In what they described as a celebration of “eight years of unprecedented strides”, indigenes and residents of Okene in Kogi State, on Sunday, trooped out in their thousands to welcome the immediate past governor, Yahaya Bello, back home after two impactful tenures.
They treated the ‘White Lion’, as he is fondly called, to a heroic homecoming at the ancient town of Okene, where Bello hails from.
With pomp and ceremony, the jubilant crowd heaped praises on the immediate past governor over his sterling performance in office, as different clans displayed their masquerades amid the thick crowd that thronged the streets.
Before Bello arrived at Okene, Lokoja residents had assembled on the highway linking the former governor’s hometown to bid him farewell after successfully handing over to Governor Usman Ododo. They lined up at the roadside and expressed gratitude to Bello, saying he had successfully transformed Kogi beyond their expectation in his eight years in office.
Some of the citizens, who spoke after Bello’s convoy pulled over to acknowledge their greetings, said the former governor had left an indelible mark of achievements in the Confluence State.
When Bello’s convoy entered Okene town, enthusiastic and proud residents were seen waving in excitement.
As the convoy journeyed deeper into the heart of Okene, the town erupted in jubilation. The former governor’s kinsmen, in ceremonial attire, accompanied by drums and trumpets, danced along the streets, saying Bello had elevated Okene and Kogi to enviable height.
The former governor visited his maternal home, where special prayers were offered in memory of his departed mother, seeking divine blessings for him as he returned home.
Also, Bello stormed the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, along with Ododo, where he was given a rousing welcome. The crowd seen at the palace was unprecedented.
The traditional ruler, HRM Ahmed Tijani, hailed Bello’s transformative impact on Kogi infrastructure and economy. and congratulated Ododo on his inauguration.
Bello expressed profound gratitude to the people of his hometown and Kogi in general for the overwhelming reception accorded him.
He urged citizens of the state to support the administration of Ododo for the continued development and transformation of the state.
