By Faith Abdulgafar

Governor Yahaya Bello’s present administration stands out for his visionary approach to embracing and setting the precedent of empowering women in critical political positions in Kogi State.
Since taking the oath of office on January 27th, 2015, under the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Yahaya Bello has embarked on an innovative approach to governance, departing from conventional norms.
On assumption, he swung into action by outlining five fundamental thematic areas in his administration’s blueprint: Education, health, agriculture, infrastructural development, security, and others. Among these priorities, he placed particular emphasis on the inclusion of women in governance, driven by his conviction that women have the capacity and credibility to deliver on any given assignment which translated his intentions into actions.
Upon assuming office, he appointed Dr. Folashade Ayoade Arike as the first female Secretary to the State Government (SSG) ever. Subsequently, more women were designated as Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
Furthermore, Governor Bello entrusted more women with leadership roles in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). This level of women’s involvement in governance till days represents a historic transformation in Kogi State’s administrative landscape.
Governor Bello breaking the tradition, went a step further, at different times, appointing three women to head the State’s civil service, a pivotal position that had previously been the domain of men exclusively. The appointees, Mrs. Hassana O.k Lawal, Mrs. Deborah Ogunmola, and Mrs. Hannah Onyinoyi Odiyo, with Mrs. Odiyo continuing to serve, are up to date.
In the state’s twenty-one council areas, Governor Yahaya Bello ensured that women contested for and assumed the vice-chairman roles, collectively shaping the leadership of their respective local government areas (LGAs). An effort worthy of commendation as Kogi women are no longer relegated to mere applause and dance during campaign events but have been given a voice and significance under Governor Bello’s leadership.
Governor Bello didn’t just stop there but took it above the bare, ensuring that women and young ladies sought positions such as councilors in their respective LGAs, which resulted in the appointment of women as vice chairmen in all twenty-one (21) local government councils.
Additionally, women achieved victory in the last legislative elections, winning two seats, and positioning them as active contributors to decision-making in the Kogi House of Assembly.
Governor Bello also fostered women’s leadership within local government councils, recognizing the authority vested in these two significant roles.
Today, one will not be wrong to say that the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello has surpassed the agitation for 35% affirmative action for women in governance and effectively transformed the women’s perception from being subservient to male leadership to empowered, respected figures capable of meaningful contributions to their homeland’s progress.
His achievement in elevating women to top positions in his administration is historic. He stands tall without equality in governance for consistently reaffirming that women are equally, if not more, capable than men in various roles. The transformative perception of his ignited his deliberate action and fairness to women and gave them the long-anticipated chance in political participation they aspired which for many transcended passive spectatorship.
Governor Bello’s decision to empower women to confidently pursue any desired role is worthy of note. As women today in the history of Kogi State have assumed high-ranking positions, and have continued to foster greater harmony, unity, and progress in his administration.