society
Gov Bello, Security And Flurry Of Well Deserved Accolades By Silas Momoh
Gov Bello, Security And Flurry Of Well Deserved Accolades By Silas Momoh
At all levels of the Nigerian federation, the Constitution thrust the management of security of lives and property on the president, governors and local council leaders.
Specifically, Article II of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria vested the executive power of the state in the governor and charges them with the execution of state law. In view of the foregoing, the primary responsibility of any governmemt is first the security of lives and property.
The current administration in Kogi State, under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, inherited a state that is divided into religious, tribal, and class lines, which culminated in a lot of security concerns. He inherited a state where division, oppression, deprivation and injustice were the order of the day
In terms of geography, Kogi is not only the hinge that holds the southern and northern parts of Nigeria together, Lokoja, the state capital, occupies an enviable place in the historical trajectory of Nigeria, having served as the first administrative capital of Nigeria.
Still standing on Mount Party, 1500 feet above the sea level, is the First Governor General Lord Lugard’s Guest House, where the British Journalist with Times of London, Flora Shaw, suggested in a newspaper article, that the place around the River Niger be named Nigeria.
Also, not only is the state a melting pot of the Nigeria nation, it is bordered by nine states of Nigeria. The states of Edo, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Ekiti, Benue , Kwara, Enugu and the Federal Capital Territory borders Kogi. This scenario and it’s delicate ethnic balance make Kogi vulnerable to all manner of crimes and criminality.
True to expectations, Kogi became the epicenter of security concerns. In fact, pre 2015, all the three senatorial districts became a hot bed for kidnapping, political thuggery, armed robbery, youth cultism, herders-farmers clash, ethnic clashes, Boko Haram terrorism etc. Criminals had field day because of its accessibility through multiple points.
At the time, Kogi was daily in the news for every wrong reason. The government at the time was overwhelmed and helpless as security agencies could practically do nothing to remedy it. Kogi was a lucid example of a near-failed territory. Not to mince words, Okene, one of the major towns in the state used to be the operational base of ISWAP and other criminal elements.
Then comes Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, a youngman considered by the political establishment as an underdog, lacking experience, guts and clout. Frankly speaking, many political leaders underrated him. Some even derided him to his face. As at the time he was sworn-in be on 27 January, 2016, some pundits and political bookmakers gave him six months to wear out.
Bello first took his battles to two purveyors of conflicts: the traditional Institutions and politicians. He sounded a clear note of warning to the traditional rulers, mandating them to do everything to secure their domain, while vowing not to spare them, if they are found culpable of fomenting troubles.
He also read a riot act to politicians in the State, that irrespective of their political persuasions, the heavy and long arms of the law will not spare anyone, found to be involved in act that could cause crisis in the State. This strategy worked like magic. Since then, many local council leaders, traditional rulers have paid prices for security breaches in their domains.
Less than three months after he took office, the tides began to turn.Those who had earlier underated him began to feel the heat. Those who think that they owned the State and that without them, nothing can work became jittery. Even criminal gangs, who were celebrating because a supposed inexperienced governor had emerged began to adjust.
Two things worked effectively for Governor Bello: the purity of his motives was not in doubt and courage to dare the powers behind the criminal enterprise in the State. He drew the red line for those who cared to take him serious. He began tightening the noose around kidnappers. His team went all out for their establishments. Their hideouts were invaded. Any house, suspected to belong to a kidnapper or kidnapping gang, were pulled down under his supervision.
One of the problems with fighting criminals in Kogi State before Bello, was the lack of courage to met out punishment to apprehended culprits. Bello’s style has no regard for sacred cows. Soon, the young men, who had settled in the believe that crimes pays faster than hard work, realised that they are out of jobs. They were put to flight. They dispersed in all directions to the bordering States. Suddenly, huge relief began to permeate the land.
Okene that was the den of ISWAP, soon came under Bello’s artillery. That’s where he hailed from but the heavy hand with which he descended on criminal hideout there, sent a clear message to the undesirable elements that the honeymoon was over. Having successfully set example with his own people, it wasn’t difficult for other area to ‘get sense.’
Apart from motivation for security agencies in the frontline, with logistic and other supports, the Kogi Government in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force also established two Mobile Police Squadron Bases along Obajana-Kabba road and in Okene. He also facilitated the location of a Naval Base in Lokoja, established to ensure adequate security of the waterways in the confluence state.
He personally commissioned the Nigeria Navy Ship Lugard and Navy Barracks.
In recognition of Governor Bello’s astounding performance in the security sector, he has been honoured with several prestigious awards from around Nigeria and beyond, amongst which is: President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, 21 October, 2022, at the presidential villa, Abuja, honoured him with a distinguished Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service.
One of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, Blueprint, honoured Bello at it’s 2021 Annual Public Lectures and Impact Series/Awards, the award was in recognition of his “outstanding leadership qualities and decisive handling of the security situation in the state.”
Also, the Nigerian Police honoured Bello for his unparalleled achievements in securing Kogi, the only State in Nigeria, that borders about 10 States.
He also won the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) ‘Torch bearer of Security’ award.
Similarly, the Association of Nigerians in Diaspora, bestowed its “Icon on Security” award on Governor Yahaya Bello in 2021.
Given the prevailing peace in Kogi state today, at a time other parts of Nigeria is in security turmoil, we can only but say thank you to Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, for that will serve as spring under his feets to do more.
—Momoh is a security expert based in Idah.
society
NNPP Chieftain, Ambassador Ajadi Mourns Kano Athletes, Sends Condolences to Governor Yusuf By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
NNPP Chieftain, Ambassador Ajadi Mourns Kano Athletes, Sends Condolences to Governor Yusuf
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In the aftermath of the devastating road crash that claimed the lives of 20 athletes from Kano State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a Southwest chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has joined the growing number of national figures mourning the tragic loss.
The athletes, who were returning from the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, died when the bus conveying them plunged off the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State on Saturday. The incident has since thrown the state—and the Nigerian sporting community—into deep sorrow.
In a heartfelt condolence message addressed to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the families of the deceased, Ambassador Ajadi expressed shock and deep grief over what he described as “an unspeakable tragedy that has befallen not just Kano State, but the soul of our nation.”
“My heart bleeds for the young and promising athletes whose lives were cut short in such a painful and untimely manner,” Ajadi said. “These were not just sportsmen and women—they were symbols of hope, discipline, and national unity. Their death is a monumental loss to our country.”
Ambassador Ajadi, who was the NNPP gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 general election, is well-known for his philanthropic initiatives and youth empowerment programs. Drawing from his deep concern for Nigeria’s youth and public safety, he called on both federal and state governments to take immediate action to improve the country’s decaying road infrastructure.
“We cannot continue to lose our best and brightest on roads that should have been fixed decades ago. This is a wake-up call. The Dakatsalle Bridge, like many other neglected structures across the country, is a death trap. We need action, not just words,” he added.
He also decried the lack of proper transportation infrastructure for athletes, pointing out the need for Nigeria to emulate developed nations in the way it treats its sporting talents.
“This ugly and avoidable incident could have been averted if good amenities and a conducive environment were provided for our talents. Our talents deserve good mobility like flights, which is the standard mobility that governments of developed countries provide for their athletes,” he said.
Ajadi went further to emphasize that the deceased athletes should not be forgotten or treated as mere casualties. Instead, he called for national recognition of their sacrifice.
“These young athletes should be acknowledged as heroes and heroines who died in the service of the nation. They are martyrs of Nigerian sport and unity,” he stated. “The federal government, alongside Ogun and Kano State governments, should provide for the families of the deceased and ensure that posthumous honors are awarded to them.”
The crash, according to eyewitnesses, occurred when the driver lost control of the bus near the aged and narrow bridge—an infrastructural relic that has long been the subject of public concern. Emergency responders and local residents quickly mobilized to rescue survivors, who are now receiving treatment at Kura General Hospital.
Ajadi echoed this sentiment in his message, describing the athletes as “ambassadors of peace and excellence who died in the line of duty.”
“Their sacrifice must not be in vain. Let us honor their memory not only with mourning but with reforms—real, sustainable reforms in the areas of athlete welfare, road safety, and national infrastructure,” he emphasized.
He further called for a national moment of silence during future sporting events and urged sports federations, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and fellow political leaders to support the bereaved families beyond mere condolences.
As black ribbons and mourning banners rise across Kano’s sporting centers, the cries for justice and accountability grow louder. For now, families weep, a state mourns, and a nation reflects—hoping this tragedy spurs long-overdue change.
society
Excitement as Cyprian Chukwunta Celebrates 50th Birthday with Gratitude for Family, Health, and Success in Business
*Excitement as Cyprian Chukwunta Celebrates 50th Birthday with Gratitude for Family, Health, and Success in Business*
Renowned Movie Maker and respected entrepreneur, Cyprian Chukwunta — popularly known by his trade name, L.O.C. — marked his milestone 50th birthday with heartfelt reflections on family, health, and his journey in the world of commerce.
L.O.C., known for his Film Making and in religious articles and jewelries, expressed deep gratitude for the path that has brought him this far. “Happy 50th birthday to me! Five decades of life, love, and adventure,” he said, beaming with pride. “Cheers to many more years of joy, laughter, and making memories!”
Addressing family and well-wishers at a small gathering, L.O.C. emphasized the vital role his family has played in his life and success. “I am a family man, first and foremost,” he said passionately. “I have five beautiful kids — three daughters and two sons — who are the light of my life. Every day I’m grateful for their love, their energy, and the blessings they bring into my home.”
Reflecting on his 50-year journey, he shared: “Fifty years young and still going strong. I’m grateful for every moment, every lesson, and every relationship that has shaped me into the man I am today.”
L.O.C.’s dedication and business acumen have seen him build a thriving enterprise, making him a respected figure in the trade of religious articles and jewelry. His success story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the grace of God. He has produced some series films years ago and he is still in the business of producing films
“God has been so good to me,” he said with deep emotion. “I’m especially thankful for my health, my family, he calls it a journey of His Grace, God has been faithful to me.” he added.
LOC’s passion for progress was evident as he looked toward the future with optimism. “Fifty and fabulous! Time to celebrate all the amazing experiences, memories, and lessons learned. Bring on the next chapter!” he declared. “I’m stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever to keep building and giving back.”
L.O.C.’s 50th birthday is not just a personal milestone but a celebration of perseverance, faith, and a legacy built on strong family values and business excellence. As he embraces this new chapter, he remains committed to inspiring those around him, both in business and in life.
Happy birthday, L.O.C. — here’s to many more years of living life with purpose and passion.
society
Rasaq and Tracy embark on a new journey together: a joyful celebration of enduring love and unwavering commitment ~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
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