WITH OTHER PIX .indd 1 05/02/2020 9:45 AM LET’S DO MORE! BEING TEXT OF INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR OF DURING HIS SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR A 2ND TERM IN OFFICE AS THE 4TH EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE AT THE GLASS HOUSE, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, , KOGI STATE ON THE 27TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2020

PROTOCOLS 5. I appreciate most profoundly Hajia Dr. Bello - the APC Kogi State Chairman, the 1. I welcome everyone to this Inauguration Aisha - 1st Lady of entire national and state membership Ceremony. It is indeed a red letter day for the Federal Republic of , Her Excel- and leadership of Africa’s most empathic us as we receive another chance to take lency, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo - wife of the Governing Party, the APC, for providing our New Direction Governance Princi- Vice President, Hajia Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, us the platform and the political prowess ples to the Next Level and to Do More for Ph.D - Minister of State for the Federal which helped us to emerge victorious for a our people and society over the next four Capital Territory and a Kogi woman of second time. substance, each and every one of the wives years. I am truly glad that you could be 8. I thank my Team in the New Direction of Governors and all the other eminent with us today. Administration, most especially, His Excel- Nigerian women who supported us, espe- lency, Chief Edward Onoja, my siamese 2. This is first of all a day for gratitude. In cially those in Your Excellencies’ powerful twin and the Deputy Governor of Kogi the first term journey which we have just entourage to the grande finale of our State, for the hard work and loyal follow- concluded, God and Good were firmly reelection campaigns last November. Your ership which enabled me to pilot this ship on our side. We have lost count of how Excellency, you are indeed the mother of with a minimum of distractions. Edward many times Divine Providence saw us the nation and a fearless advocate of good Onoja is a Godly politician, an astute through perilous seasons and situations. I governance. cannot thank God Almighty enough for his visionary and a talented strategist who immeasurable help. 6. I thank my colleague Governors, both has proved his worth to me, to Kogi State those still in service and those who have and to our party again and again - first as 3. I appreciate His Excellency, President completed their tour of duty as the No. 1 my Chief of Staff and now as my Deputy. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for providing citizens of their respective states, honour- 9. I salute our 3 Distinguished Senators, us an example of courage in leadership able ministers of the Federal Republic, Chief Smart Adeyemi, Alhaji Jibrin Isah and the ability to keep your eyes on the other top government functionaries, Echocho and Alhaji Yakubu Oseni, along ultimate prize, even when your good captains of industry, corporate bodies with our 6 Honourable members of the intentions are misunderstood or mischar- and well meaning Nigerians too many to House of Representatives and the 25 acterised by design. enumerate who stood with us through Honourable Members of the Kogi State thick and thin and provided immense 4. I appreciate His Excellency, Vice President House of Assembly, all of the APC, led by support and encouragement. Yemi Osinbajo for showing us how effort- The Right Honourable Speaker, Prince lessly the fear of God, character, compe- 7. I thank our great Party, the All Progressives Matthew Kolawole. These efficient tence, faithful stewardship and loyalty can Congress (APC), His Excellency, Comrade lawmakers have proved that legislating be a complete package in high Office, even - our National is a job for independent-minded team in the face of unfair criticism and personal Chairman, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa - our players. Without your support, today may attacks. National Woman Leader, Alhaji Abdullahi not have been possible.

WITH OTHER PIX .indd 2 05/02/2020 9:45 AM 10. My special thanks His Lordship, Honour- d. And in memoriam, I recall with fond- celebration today for the good people of able Justice Nasir Ajanah and the Kogi ness my father Alhaji Ochi Ipemida Kogi State - my employers and my only State Judiciary for their roles in the task of Bello who died while I was still a toddler Reason for getting into politics. Kogites are governing Kogi State. No doubt, the prin- and my sister, Hajia Rabiat Bello who the best people any Governor could ask ciple of separation of powers has bene- passed away in late December 2019. for. They will set high standards for you, fited tremendously from our experiences May your precious souls continue to they will knock you into shape, they will in the last 4 years. rest in peace. keep you on your toes and no matter what you do, only your best will ever be good 11. It is of course impossible to forget Organ- e. We are a closely-knit family unit which enough for them at any time. However, if ised Labour in Kogi, the various unions spends a lot of time together so I you serve them well, they will prove to the and organisations including the student am really grateful for the incredible world that you are their own, and when bodies whose firm support translated into patience and sacrifice of my loved ones you need them, they will stand solidly with crucial and substantial electoral votes. Of since I embarked on this tough journey you - an army that no one can defeat. I will special importance are the faith-based about 4 years ago, especially as it has never get over the massive support they duo of the Muslim Council of Ulamas in now extended into another 4 years. gave me for my reelection! Kogi State and the Christians groups led by 13. I also recall the contributions of a great the Christian Association of Nigeria. They 15. In fact, let me use this opportunity to and unforgettable man to the emerging proved to be upright partners who helped specially appreciate the awesome people realities of today’s Kogi State. Prince Dr. to keep us accountable to the people. of Kogi State for the unbelievable support laid the foundations of they gave us in all the elections which 12. I celebrate my family: robust governance as the 1st Executive were held during our first term, and in Governor of Kogi State. He also built the a. My wives - Hajia Barr. Amina Oyiza particular, the 2019 General Elections and APC into a formidable political force in Bello, Hajia Rashidat Bello, the First the November 16 Kogi State Governorship the state, and personally led it to dislodge Lady of Kogi State and Hajia Hafiza Polls. This wonderful people handed the the former ruling party. Unfortunately, he Onyinoyi Bello. All Progressives Congress (APC) decisive died before he could see his beloved party wins across board in all the elections. b. My children - Miss Hauwa Bello, Master at the helms of affairs in Kogi State. We Hayatullah Bello (our super able son) salute this extraordinary visionary today, 16. Kogi State reelected Mr. President and the and the rest of our lovely children. and pray the Almighty God to grant him Vice President with very sound margins eternal rest. before giving us a clean sweep of the c. My dear mother and matriarch of our various legislative seats by voting APC family, Hajia Hauwau Oziohu Bello 14. I have reserved my greatest thanks, my candidates into 2 out of 3 Senate seats, 7 and my esteemed siblings. deepest appreciation and my heartiest out of 9 House of Representatives seats

WITH OTHER PIX .indd 3 05/02/2020 9:45 AM and all 25 Kogi State House of Assembly 18. The story of our stewardship in the term 20. Thus, it was clear to us from the begin- seats. In a subsequent rerun poll after the just ended is the classic tale of choosing ning that conformity would mean more of Tribunal rightly nullified the Kogi West a new direction and confronting what- the retrogressive ways and corrupt prac- Senatorial election earlier carted away by ever challenges it brings with courage, tices which had caused our state so much the main opposition party, the APC also no matter how overwhelming they might trouble. Since this was not an option to us, won the third and final seat. become. we moved on to chart a different but more difficult path, and one which put us on a 17. I will never forget the historic vote 19. When we took Office for our first term on collision course with strong vested inter- Kogites gave me for my own reelection on the 27th day of January, 2016, we quickly ests. November 16, 2019. I ended up beating my discovered that if Kogi State must survive nearest challenger in the 2019 Kogi State the twin troubles of recession and inse- 21. We identified godfatherism, tribalism, Gubernatorial Elections with over 215,000 curity which were ravaging Nigeria at the class consciousness and religious divides votes! My victory was not only historic, but time, we must do a whole lot of things as the four legs of the table of corruption it marks a drastic paradigm shift in how differently. We knew that the Youthful- in this state and the ready tools of oppres- we play our politics in Kogi State and will ness and Patriotism which we brought to sion and misgovernance. They had had henceforth obligate politicians and their Government would be overcome by the distorted social equity and equality among parties to court every constituency if they status quo if we failed to quickly upset the Kogites so over the four years of our first wish to govern Kogi State. I am indeed old ways which accorded unholy privileges term we confronted these four evils wher- grateful that Kogi people counted me to a favoured few at the expense of the rest ever we found them. Today, we have cut worthy to be the protagonist of these new of the populace. them off and they no longer determine the realities. Thank you, thank you, and thank rules of engagement between the govern- you! ment and the people in Kogi State.

BUILT AND EQUIPPED THE KOGI STATE IGR STATE-OF-ART OFFICE KOGI STATE POSITIONED TO BE MAJOR PLAYER IN RICE PRODUCTION UNDER GYB

OVER 300 TRACTORS PROCURED FOR FARMING ACTIVITIES OVER 1200 TILLERS PROCURED TO BOOST AGRICULTURE IN KOGI STATE

BOUNTIFUL HARVEST FROM OSARA GREEN HOUSE AN INITIATIVE OF THE GYB ADMINISTRATION MINI-EARTHEN PONDS IN

WITH OTHER PIX .indd 4 05/02/2020 9:46 AM OUTER VIEW OF THE 1000 (50 TONS) PER DAY RICE MILL IN EJIBA FISH HATCHERY IN AIYETORO GBEDE

BOUNTIFUL HARVEST FROM OSARA GREEN HOUSE AN INITIATIVE OF THE GYB ADMINISTRATION FARM INPUTS DISTRIBUTED TO FARMERS

22. More importantly, by vigorously enlight- and profit, for truly, if we do not urgently 28. We are not ashamed to admit that we lost ening the people to the real costs of these contrive to live together as brothers, we the propaganda war during our first term, divisive and discriminatory practices, even will continue to perish together as fools. but neither are we shy to say that we won to those who may appear to be benefiting the battle for Truth, which is more impor- 25. One small but significant achievement, from it, we were able to empower them tant. Today, we are defined, not by the and one that I am particularly elated over to resist such. The people are now less lies which uncharitable people have told because of its uniting force, is the building inclined to mortgage their welfare to gain about us to the nation, but by the many of a beautiful Chapel inside the Kogi State some fleeting patronage. In fact, we are infallible proofs of great governance which Government House premises for the first now seeing more and more individuals, we were able to produce and deliver to our time in 28 years. It is not so much the cost families and whole communities across people across the state. of the building, but the balance which we Kogi State rising up and freeing them- were finally able to bring in the seat of 29. I will be guilty of a huge error if I do not at selves from social, economic and political power between the two major religions this juncture say a big ‘thank you!’ to those subservience to a few individuals and their in our state after such a long time which brave souls in the media, both conven- entrenched interests. excites me. It may be a token, but it is a tional and social media who insisted on 23. I make bold to say therefore that uniting significant token. reporting only what is true and fair about the rich human and natural diversities of us. In the face of syndicated and unre- 26. Of course, the rent-seekers who were Kogi State into a progressive and cohesive lenting fake news about the New Direction beneficiaries of the old ways as well as force for good is the main achievement of Administration in Kogi State, these brave their protégés came at us with Vengeance, our first term and will remain a priority souls manged to find and report the truth, like a Tsunami. They twisted and turned of this 2nd Term. We shall not relent in sometimes at the risk of offending editors our every word and action into all sorts of weaving equity and equality into the fabric or advertisers. Thank you for remaining negative shapes before the world, espe- of our society and strengthening the basis true to your conscience and your journal- cially through their captive media, and for for them. istic ethics. a while the news only reported bad things 24. Truth be told, we are in this for the long about us, nearly all of which were false. 30. Indeed, as the revered Shehu Usmanu haul, for as Martin Luther King Jr said, ‘we Dan Fodio once said, ‘Conscience is an 27. However, a key attribute of the Truth is must live together as brothers or perish open wound, only truth can heal it.’ There that it cannot be hidden forever. Today, together as fools’. Thus, this battle for a is plenty of proof today that during our with the help of God and the support of our united and egalitarian Kogi society is one 1st Term, in addition to achieving the people, we have not only reduced the foot- which we must sustain, and at the appro- enhanced cooperation and integration print of sectionalism in our body politic priate time, pass on to posterity. May I also among our people which I have spoken but we have also tamed the capacity of take the liberty to commend this quote to about earlier, we also made critical devel- their beneficiaries to redeploy and benefit our nation as well. We must understand opmental and governance milestones from them. that what hurts one hurts all and begin to which are helping to reposition Kogi State pool our energies for mutual protection to face the future head-on and unafraid.

WITH OTHER PIX .indd 5 05/02/2020 9:46 AM Above all, we set out to touch the lives of 34. We inherited a Kogi State that was noto- 37. Consequently, we were rated the 2nd most the people with the dividends of democ- rious for insecurity, especially as the peaceful state in the federation after Osun racy and it is not immodest to say that kidnap capital of Nigeria. It was a hotbed in 2018, and the most peaceful in northern we did a good job of it, by every objective of armed robbery, communal clashes, Nigeria by the National Peace Index (NPI). standard. home invasions, political thuggery and Kogi State under my leadership was in the other violent crimes. The state recorded same 2018 rated the state with the second 31. We started off by developing a well over 250 kidnappings in 2015 alone, but lowest crime statistics after Kebbi by the drafted plan, the New Direction Blueprint, less than 6 months into my tenure, those National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). which acted as our roadmap for acceler- numbers dropped drastically. In fact, for a ated development of Kogi State in all her 38. The great gains we made in securing the 6 month period from July of 2016 to early constituencies. It provided guidance and lives and properties of our people and January of 2018 we recorded no kidnaps helped us to focus on 7 key thematic areas, those who traverse our territory demanded at all. Till today, kidnapping has remained to wit, Education, Health, Infrastructure, of us creative thinking and plenty of sacri- an opportunistic and isolated crime in Job Creation, Civil Service Reforms, Agri- fice, which we did not fail to provide. Kogi Kogi State. culture and Security. Today, the results is thus more secure as we go into our 2nd speak for themselves. 35. We invested in over 200 brand new vans Term than she has ever been at any time. and trucks and over 500 motorcycles and This is a gain we intend to strengthen and 32. For the first time since Kogi State was distributed them free among all the secu- sustain. created we have enjoyed equity in the rity agencies operating in the state. We spread of government appointments 39. Moving on from security, we worked hard also imported and supported them with and projects. When it comes to appoint- to improve our fiscal responsibility and modern communications gadgetry and ments, everyone knows that Yahaya Bello sustainability capacities as a state. Our provided finances and logistics. We built only considers merit, fairness and justice budgets for every year has always been a Forward Operations Base for the Nige- in selection and placement of persons passed before the end of the previous year rian Army from scratch and established who work with him. When it comes to since we came to office. We passed fiscal smaller outposts for other agencies across projects, we have tried to spread the love accountability laws to close the gaps we the state. proportionately between our 3 Senatorial met in the stewardship of public finances. Districts. 36. We forged synergy between the various We upload our budgets and routinely agencies and formed a Joint Task Force publish our stewardship of public finances 33. Tribe, religion or class are no longer the of the Nigerian Police, the military and both online and in newspapers to improve determinants of who or where gets what. all other federal law enforcement agen- transparency. They play no role except as a measure of cies in the state. We flooded every nook proportionality. We also made it a delib- 40. The results have been great. Our Inter- and cranny of the state with mobile patrol erate policy to observe affirmative action. nally Generated Revenue has grown from teams. We set up the Kogi State Vigilante For the first time in our history, the youth about N350m monthly when we took Services which currently has over 5000 and the womenfolk occupied the largest Office in January 2016 to about N1.4bn active personnel, mainly retired security number of high profile positions in govern- per month now, mainly by the elimination agents and agile youths and tasked them ment ever, and wielded real influence. of waste and corruption and by improving with community policing. collection. Our IGR figures since 2016 are

WITH OTHER PIX .indd 6 05/02/2020 9:46 AM 27 REHABILITATION ASPHALT OVERLAY OF IYAMOYE-IFE OLUKOTUN -PONYAN-JEGE-EJUKU-IJOWA- ISANLU ROAD 34 OTHER ROADS WERE REHABILITATED 100% IN TOWNS AND CITIES ACROSS THE STATE

PROJECT LIGHT UP KOGI EAST (PLUKE) OGORI/MAGONGO POWER STATION 35 REHABILITATION OF 4.5KM OGORIMAGONGO ROAD

17 ANCHOR BORROWER SCHEME (WET SEASON) WHICH BENEFITTED ABOUT 4,944 FARMERS ACROSS THE STATE IN 2017 FREE MOBILE TRUCK FOR THE FREE DOOR TO DOOR HEALTHCARE INITIATIVE.

in themselves a metaphor for the steady folio. It bears repeating that since we took painted an iconic blue and white, and you development which we have achieved in Office we have been intentional about cannot miss them. most areas: meeting Kogi State’s counterpart funding 44. Our secondary schools and Tertiary insti- obligations to the World Bank Group and a. 2016 - N9,569,123,755.23 tutions also received extensive attention other development partners. That is a lot from my administration in our first term, b. 2017 - N11,244,260,974.7 of money, but the dividends have been mainly in provision of enhanced learning much too. Our partnership with the World c. 2018 - N11,334,113,743.5 materials and development of physical Bank Group is one I wish to deepen greatly infrastructure. d. 2019 - N16,389,026,388.86. in this second term. 45. Our gory experience with sections of the 41. Less than 2 years into my first tenure, Kogi 43. Still in 2019 we ranked the 7th top media notwithstanding, we did not refrain State became one of only 4 states in the performer among all the states and FCT from giving the media and communica- federation deemed success stories in the in basic education funding according to tions industry their full dues as resources SDGs by the United Nations Development the records of the Universal Basic Educa- would permit. In keeping with our healthy Programme (UNDP). We were invited to the tion Commission (UBEC). We have reno- respect for the media and practitioners 72nd UN General Assembly on this score. vated, or constructed from scratch, over therein, I will also be upgrading Informa- In addition, we consistently received high 375 classroom blocks in basic education tion and Communication from a Bureau ratings in key performance areas from (primary) schools across the state. Those to a full-fledged ministry in this 2nd Term. credible local and international agencies. of you on the lookout might have seen This will not only accord the media her some of these buildings in the schools you pride of place as the 4th Estate of the 42. In 2019, the World Bank Group recognised passed on your way here today. They are us as the top performer in World Bank Port-

WITH OTHER PIX .indd 7 05/02/2020 9:46 AM Realm but also strengthen her capacity to rest of the country slid further into it. This 34 other roads were rehabilitated 100% act as ombudsman between the Govern- rating in particular silenced those who in towns and cities across the state which ment and the people. invested a lot into discrediting my civil added another 150km. About 350km of service reforms. motorable asphalt overlay added to our 46. In this regard, the new ministry will be existing road network is not bad for a first deploying the Kogi State Open Govern- 50. Today, the claims of non-payment of sala- term in office, especially one which started ment and Accountability System (KOGAS) ries which dogged our footsteps during in a recession! Our second term will see within 60 days from today. KOGAS will our staff screening and verification- exer several legacy infrastructure projects be a real-time online accountability plat- cise have become history. I have been able come on board. form designed to mobilise the people in to bring my salary payments up to date checking government and her function- and to fulfill my dream cum promise to 54. We connected over 200 communities to aries, by nipping misconduct and excesses pay salaries before they become due since the national electricity grid - some of them in the bud. August last year. We now pay our workers for the first time while others were recon- even before the month ran out. Hence- nected after really long periods of discon- 47. Also for the records, we built a modern forth, it is our plan, all things being equal, nection. In our second term, we intend to headquarters for The Graphic Newspaper, to pay salaries and pensions between the accelerate electrification of many other our state-owned print media outfit and 25th and 28th of every month. communities through on-grid and off-grid repositioned her to a level of technical options. Our ongoing Project Light Up Kogi output which is reportedly best-in-kind 51. I commend the patience and support of East which is personally overseen by the amongst similar state entities in the Organised Labour in Kogi State throughout Deputy Governor under my supervision country. We also procured a state-of- the process of implementing our civil is an ambitious project that is on course the-art Outside Broadcast (OB) Van for service reform schedules. They under- to strengthen electricity facilities serving Confluence Radio and new digital trans- stood that we were only trying to sanitise the Kogi East axis where we have the mitters for the Broadcasting Corporation our workforce and payroll and they acted lowest electricity penetration in the state. of Kogi State thereby migrating her fully as fierce, but fair, watchdogs over the When completed the project would have into the elite corps of digital broadcasters process. provided another 200-500 communities in the country. 52. Infrastructure was a big need in Kogi State with electricity. 48. We embarked on a meticulous staff when we arrived Government House and it 55. We provided over 300 boreholes and rural screening and verification exercise was a big deal for us. It is still a big need water schemes to villages and hamlets which Organised Labour in the state has today, but we also got a lot done in our first across the 3 Senatorial Districts and described as ‘difficult but necessary’ and term by tackling infrastructure as vigor- revamped existing waterworks in several credited with deepening efficiency in the ously as time and funding would permit. urban centres for improved provision of civil service. 53. Across the state, we awarded 16 new inter- portable water to the populace. 49. In 2019, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics city roads and designated 2 existing ones 56. Agriculture has always been earmarked rated us one of the only 9 states which for complete overhaul. This enabled us as the mainstay of government’s efforts to reduced unemployment at a time that the to construct about 200km of new roads. engage the people profitably and we will

GYB MODEL LGA PRIMARY SCHOOL REPLICATED ACROSS THE STATE ARIEL VIEW OF RENOVATED SCHOOL OF NURSING & MIDWIFERY, OBANGEDE

UPGRADED LEARNING CONDITIONS IN GYB MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOLS MODERN FACILITIES INSTALLED IN ALL THE GYB MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOLS

WITH OTHER PIX .indd 8 05/02/2020 9:46 AM continue to invest in it. Already we have November 2019 study by the National 60. We beefed up the fight against deadly thousands of Kogites gainfully engaged Population Commission (NPC) and the and infectious diseases by constructing a in the Agricultural value chain and it will Federal Ministry of Health sponsored brand new Biosafety Laboratory, reacti- be our policy thrust in the second term to by the United States Agency for Inter- vating the moribund Lassa fever treatment enlarge the scope. national Development (USAID). Along centre and establishing a Public Health with saving hundreds of lives among Operations Centre. 57. We constructed a brand new 50 tons per our children under five years of age, we day Rice Mill at Ejiba in the Kogi West 61. I set up the Kogi State Poor and Vulner- also achieved a corresponding drop in Senatorial District during our first term. able Peoples Fund early in my adminis- maternal mortality rates. This followed It is supported with about 800 hectares of tration and provided money for health the launch of free health services to our paddy under cultivation. We have enlarged and other interventions to the poor. pregnant women, nursing mothers and the scope of support to farmers and agri- Wealthy citizens were also encouraged the newborns themselves. cultural undertakings across the state. to donate to the Fund and some of them Government support has taken the form 59. Following the resolution of sundry were very generous indeed. We were able of free or subsidised agricultural services contractual and legal impediments to sponsor 876 surgeries and over 50,000 or inputs such as tractors and other farm which occasioned some delay and other medical cases, some of which were equipment, fertilisers, improved seeds and distorted our earlier schedules, we treated abroad under the auspices of the seedlings, land preparation and extension have nearly completed the Conflu- Bello Health Intervention initiative. services. ence Advanced Medical and Diagnostic 62. In addition to large scale facelift of Health Centre, a full-fledged Ultramodern Diag- 58. In the health sector, we have done rather training institutions in the state through nostic Center at the Specialist Hospital, well too. Kogi has the lowest infant infrastructural developments, we also Lokoja. mortality rates in Nigeria according to a recruited thousand of personnel for the

REHABILITATION OF ROUND ABOUT AT OHINOYI’S PALACE PROVISION OF TRANSFORMER IN BANDA COMMUNITY

SKILL ACQUISITION EMPOWERED BY GYB GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT OF OVER 20 AMBULANCES FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES

HEALTHCARE PLUS WHICH TAKES CARE OF PREGNANT WOMEN WITH FREE HEALTHCARE SERVICES FROM CONCEPTION SUPPLY OF DRUGS AND MEDICAL CONSUMABLES ALONG WITH TRAINING OF HEALTH WORKERS IN HEALTH CARE PLUS TILL ONE MONTH AFTER DELIVERY SUPPORTED FACILITIES

WITH OTHER PIX .indd 9 05/02/2020 9:46 AM health sector. The Kogi State College of erment Programme (GEEP): 4,192 in a gubernatorial election ever seen in Nursing, Obangede was able to receive the beneficiaries of interest free loans this state and it is now incumbent on us to full accreditation which had eluded her for for market women which has added keep our electoral promises - and we shall many years. N209,600,000 to the economy of Kogi do just that. State. 63. We have 239 wards in Kogi State and we 67. Our Let’s Do More mantra stands on 3 Oper- built, renovated or remodeled at least one d. Home Grown School Feeding ative Principles, ie, Partnerships, Progress Primary Healthcare Centre in each ward Programme (HGSFP) is still operating and Prosperity. The 3Ps (as we call them) in the State. A few wards actually received at pilot stage, but currently feeds will underpin all our engagements in this more than one. about 100,000 pupils in 620 public new term of Office. Everything we do will primary schools whole employing explore partnership, be progressive and 64. We set up the Kogi State Health Insurance 1,067 caterers and putting in over produce as much prosperity as possible Agency with an eye to the planned rollout N100,000,000 into Kogi’s economy per for Kogi State. of universal healthcare services in our month. second term. a. Partnership: Our Next Level in Kogi e. Currently, the SIPs as a whole pump in State will rely on synergy at every 65. My Administration is happy to accept all about N1.1billion into the Kogi State stage, primarily the one between the help she can get from every honest economy monthly. the People and the Government but source. The various initiatives under the also with a wide array of domestic Federal Government’s Social Investment f. We have received commendations and international investors, service Programme (SIP) have proven an inval- from the Presidency through the providers and development partners uable social safety net which we have Honourable Minister of Humanitarian spread across the public and private exploited for the benefit of tens of thou- Affairs, Disaster Management and sectors. sands of Kogites. As at today, we have the Social Development for outstanding following SIP statistics: performance in partnering with the b. Progress: The partnerships which will Federal Government on the SIPs. define our 2nd Term must be- inher a. N-Power: 12,964 beneficiaries earning ently progressive. Their trajectory N30,000 each per month, which adds g. We shall not relent in our efforts and must be a progression from where we about N388,920,000 to our economy during our second term we intend to are to where we plan to go, and rely monthly. scale up on all the components of the predominantly on homegrown solu- SIP by at least 100%. b. Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT): tions for meeting our unique chal- 62,160 poor and vulnerable people 66. We ran for a 2nd term with the slogan, lenges as a people and state. receiving N5000 monthly grant which ‘Let’s Do More’, and made a strong case c. Prosperity. Our second term must injects N621,600,000 into the Kogi for reelection by showcasing our 1st improve the lot of every Kogite who State economy monthly term achievements while undertaking is willing to put in an honest day’s to improve on them. Kogi voters have c. Government Enterprise and Empow- labour. Our aim is to grow an inclusive reelected us with the most historic margin economy which has room for every

WITH OTHER PIX .indd 10 05/02/2020 9:46 AM willing participant, irrespective of his land under cultivation with rice and be taking our aquaculture to the next or her ethnic extraction, physical loca- facilitate off-taker agreements for local level as well in this second term. tion and preferred occupation. growers. We want to make Confluence f. Livestock farming has always been Rice the dominant brand, at least in 68. Our overall mission in this second term subsistence in Kogi State but over the the home market. is to develop Kogi State into Nigeria’s last four years, we have grown the foremost and most secure emerging b. Nigeria is the largest grower numbers of participants in this area commercial hub through optimization of in the world and Kogi State is Nigeria’s too. Our second term strategy is to the state’s geographical location, natural largest grower. We will add 500,000 support more Kogites to find employ- endowments and human resources for a new cassava farmers from our popu- ment in poultry farming. We will also sustainable future. lace into our initiatives around this be establishing institutional cattle amazing crop during this second term. ranches to take advantage of the 69. We shall embark on large scale urban employment and income options in renewal projects to further transform c. We also plan to build the nation’s this neglected area. Lokoja into a resilient capital city with largest ethanol plant in Kogi State for modern utilities attractive to residents the production of ethanol fuel from 72. Outside of Agriculture, we are also going and tourists alike. Even though upgrading cassava. This will and further expand to pay greater attention to human capital the sights and sounds of Lokoja will be the use of green fuels in Nigeria given development by investing more in training paramount, this beautification project will that Climate Change has become such our people for enhanced relevance in a extend to at least one major town in each a dramatic concern globally. We have technologically evolving future. Senatorial District. secured a partnership with the NNPC 73. With Information and Communications Group, the Central Bank of Nigeria and 70. We will sustain focus on Agriculture for Technology becoming such a big earner a private investor to make this project improved food security, mass employ- for individuals and societies, we will do a reality. ment and increase in Internally Generated our best to facilitate some youth with the Revenue. We will take the Agricultural d. Kogi State is a leading player in Nige- relevant cognates and competencies to Revolution which we started in the first ria’s cashew nuts industry. We have acquire further education in this area at term to the Next Level. largely eliminated the communal leading institutions abroad. conflicts around this crop and will 71. Specifically, Rice, Cassava, Cashew, Aqua- 74. I do not intend to outline everything we continue working with orchards and culture and Livestock will remain the shall do in this second term in this brief growers to improve the quantity and bedrock of our activities in the agricultural speech. That will have to wait for our quality of our produce as well as the sector as follows: updated New Direction Blueprint which size of our market share in the multi- should be out within the next 90 days. a. In addition to the state-owned rice mill billion naira cashew industry. However, it is important that we give us an at Ejiba which I mentioned earlier, we e. We have added thousands of new fish idea of our governance thrust and that is will work to see more Rice Mills built ponds and their proprietors to the what we have just done. by private capital in the state, increase numbers we met in 2016 and we shall

HER EXCELLENCY, HAJIA AISHA BUHARI COMMISSIONING THE PRESIDENTIAL LODGE, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LOKOJA NEWLY CONSTRUCTED AND COMMISSIONED PRESIDENTIAL LODGE, LOKOJA

SECTIONS OF EJULE-UWAMI-UWGULAWO-AJAKA ROADS AERIAL VIEWS OF ADAMI - EBA - IHIMA ROADS

WITH OTHER PIX .indd 11 05/02/2020 9:46 AM 75. The more you bear the burden of leader- without fear or favour. This objective will 81. It is on this note that I enjoin all Kogites to ship, the more you realise that people, remain unchanged throughout my second look forward to the next four years with and not things, events or places, matter tenure. optimism and great expectations. We will the most. This places a demand on you to do everything in our power as government 78. My primary allegiance as Governor will make your people and their welfare the to make sure they are productive, pros- remain to Kogi State and her citizens, not heart of your leadership. But since things, perous and peaceful. to party or tribe. Everyone is my citizen events and places exert a profound influ- and I owe everyone the protections and 82. So help me God. ence on people, you also find yourself obli- fidelities inherent in the Office. gated to improve them for the benefit of 83. I thank you all. your people. 79. I therefore call on all and sundry, friends 84. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. and perceived foes, to put aside all differ- 76. Therefore, my definition of good govern- ences of politics, ideology or affiliation 85. God bless Kogi State. ance is the ability to unite the people, and join hands with us to give Kogi State things, events and places within our lead- 86. And God bless you all. the best of governance. ership space in a wholesome, symbiotic relationship. 80. By the grace of God, the Oath of Office I YAHAYA BELLO have just taken is a pact to do right by all 77. When approached with the above Governor of Kogi State citizens as the 4th Executive Governor of mindset, governance ceases to be a popu- 27 January, 2020. Kogi State. In this second and concluding larity contest and becomes a life-saving term of my constitutional tenures as vocation requiring the leader’s best efforts Governor, it shall be the principal preoccu- always. Our governance objective in Kogi pation of my administration to bring revi- State since January 27, 2016 when we talised energy to bear in delivering refo- first took Office is to do the right thing for cused governance. the present generation and for posterity

BEFFITTING PLACE OF MUSLIM WORSHIP IN ANPKA CONSTRUCTED BY GYB ADMISTRATION GOVERNMENT HOUSE CHAPEL, CONSTRUCTED BY GYB ADMISTRATION

PROCUREMENT OF VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE SERCURITY AGENCIES IN KOGI STATE MOTORCYCLE TO AID VIGILANTE SERVICES

DEMOLITION OF KIDNAPPERS DEN TOTAL DEMOLITION OF KIDNAPERS HIDEOUT

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