By Christopher Sunday
Department of Social Sciences and Humanity, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja
As former Governor Yahaya Bello marks his 50th birthday, it presents not just a moment of personal celebration, but a significant political reflection for Kogi State and the Nigerian youth at large. Having served two full terms as governor before reaching the golden age of 50, Bello’s trajectory remains a compelling message that the youth can lead, shape governance, and define history—if given the platform and guided by vision.
His emergence in 2016 was unconventional, even controversial. But over the years, Yahaya Bello redefined the political architecture of Kogi State. He collapsed old power blocs, empowered a new generation of political players, and promoted inclusion in governance—especially with youth and women taking front-row seats in his administration. While critics may point at some of his missteps or administrative decisions, no one can deny his ability to hold his structure firm for eight solid years. He made bold choices and saw through the political storm that comes with leadership.
His decision to support Ahmed Usman Ododo as his successor has drawn applause in some quarters and criticism in others. But let the truth be told—those attacking Bello today for choosing a successor are either being politically mischievous or emotionally driven. Every politician desires legacy. Every leader wants continuity. What matters most is not who succeeds you, but what the people experience under the new leadership.
Today, the baton is with Governor Ododo. His destiny is now in his own hands. He carries the hopes of a new generation and the responsibility to correct the mistakes of the past. He is not just governing to defend the legacy of his predecessor; he must govern to deepen it and do better.
Ododo’s administration must rise above politics-as-usual. His appointees must understand that governance is not about personal gain or blind loyalty. It is about service. They must reflect the values of responsibility, integrity, and fairness. Sycophancy must be pushed aside. Leaders around him must offer the truth, not empty praises, so that he can lead with clarity and conviction.
The road ahead is demanding. But with the right character, humility, and vision, Ododo can etch his name in gold—just as Bello, love him or hate him, did before clocking 50.
This is not just Bello’s story; it’s a message to Nigerian youth: You are not too young to lead, not too inexperienced to govern, and certainly not too small to dream big.
