President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as he turned 50, praising him as a symbol of youthful leadership in Nigerian politics.
In a message posted Wednesday on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Nigerian Presidency (@NGRPresident), Tinubu described Bello as a trailblazer who opened doors for young Nigerians in governance.
“The President commends Yahaya Bello’s historic emergence as the youngest democratically-elected governor in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and his role in advancing youth participation in governance,” the statement read.
Bello served two terms as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024. He became governor at 40, making history as the youngest elected state leader during the Fourth Republic.
President Tinubu also prayed for his continued well-being, saying, “As he marks this golden milestone, President Tinubu wishes Alhaji Yahaya Bello continued good health, strength, and fulfilment in the years ahead.”
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo also joined in celebrating his predecessor. In a statement by his media aide, Ismail Isah, Ododo praised Bello’s impact on youth inclusion in government and called him a “pathfinder of the future.”
“He built a system where sons and daughters of anybody could aspire for positions of influence. I am here today as the Chief Servant of Kogi State and a living testament to that philosophy” Ododo said.
Ododo also said Bello empowered many young people and women, regardless of their background, and raised “men and women of value, not just with titles but with purpose, and elevated loyal followers into shining lights of public service.”
While Bello is being praised for his political journey and youth-focused leadership, he is also currently facing corruption allegations. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed charges against him for alleged money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and misuse of public funds. The case is still ongoing.