Yahaya Bello's Homecoming and the Responsibility of Celebrating Leadership While It Is Still Here - Prince Otaiki
How I wish we could learn to sincerely celebrate, appreciate, and honour our great men while they are still with us, instead of waiting until they are gone before we begin to tell their stories and remember what they did.
The homecoming of former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, is another moment for us to look back at his journey, his contribution, and the place he has earned in the political history of Kogi State.
As an Ebira man, I am proud of the story of Yahaya Bello. His emergence in 2016 was a major moment in the political history of our state, especially for many young people who saw in him the possibility of breaking barriers and reaching the highest political office in Kogi.
Before 2015, many of our people had their own experiences and frustrations about political representation and inclusion. There was a strong feeling among many Ebira people that they deserved a greater sense of belonging and recognition in the affairs of their own state.
Then came Yahaya Adoza Bello, the man many came to know as the White Lion.
When he became Governor in 2016, he brought a different political energy into the state. His administration focused on areas such as youth participation, women empowerment, infrastructure, education, civil service, security and inclusion.
For many young Ebira people, his emergence meant something beyond politics. It gave many of us confidence. It showed that someone from a humble background could rise, break through political barriers and become Governor of Kogi State.
Of course, his administration had its criticisms and controversies. That is part of public service and political history. We should be honest enough to acknowledge both the things that went well and the things that people disagreed with. That is how history should be preserved.
But one thing is clear. Yahaya Bello became one of the major political figures of contemporary Kogi State, and his time in office has become an important part of our state's political story.
That is why his homecoming should mean more than simply welcoming a former Governor back home. It should also give us the opportunity to reflect on his journey, appreciate his service and recognise the impact his political career has had on our people.
His coming home today also shows that there are still people who honour good leadership, appreciate service and remember those who have contributed to their people. The reception he is receiving reminds us that genuine appreciation does not necessarily end when someone leaves office.
There is also a bigger responsibility before the people of Kogi Central.
A man who has governed an entire state has gained experience that cannot be learned from books alone. He understands governance, administration, development, politics and many of the practical challenges facing our people.
Taking that experience to the National Assembly would give him another platform to serve. His experience as a former Governor can be useful in representing the interests of Kogi Central, attracting opportunities and contributing to issues that affect our people and the country.
For those who believe Yahaya Bello still has more to offer, the National Assembly provides another opportunity for public service. It would be a continuation of the journey, this time from a different platform.
As Ebira sons and daughters, we should also be able to look back and simply say thank you.
Thank you for what you did for Kogites.
Thank you for what you contributed to Kogi Central.
Thank you for the opportunities created, the confidence you inspired and the political space you opened for a new generation.
We may not agree with every decision made during your administration, but disagreement should not prevent us from appreciating genuine contributions.
We must learn to celebrate our people while they are still here. We should not wait until someone becomes a memory before we begin to speak about the good things they did.
Yahaya Bello, CON, remains an important figure in the political history of modern Kogi State. His homecoming gives us another opportunity to welcome him, reflect on his journey, appreciate his service and recognise the chapter he has written in the story of Kogi State, particularly Kogi Central.
Leadership should be appreciated while the leader is still here. Service should be acknowledged while the person who served can still hear the appreciation of his people.
Thank you, H.E. Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, for your service to Kogi State and for the role you played in shaping the political confidence of our people.
Welcome home, Your Excellency.
– Prince Muhammed Otaiki