Toba Owojaiye Reporting
In a recent development, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has made a significant move by appointing 215 new aides to assist in the governance and administration of the state. The appointments, which span various positions, were officially disclosed through a notice signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Ayoade.
According to the announcement, these appointments encompass individuals hailing from the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State, with the effective date of these new roles set as the 29th of September, 2023.
The breakdown of the appointments revealed that 26 individuals have been designated as Special Advisers to the Governor, while a larger group consisting of 128 individuals assumed roles as Senior Special Assistants. Additionally, 51 individuals have taken up positions as Special Assistants, among other positions.
Notably, some of the newly appointed Special Advisers include James Modu Kaura, who will oversee Steel Development; Siaka Ibrahim, tasked with representing Kogi State Indigenes in Diaspora; Nusa Yahaya, responsible for Local Government Matters in Igbalamela/Odolu LGA; Abduluhai Yunusa, in charge of Local Government Matters in Ofu LGA; James Babatunde, handling Energy affairs; Odoh Akowe, responsible for Political Education; Umar Isah Edibo, overseeing Mentoring; Oluwakayode Emmanuel, focusing on Girl Child Education; and Onu Salifu, tasked with Cultural Integration, among others.
The list also comprises other prominent individuals such as Mohammed Attai Yusuf, who takes on the role of Senior Special Assistant on Job Creation for Kogi East; Nuhu Isa Alifia, assuming the role of SSA for Human Capital Development II; Atule Amedu, assigned to Cooperatives II; Mumin Suleiman Ahmed, overseeing Road Maintenance; and Siaka Alih, responsible for Industrial Management, among several others.
This move by Governor Yahaya Bello to appoint a substantial number of aides demonstrates his commitment to strengthening the governance and administrative structures within Kogi State. These newly appointed individuals are expected to play crucial roles in assisting the state government in achieving its goals and objectives.
The announcement was made public through a statement issued by ONOGWU Muhammed, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on October 3, 2023. It has generated significant interest and discussion within the state, with many eager to see how these new appointments will impact the state’s governance, development trajectory and elections.
Most reactions online point to it being more of a political move because of the gubernatorial election coming up in a few weeks.