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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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Fans mourn late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo

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Fans and followers of late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo across social media platforms have expressed sadness over his demise, describing the incident as shocking and heartbreaking.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning since Tuesday when news of the actor’s passing surfaced online.

Social media posts by his close colleagues, and trending media reports, stated that he died after a prolonged battle with cancer.

The incident has continued to generate frenzy on social media platforms, with fans across Nigeria and beyond pouring in condolence messages and tributes to the late thespian.

A fan, @Mr. Rekindled of AFC, asked: “Is this some late April Fool joke. God, what kind of news is this? Rest in peace bro I don’t even know what to type”.

@perpetua Ebubech wrote: “Rest well Alex I am done pressurising myself and being ungrateful. Being alive is enough. Aaaaaah Alex”.

@Amed Oshiorenua commented: “This one hurts me ooo”.

@sheismirah_bakr noted that: “Indeed, every soul shall taste death. May we leave behind kindness, love, and good memories May we be celebrated while we are alive, not only mourned when we are gone”.

@oheneba_nanayere_joyce wrote: “Ooo my God, have mercy on us”.

@SAMPSOLO on X wrote: “Omoh, sometimes when I hear such news I just sit down and think about life.

“Everything we’re struggling for can just end in one moment. It’s really scary”.

@nyarkowai23 said: “Aww fine boy. May his soul rest in peace”.

@_emefaaa wrote: “This is really sad, may his soul rest in peace”.

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@ceeyahs_xclusivcollection commented: “Social media makes a lot of us look like we are living happily when we are actually fighting our battles. Remember we are all passing through something. Stay humble, stay kind”.

@DOG3tt said: “What’s wrong with Nollywood, why is everyone dying young?”

@bbelleamieeee wrote: “I loved him in Keeping My Man with Ramsey and Ini. Sad news… rest easy Alex”.

Ekubo’s passing has also attracted tributes from his colleagues and other celebrities, with many describing him as a talented actor and a kind-hearted friend.

Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo wrote: “Life is not only fickle, it can also feel unreal. Even as I type this, I still struggle to fully process it, and it deeply saddens me to hear this news.

“Rest in peace to a truly great soul. You came, you saw, and you conquered. We are proud of the life you lived, the journey you embraced, and the legacy you leave behind.

“Sleep well, our dear Alex.”

Actor Bolanle Ninalowo also wrote: “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”

Singer Peter Okoye simply posted: “RIP”.

Actor Chinedu Ikedieze wrote: “Jesus, how?”

In a post on his X page, human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore described the late actor as a “rare talent”.

“My profound condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo, who I understand passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.

“I never met him personally, but I still cannot forget a movie of his I watched on an Emirates flight from New York to Dubai en route to Nairobi.

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“He was a rare talent whose presence lit up the screen effortlessly. May he rest in power.”

NAN reports that Alex Ekubo, born on April 10, 1986, was widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most versatile actors, known for his performances in several hit films and television productions.

However, his prolonged absence from the public had raised concerns among fans and colleagues, as he stayed away from social media and public events for a long time.

His last post on Instagram was made in December 2024, shortly after reports emerged that his engagement to US-based model Fancy Acholonu had been called off.

(NAN)

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Why I assaulted my daughter, Ilebaye – Father

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Father of former Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, Emmanuel Odiniya, has broken his silence over the viral altercation involving his daughter, claiming he was provoked before allegedly assaulting her during a family confrontation.

In a voice note purportedly from Odiniya, and shared on Facebook on Sunday by Kogi-based journalist, Jeremiah Promise Enemona Ocheme, now circulating online, the father said the incident was not driven by hatred for his daughter but by frustration over what he described as her changed behaviour after winning the reality TV show.

“I want to put the records straight that what led to that incident was not that I don’t love my daughter. She is one of my best children,” he said.

He claimed he made sacrifices and mobilised support for her emergence as the winner of the BBNaija All Stars edition.

“During her time in the Big Brother Naija house, I contributed a lot. I stood by my daughter and made sure people voted for her massively. I used my influence and connections, including governors and other people, to support her until she won,” he stated.

According to him, their relationship allegedly deteriorated after her victory, accusing the reality star of becoming disrespectful and physically aggressive towards him.

“After she came out and won, she changed. Ilebaye stopped listening to me. I would book her appointments five to six times in a week and she wouldn’t give me audience. She stopped regarding me as her father,” he alleged.

The father further criticised her lifestyle, particularly her alleged cosmetic procedures.

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“I warned her against getting cosmetic surgery — face reconstruction with fillers and BBL. She’s too young for that,” he said.

Emmanuel also alleged that his daughter had physically attacked him on previous occasions.

“She has hit me twice, and I didn’t do anything to her. One day she took an AC hanger and hit me with it till blood started gushing out of my body,” he claimed.

Speaking on the latest confrontation, he alleged that the reality TV star assaulted him first before the situation escalated.

“In this recent incident, she insulted me, hit me first with a sea hanger, causing bleeding, pushed me, and then broke an electric lantern on my head,” he said.

He also accused her of neglecting him financially despite his health challenges.

“I am very sick and needed to go for medical treatment in Dubai. I called Ilebaye to help me with some money and promised to refund her. She said she didn’t have money. But I saw her video spraying bundles of naira at a colleague’s wedding,” he alleged.

The father further alleged that his daughter negatively influenced her younger brother and interfered in his marriage.

“She has also influenced her younger brother with drugs, and he was expelled from school because of it. She once advised me to divorce her mother,” he added.

Despite the accusations, Emmanuel maintained that he still loved his daughter and wanted reconciliation.

“I still love my daughter deeply. I want her to change and do better. I ask for prayers from Nigerians. The police have already intervened and settled the matter,” he said.

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PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Ilebaye, alongside members of her family, including her father and younger brothers, were hospitalised following the confrontation at their Abuja residence.

The incident became public after the reality TV star shared an emotional livestream video crying for help, sparking concern among fans and followers online.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that all parties involved sustained injuries and were receiving medical treatment.

“The man is in the hospital; he is sick. All of them were badly injured and are all in the hospital,” Adeh had said.

She also stated that the siblings were under police protective custody while investigations continued into the matter.

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Kwara concludes airlift of pilgrims for 2026 Hajj

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The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has concluded the airlift of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise with the departure of the last batch of 223 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims departed aboard Max Air from the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin, at about 6:05 am on Saturday.

The development was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Press Secretary of the Board, Sodiq Abdulmumin Folarin.

Speaking before the departure, the Chairman of the Board, Prof. Mashood-Mahmud Jimba, thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for supporting the successful transportation of the pilgrims.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, advised the pilgrims “to be good ambassadors of the state and country at large while in Saudi Arabia.”

Also speaking, the Amirul-Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, urged the pilgrims to pray for peace and unity in the country and the state.

The final batch was accompanied by Jimba, Abdulkadir, Kpotwa and other state officials.

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