The Mother’s Love That Made the Leader in Yahaya Bello »

By Abdul Mohammed Lawal.

Women breaking their traditional African barriers that relegated them to supportive roles in the home, and now occupying leadership positions previously associated with their male counterparts, is a celebrated achievement of this millennium. Yet, the most profound role they play, often overlooked, is in raising the next generation of leaders, their children. What these children become often mirrors the guidance and love of their mothers.

This truth is evident in the story of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, whose journey to leadership was greatly shaped by his mother, Hajiya Hawawu Oziohu Bello. In her nurturing care, Yahaya Bello learned the values of hard work, discipline, faith, and compassion. These values became the foundation of the remarkable leader he would grow to be.

As the youngest Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya led with a unique blend of bold reforms, decisive governance, and a strong focus on unity and security. The “New Direction” administration earned admiration across Nigeria for its steadfast commitment to these principles. However, beneath this visible success lay the quiet strength of his mother’s influence; a love that instilled in him resilience, vision, and a commitment to public service.

According to family stories, the birth of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, was seen as a turning point for the Bello family, and he lived up to that promise. For Hajiya Hawawu, the connection with her son began even before he was born, and when she saw him, it was love at first sight. Although the family had decided to stop having more children, Yahaya’s arrival was considered a special blessing.

This sense of destiny surrounding Yahaya extended beyond his immediate family to the entire Agassa community. Prof. Illiyasu Ohiani Bello, the eldest son of the family, once recalled how the matriarch of the Bello household always spoke of Yahaya with a sense of destiny, and believed he was meant for great things. Her uncommon belief in him shaped how she raised him; always supporting and nurturing his potential.

As His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello grew, the love and attention he received from his mother molded his character and the values that would guide him in life.

Even at a young age, under ten, Yahaya displayed intelligence, courage, and a strong sense of responsibility. His achievements in primary school were remarkable, and his mother celebrated every milestone as if it were a trophy. His ability to make sound decisions and lead others began to emerge early, first as class monitor and later school’s head boy, setting him on the path to leadership. While other family members were sometimes jealous of this love, only she could explain what she saw in him.

Hajiya Hawawu’s love for Yahaya went beyond the typical mother-child relationship. She dedicated her life to supporting him, even when it meant letting her eleven-year-old son leave home to pursue education in Zaria, far from her care, at a time when most adults wouldn’t dare to make such a journey alone. Her constant prayers for his success gave Yahaya the strength to push forward.

The lessons of perseverance, faith, and service to others were unending. As Yahaya grew older, his mother’s influence became even more apparent, and the values she instilled in him formed how he viewed the world and his role in it. When he decided to enter politics, it was no surprise that he carried his mother’s full blessings. Her belief in his abilities gave him the courage to take on the challenges of leadership, and this resilience modeled his approach to governance.

His decision to run for Governor in 2015 came at a time when the state was facing significant leadership challenges. Many, including family members, believed that his youth and relatively low political profile would be obstacles, but his resolve proved them wrong. He rose to the challenge with a vision of reform and unity for Kogi State. With his mother’s untiring support, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s rise in politics was swift and determined, marked by his commitment to serve the people of Kogi.

As Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s leadership was marked by a focus on security, investment in people, and the empowerment of youth and women. He tackled the state’s security issues head-on and worked tirelessly to make communities safer. It was believed that his mother being kidnapped prompted his holistic fight against crime, to make sure no mother ever went through the same ordeal. His dedication to service was not just ordinary but deeply rooted in his upbringing, shaping how he governed and interacted with the people of Kogi State.

Hajiya Hawawu was a mother to all the children and youth in Agassa, and she personified true love. Yahaya inherited this trait and committed to building the next generation of leaders across all spheres, and this made his governance one of the most outstanding stories in the state’s history. Youths who would not have thrived under the established status quo became central to his leadership, reflecting his understanding of the struggles faced by average families like his. Sons of ordinary men continued to rise as key decision-makers in Kogi State, and more are still emerging.

Growing up in a modest home with a mother who supported his academic pursuits, Yahaya was inspired to create more beautiful opportunities for the younger generation. It is no wonder that education became one of the sectors that saw significant improvement under the APC-led “New Direction” administration. Kogi witnessed noteworthy progress in education at all levels, providing young people with access to quality education.

The great respect he had for his mother and sisters formed his perspectives on gender equality and women’s abilities and their role in leadership. As Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello championed women’s empowerment and appointed women to key positions in his administration. He went beyond the national standard for women’s representation in government and ensured that women’s voices were heard and valued in Kogi’s political landscape. One shining example was Pastor (Mrs.) Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D., who became the longest-serving Secretary to the Government of any State in Nigeria.

Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s approach to leadership has always been personal, with a strong connection to the people he serves. This mirrors the community spirit his mother imparted in him. He regularly engaged with the people of Kogi, listening to their concerns and ensuring their needs were met. This personal touch made him a leader who is truly connected to the aspirations of his people, just as his mother was connected to him. What a beautiful story it has been.

When Yahaya ventured into active politics, what he had was way bigger than just the belief in his outstanding strategies and the political school of thought he would later call the “New Direction.” It was his mother’s faith that gave him the strength to persevere and overcome every hurdle. Her impact not only influenced his leadership but also translated into substantial opportunities for the average citizens of Kogi. This love, guidance, and belief in him laid the foundation for the leader he has become.

On March 15, 2020, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, announced the peaceful passing of Hajiya Hawawu Oziohu Bello. It was a moment of deep sorrow for the Bello family and the people of Kogi State, but her legacy lives on through the values she taught in her son. Under the “New Direction” administration, Kogi State witnessed one of the most inclusive and progressive political environments. The structures put in place continue to open doors for the sons of average men, and the “Continuity and Consolidation” administration is a testament to this. And, Hajiya Hawawu Oziohu Bello made all of this.

The first time I heard the name of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, was when he built and dedicated a hospital to his people in the village, naming it after Hajiya Hawawu Oziohu Bello. I didn’t understand the Ebira language to fully grasp what His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, was saying that day, but his gestures exuded deep appreciation. I was compelled to ask about the man receiving all the praises, and today, he is the Executive Governor of Kogi State. I am certain that mama’s blessings also touched him.

Her legacy of Hajiya Hawawu Oziohu Bello doesn’t end with what has already been achieved; it continues to guide His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello as he leads Kogi State toward a future filled with even greater promise, even in the face of adversities. For Yahaya, the achievements in Kogi State are just the beginning, and better days are still ahead.

Mama, thank you for giving Kogi State its most prized asset.