The Kogi Central Senatorial District was electrified with excitement as former governor Yahaya Bello made a triumphant entry into the district to celebrate the New Year with his kinsmen. Accompanied by the current governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, Bello was met with a massive turnout of residents who lined the streets of Okene to catch a glimpse of him.

As early as 8 a.m., indigenes of the district—young and old—gathered along the roadsides, singing and waving in celebration. The former governor’s journey from Lokoja to his hometown of Okene became a procession, taking several hours as he stopped to greet supporters along the way.

Upon arrival in Okene, Bello visited the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where the paramount ruler, alongside a multitude of residents, awaited his arrival. Addressing the people in his local dialect, Bello expressed gratitude for their warm reception and called for continued prayers for the success of leaders at all levels of governance.

He urged the people of Kogi State to support Governor Ododo’s administration, assuring them that it would deliver more dividends of democracy across the state. He emphasized the importance of unity among the state’s diverse ethnic groups to foster development and progress.

Bello also called on Nigerians to shun social vices and to fervently pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, stating that his policies would propel the nation forward and bring about positive change.

The celebration marked not only a moment of reunion with his people but also an opportunity to inspire hope and unity as the state looks forward to continued growth and development under its new leadership.