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Biography of Yahaya Adoza Bello

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Early Life & Education

Bello was born on 18 June 1975 in Okene (in what is now Kogi State), Nigeria.

He is from the Ebira ethnic group and was the youngest of six children.

For schooling:

Primary education: at LGEA Primary School, Agassa, Okene LGA starting circa 1984.

Secondary education: attended Agassa Community Secondary School, Anyava, Agassa-Okene; later completed SSCE at Government Secondary School, Suleja, Niger State (1994).

Tertiary education:

He studied Accountancy at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, graduating in 1999.

He holds an MBA (from the same institution, around 2002/2004).

He became a chartered fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in 2004.

Political Career

Bello is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He became Governor of Kogi State on 27 January 2016, succeeding Idris Wada.

He won a second term in the November 2019 gubernatorial election.

His tenure ended on 27 January 2024, when he handed over to Usman Ododo.

During his time in office, he was noted as being the youngest governor in Nigeria.

Major Achievements & Initiatives

Education

Under his administration, the Kogi State Government developed the State Education Strategic Plan (SESP) 2021-2030 and an operational plan (SESOP) 2021-2027.

The state allocated 30 % of its budget to education in a fiscal year (from 2021), exceeding UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 26 %.

The administration recruited nearly 3,979 teachers in February 2023 from a large applicant pool.

Other efforts included training school managers, improving infrastructure, curriculum delivery improvements.

Health & Social Interventions

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He launched the “Bello Health Intervention” programme: supplied consumables and essential medical equipment, expanded solar-powered cold rooms for vaccine storage.

Undertook renovation/construction of zonal hospitals in Kabba, Idah, Okene; a cottage hospital in Kpakere; upgraded the College of Nursing & Midwifery in Obangede.

His government distributed over 2.5 million free LLIN (long-lasting insecticidal nets) in collaboration with USAID and PMI.

Security & Governance

Bello’s tenure was touted for improved security within Kogi State, leading to awards such as “Torch bearer of Security” from the Nigerian Union of Journalists and “Icon on Security” from the Association of Nigerians in Diaspora.

Reports say he commissioned a Nigeria Navy Ship Lugard and Navy Barracks, as part of upgrading security presence.

Inclusion & Youth Engagement

His administration reportedly exceeded the 35 % affirmative action threshold for gender equity and youth inclusiveness in government appointments.

Commended by the Kogi State Government on his 50th birthday for bringing youth and women into governance and giving them “a seat at the table”.

Controversies & Legal Issues

In April 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Bello wanted in connection with alleged money-laundering of ₦80.246 billion.

He was subsequently arraigned on 19-count charges including conspiracy, money-laundering, and criminal breach of trust.

On 25 September 2024, fresh charges were filed against him involving ₦110.4 billion and allegations of property acquisitions in Abuja and Dubai using state funds.

On 20 August 2024 the Court of Appeal ordered him to present himself for arraignment.

Asset seizure orders have been upheld, including foreign properties.

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His residential property in Abuja was subject to an EFCC raid in April 2024.

Legacy & Public Perception

On 30 January 2024, upon leaving office, he returned to Okene to a large, jubilant crowd who celebrated his eight-year tenure.

Supporters highlight his youthfulness, proactive governance, and infrastructural investments. For instance, in a tribute for his 50th birthday the Kogi Government described him as a “generational leader” and “symbol of courage”.

Critics point to the corruption allegations, questioning the sustainability of his achievements and the integrity of his administration.

On the political front, his early ascendancy (in his 40s) is seen as a signal to younger Nigerian politicians — emphasizing youth inclusion and fast-tracked leadership roles.

Personal Life & Other Notes

He is sometimes referred to by the nickname “White Lion”.

Bello reportedly enjoys sports and fitness, especially boxing.

On his birthday (18 June 2025) he turned 50; the state and his party released tributes acknowledging his service.

Summary

Yahaya Bello is a prominent Nigerian politician whose rise to become the youngest governor in Nigeria underscored a generational shift. During his eight-year tenure in Kogi State he pursued major reforms in education, health, security, and inclusion. However, his legacy is clouded by significant corruption allegations and legal battles. His impact on Kogi is still debated: while many praise the infrastructure and systems he put in place, the allegations against him raise questions about accountability and governance.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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14 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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17 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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18 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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