NUJ @ 70 : Ex Gov Yahaya Bello , others Honoured
…Jacob Edi congratulates him.
Immaculate past governor of Kogi state Alhaji Yahaya Bello was among prominent Nigerians honoured by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at its 70th anniversary in Abuja on Saturday.
The award was conferred on the recipients by the President of NUJ Alhaji Abdullahi Yahaya
In a goodwill message to Yahaya Bello, the Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Information and Communication, Chief Jacob Edi (KAKAKI BassaNge) congratulated the former governor on the conferment describing it as well deserved.
The NUJ said the conferment of the Merit Award on Bello popularly called “The White Lion” was in recognition of his contributions to press freedom, infrastructural development, education, and human capital development during his administration.
“His novel security architectural framework which kept terrorists, kidnappers, armed robbers and all those from the ‘axis of evil’ away from Kogi soil was part of the reasons given by the NUJ leadership for the well deserved honour”, Chief Edi stated.
Chief Edi noted that the former governor’s political choices have redefined the political dynamics of Kogi state adding “but for the depth of his thought process, today, Kogi would have been struggling with successor /predecessor crisis which has become prevalent in our clime.
“The relationship between Governor Usman Ododo and the former governor and the peace in the state should be studied by politicians across the state”, he advised.
The Special Adviser stated that the sterling performance of Governor Ododo popularly dubbed “The Chief Servant” by his admirers is a testament to the fact he is not only a good student but has learnt so fast as he is integrating the state seamlessly and converting political opponents to friends.
Chief Edi, himself , a former Chairman of the Abuja Council of the NUJ praised the integrity of the Comrade Abdullahi Yahaya led leadership of the NUJ saying
“they are forthright and unbiased and that the reason adduced for the choice of former governor Bello as one of the awardees will actually stand the test of time.”
