Yahaya Bello bags presidential award on security management

Gov Yahaya Bello of Kogi has been nominated for the Distinguished Award for Security Management at the forthcoming Nigeria Excellence in Public Service Award.

Mr Muhammed Onogwu, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, made the disclosure in a statement in Lokoja on Thursday.

Onogwu explained that the award was communicated to the governor via a letter from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and signed on behalf of Mr Boss Mustapha, by Dr Nnamdi Maurice-Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services.

According to him, “the award ceremony is billed to hold on Friday, Oct. 21 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja where President Muhammadu Buhari will present the award to Bello at the occasion.

“Since assumption of office on Jan 27, 2016, Gov Bello has been widely acclaimed as ‘‘most security-conscious governor” for his onslaught against crimes and criminality in Kogi, which has made the state one of the industrial hubs of the Northern Nigeria lately.

“His (Bello’s) Administration has also made a significant impact in healthcare infrastructure, road construction and rehabilitation including the first flyover bridge in the state, education, sports, agriculture, civil service reform, youths and women empowerment among others.

“In fact, Bello has vowed not to rest on his oars until the last second of his administration as he continues to provide good governance for the people of the Confluence State, ” he said.

Onogwu said the award had spurred the governor to vow to continue to ensure residents’ safety and means of livelihood are not compromised.

He said that Bello’s Administration’s provision of peace and security had given way for the establishment of not less than 10 different companies/industries in the state in the last six years.

“Again, just in the last seven weeks, we have signed about 15 MoUs with both foreign and local investors, who have found our state safe and prosperous for their investments.

“It’s our resolve to continue to serve the people with all our heart and might, having elected us to serve them (people) by continuing to offer quality services.

“The joy of it is that even our worst critics and those who can remember what Kogi used to be as regards insecurity will agree that we have delivered excellently on our campaign promises.

“Nonetheless, our governor is full of gratitude to Mr President and the Presidency for the recognition and the award bestowed upon him,” he said.

Onogwu said that Bello had won several awards on security from within and outside the country including the Inspector-General of Police Security award in 2017.