A TREE PLANTED »

“The way to be safe is to never be secure.”

One of the most powerful quotes on security in history, uttered by one of the most powerful and influential Presidents of the United States of America, Benjamin Franklin. It accurately depicts the mentality which one must imbibe in order to remain safe.

A few days ago, a report was released which put Kogi’s capital city, Lokoja, amongst the “fastest growing cities” in the world at over 5.93% population growth in the past one year. According to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Dr. Edward David Onoja, it is a testament to the “safe haven” it has become to citizens of nearby states that have been ravaged by banditry, kidnapping and other vices.

Great news, but this safety did not happen supernaturally, someone made it happen.

Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, a criminal’s worst nightmare.

Bello is the practical evidence of Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote. Despite achieving very low numbers in terms of kidnappings in comparison with other states, very low armed robbery rate, constant barrage and killings of ravaging bandits along her borders, total annihilation of bank robberies within her borders and an ambience of unity within the many tribes co-existing splendidly within her walls, Bello has refused to rest.

Monthly, he spends hundreds of millions of naira in trying to keep Kogi and her citizens safe. She lies at the center, bordered by ten states, yet stays the safest. Even black magic does not guarantee such effectiveness. Every day he receives insults by myopic Nigerians, yet he remains focused on his job. Not one to be shaken, Yahaya Bello handles every challenge with a cool head and a sound mind. The results, adjudged not only by Kogi state citizens but by the thousands trooping in from every side, are excellent.

Kogi is not only safe, it is developing rapidly.

Immigrants will not only be assured of their safety, they will be witnesses to one of the greatest infrastructural revolutions known to Nigerian soil in recent time. Just this afternoon, Kogi took delivery of some state of the art Ambulances which will serve patients in the 300-bed Reference Hospital in Okene: One of NINE world class health centers to be built in the nine Federal Constituencies of Kogi state. The outstanding edifice is nearing its completion, and will not only house some of the most sophisticated medical equipment in the world, it will also employ some of the best hands.

The construction of the Ganaja flyover is moving at the speed of light, and so is the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara. All the roads within the capital have been earmarked for reconstruction, as the residents within the Paparanda to Natako junction will attest. All the roads in Kabba have either been completed or are under construction, just like the roads in Okene. Every road construction, in line with a depiction of excellence now synonymous to Kogi, will be followed by an installation of street lights. Christians, Muslims, Igalas, Okuns and Ebiras and other tribes within the state are coexisting splendidly, and tribal clashes have become a thing of the past. Kogi is putting itself back on the map, charting on a course to glory by her captain, Governor Yahaya Bello.

Just yesterday afternoon, we also heard news that Kogi might become one of the newest additions to the oil producing states in Nigeria, with her deposits along the Eastern coastline now confirmed as genuine. The establishment of the Ministry of Mineral Resources now seems to be the stroke of a forward-thinking genius, as alongside the supervision of her oil deposits, Kogi will also seek to become a highest earner from her numerous mineral deposits.

What a time to be a Kogi state citizen. Invest in Kogi now, for your own good.

When the foundations were laid, people grumbled. The fruits have started to grow, and Kogi has started to become better for it.

Kogi is like the biblical “tree” planted by rivers of flowing water, blossoming on solid soil held firm by the tangible effects of good governance.

Tiri Gbosa for Bello.
Na man him be.

Now I ask, where is Nigeria’s tree planted? Does it need transplanting? If yes, who do you think, from the above listed achievements, has the capacity to make light work of decades of wrongful seeding?

A wise man once said that people must “always remember their roots. They are the foundation of our lives and the wings of our future.” Isn’t Kogi Nigeria’s root? Could it be that the wings of Nigeria’s future rests on a product of her root?

Your guess is as good as mine.

Have a good day.

Written by Sam Aina