As Governor Ododo Steps Out from Yayaya Bello’s Shadow

In Kogi State, Governor Usman Ododo has long been viewed through the lens of his predecessor, Yahaya Bello. While loyalty is a valued trait, staying in another’s shadow can make even the brightest star appear dimmer. Ododo’s challenge was clear: carve his own path.

Bello’s tenure left a significant imprint on Kogi’s politics, and Ododo’s close association with him initially made many people wonder if he would merely echo Bello’s ways. A leader confined to the expectations of another risks becoming a very poor and unwanted caricature.

So, Kogites bore under the weight of negative expectation, thinking that Ododo would copy Bello and his hard ways. What if at the end of the new governor’s tenure, there is another case of N80 billion disappearing because he allegedly wants to pay the school fees of his children? But Ododo, it seems, is beginning to chart his course. Recent policies and decisions reflect a shift towards independence. Recently, he was reported as disbursing around N3 billion to over 2,381 direct beneficiaries across more than 170 groups from 80 communities impacted by climate change.

So, whether in addressing youth unemployment or enhancing infrastructure, Ododo is certainly demonstrating a growing confidence in his ability to lead without the constant whisper of Bello’s influence.

The people of Kogi have naturally welcomed this evolution with cautious optimism. It is refreshing to see a leader take bold steps to own his mandate. As the saying goes, “The bird that dares to leave its nest learns the vastness of the sky.”

By stepping out, Ododo has an opportunity to shape Kogi’s future uniquely. Freed from the gloomy shadow of his predecessor, he can tackle pressing issues like healthcare, education, and security with a renewed focus, earning respect as a governor who listens and acts.

The road ahead is not without challenges, but Kogi deserves a leader who stands tall and governs with clarity of purpose. If Ododo continues this trajectory, his tenure could mark the dawn of a prosperous era, leaving every Kogi citizen proud and hopeful.