“He rewrote my story,” Governor Ododo pays emotional tribute to Yahaya Bello at 50

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has penned an emotional tribute to former Governor Yahaya Bello, describing him as “a Leader with a heart so pure, so rare,” as the former governor marks his 50th birthday on Wednesday.

In a message that has stirred responses across the state and beyond, Ododo opened up about his humble beginnings and how Bello’s mentorship changed the trajectory of his life.

“I wasn’t supposed to be here. I wasn’t born into privilege. I was raised by my grandmother, and we lacked even what children from average homes took for granted,” Ododo revealed. “I went to school hungry, watching my grandmother push through hardship just so I could stay on track. It was a miracle that I even went to school at all.”

Recalling his early student activism at Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Ododo said, “When I became an association leader… I thought I had reached a great height, and truly, I was grateful. I never knew it was only the beginning.”

His admiration for Yahaya Bello started from a distance: “I saw you from afar and admired the beautiful transformation you were bringing to our dear Kogi State. I chose to follow your vision… your mission stirred something in me.”

However, the depth of Bello’s support caught him by surprise. “What I never knew was that God had planted something in your heart. You were watching. You were planning. You were trusting me, even when I didn’t know it.”

The defining moment of his political life came when Bello informed him of his succession plans. “The day you told me I would succeed you, I wept. I wept because I saw the hand of God… I had no father figure who ever promised me the world, but here was one who gave me something bigger than the world—a chance.”

Ododo credited Bello with giving him both identity and opportunity. “You changed my story. You changed my name. You used my life to declare to the world that the child of a nobody can become somebody when men of destiny like you are placed by God in leadership.”

As he celebrated his mentor’s milestone, Ododo praised Bello’s governance legacy: “At 50, you have already governed Kogi State with honour and impact for eight solid years. What else can we call that, if not divine favour?”

He described Bello as “a testimony of Allah’s purpose and grace” and offered fervent prayers: “May the Almighty Allah continue to take you to heights that human understanding cannot measure. May your influence stretch beyond imagination.”

The tribute ended on a deeply personal note. “I will celebrate you for the rest of my life. I will never be ungrateful for all you have done for me, for my family, and for the people of Kogi State. You gave me a name and a platform. And you trusted me with the legacy of a New Kogi.”

“Happy Birthday to the Father of the New Kogi State. May your light shine forever.”