provide the leadership needed to strengthen our democracy and improve the lives of the people.
“When the time comes, you will not need to campaign across Kogi State. The people are fully committed and the state will be delivered one hundred per cent,” Bello stated.
Addressing members of the Kogi community during the town hall meeting in Ikeja area of Lagos State, Bello emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence, stronger collaboration, and mutual love among all ethnic groups in Kogi State. He stressed that unity among the Igala, Ebira, Okun, and other tribes remained critical to achieving lasting peace, sustainable development, and good governance in the state.
He commended the Kogi people living in Lagos for their industrious nature, discipline, and spirit of good neighbourliness, noting that they had continued to distinguish themselves positively in their various endeavours.
The former governor further encouraged them to actively participate in politics and support the APC-led governments at the federal, state, and local government levels, stressing that political participation remained essential for attracting development and opportunities to their respective communities.
“I want to sincerely thank you all for making out time to gather here today and for the warm reception given to me. More importantly, I appreciate you for being good ambassadors of Kogi State here in Lagos.
“As we all know, another election season is approaching, and we must not allow ourselves to be left behind politically. We must remain united and aligned with our great party, the APC, while continuing to support the government in order to derive maximum benefits from our political participation,” he said.
Bello also disclosed that engagements with Kogi indigenes living across different states of the federation would henceforth become a regular exercise aimed at strengthening unity, understanding, and communication among the people.
“Throughout my eight years as governor, I did not have the opportunity to interact with our people outside the state in this manner. Today, I am delighted that we are gathered here together as one united family.
“This engagement will continue across other states because it is important for our people to stay informed about government activities and also have the opportunity to share the challenges they face in their places of residence. It is going to be a continuous nationwide engagement for the benefit of our people,” he added.
Reflecting on their long stay in Lagos, Bello noted that the state had remained a shining example of how unity, tolerance, and cooperation among diverse ethnic groups could translate into peace, stability, and effective governance. He therefore urged members of the Kogi community to encourage their relatives and associates back home to continue supporting the government in order to consolidate on the gains of democracy and good governance.
The former governor further called on the Kogi community in Lagos to give massive support to the APC in future elections, urging them to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while also mobilizing support for APC candidate for next gubernatorial election in Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat.
At the meeting, traditional leaders and representatives of the various ethnic nationalities in Kogi State commended Bello for organizing what they described as the first town hall meeting of its kind for Kogi indigenes living in Lagos.
Among those who spoke at the gathering were the representative of the Attah Igala, HRH Muhammed Shaibu; the Onu Igala of Lagos State, HRH Siyaka Yusuf Awe; the Odeyi-Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Lagos; and the representative of the Obaro of Okunland.
The royal fathers and community leaders expressed appreciation for Bello’s outreach and also commended the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, pledging their continued support and cooperation for the progress and development of Kogi State.
Written by Onogwu Muhammed
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