Ogidi Community Bestows “Legend of Resourceful Democracy Award” on Former Governor Yahaya Bello
The Ogidi community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State has conferred its prestigious “Legend of Resourceful Democracy Award” on the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to democratic governance and the development of the state.
The honour was bestowed during the 2025 Ogidi Day Celebration Festival, a vibrant cultural event that celebrates the new yam harvest and showcases the rich traditions of the Ogidi people. The festival, held annually, draws attendees from far and wide and has become a unifying platform for cultural pride and community development.
Former Governor Bello, who was a special guest of honour at the occasion, expressed deep gratitude for the award and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the growth and progress of the Ogidi kingdom.
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A notable highlight of the event was the presentation of a custom portrait to Governor Bello by the internationally renowned artist, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye, founder of the Nike Art Gallery. In her remarks, Okundaye noted that Bello’s dedication to delivering the dividends of democracy across Kogi State inspired her to honour him through her art.
In his address, former Governor Bello emphasized the fundamental role of culture as the root of any society, shaping its values, beliefs, and actions. He commended the sons and daughters of Ogidi who returned home for the festival and urged others in the diaspora to emulate their gesture by remaining connected to their roots and contributing to local development.
Bello further assured the people of Ogidi that the Ayere–Ondo boundary road project would be completed under the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. He added that all ongoing road projects in the Ogidi kingdom were already in their second phase and would be completed by Ododo’s administration.
He also congratulated Prince Olatunji Olusoji on his installation as the Bashorun Akinjagunla of Ogidi Kingdom, applauding his efforts in both Ogidi and his maternal homeland in Delta State.
In a passionate call, the former governor encouraged the people of Ogidi to remain peaceful, united, vigilant in community security, and supportive of their Local Government Chairman.
He hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “great father of the nation” and rallied support for the President’s re-election in 2027, predicting a “clean sweep” victory.
Speaking on state politics, Bello threw his weight behind Governor Ododo’s second-term ambition, declaring emphatically that there is “no vacancy in Lugard House” and urging the electorate to vote based on the Governor’s performance.
He also called on traditional rulers to work in harmony with the Obaro of Kabba, the paramount ruler, to ensure a united and progressive Kogi State. Bello expressed his desire for the state to become a “one-party state” in recognition of the positive strides under President Tinubu’s administration.
The event also featured a grand celebration of Governor Bello’s 50th Golden Jubilee birthday, marked by a ceremonial cake-cutting and tributes from dignitaries.
The Chairman of the occasion, Architect Salman Idris, commended Governor Bello’s presence at the festival and praised his remarkable achievements during his eight-year tenure, noting their enduring impact on the lives of the people of Kogi State.
