Yahaya Bello Celebrates Okino at 78, Describes Him as a Pillar of Ebira Unity and Development
Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, has felicitated with elder statesman and respected community leader, Chief Hon. Moses Ado Okino, as he celebrates his 78th birthday.
Bello, who attended the birthday ceremony in Abuja on Friday, described Chief Ado Okino as an exemplary community leader and an icon of peace, unity and development. He noted that attaining the age of 78 in good health was a testament to Okino’s simple lifestyle, strong faith and longstanding commitment to the service of God and humanity.
The former governor also paid tribute to Okino’s contributions to the political and social development of Ebiraland, describing him as one of the foremost advocates of Ebira political freedom, unity and development. According to Bello, Okino belongs to a generation of leaders whose sacrifices and courage helped shape the political consciousness of the people. He said right from Kwara State to Kogi State, Okino continues to mentor many irrespective of political and religious differences. He stressed that Chief Ado Okino involvement in politics has been purely for development, peace and security of his people.
While wishing the elder statesman many more years of prosperity, sound health and fulfilment, Bello extolled Okino for his wealth of wisdom, deep understanding of politics and invaluable experience, which he said would continue to contribute to political development and peaceful coexistence in Kogi State.
Bello further described the celebrant as a man whose life has been defined by service, humility and dedication to his people. He stressed that, at 78, Okino’s greatest legacy was not merely his years but the lives he had touched and the values he had upheld throughout his journey.
The former governor joined members of Okino’s family, friends, associates and well-wishers at the celebration to honour the elder statesman and wish him many more years of good health, happiness and continued service to humanity.
On politics, former governor Bello stressed that Okino’s political wisdom and experience are still much needed at this time while urging him to galvanize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In response, Chief Hon. Moses Ado Okino said that when the former governor assured him that he would honour the invitation, he was not entirely sure that he would actually do so because of political activities at the moment. “But lo and behold, here he is,” he remarked, expressing his appreciation for the former governor’s presence.
He stressed that the unity of Ebiraland was of utmost importance, adding that, in his view, they were on the right track. He assured the former governor that they were neither confused nor unaware of what needed to be done when the time for senatorial election came. He further pledged to help communicate the right direction to his people ahead of the forthcoming election.
He also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for establishing the Free Trade Zone in Ajaokuta, noting that its importance to the people and the wider economy could not be overstated. He assured the former governor of his strong belief that he would excel in the forthcoming election and urged him to continue reaching out to the people.