The Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has been described as a philanthropist who had over the years invested in journalists in Nigeria through trainings and seminars and workshops, essay competitions among others which has improved the professional lives of beneficiaries.
The Guardian Head of Defence/Security Affairs, Mr. Sunday Odita said this while delivering a remark at the closing ceremony of the 3-Day Seminar organised for Crime and Political Editors by Governor Yahaya Bello, recently at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja
In his remarks, Me Odita said the governor's investments are not taken for granted.
"Your Excellency sir, you have invested in newsmen in Nigeria and I can assure you that we will not take this investment for granted.
"This is the 3rd edition of this capacity-building seminar, on behalf of my colleagues, I want to thank you immensely for placing high value on members of the 4th estate of the realm.
"You May not know the import of this great investment you are making, you have built Bridges across the country by this singular action of grooming and exposing journalists. As you have continued to put smiles on our faces, we pray for God to shine His light on you.
"You have not only invested in your people of Okun, Ebira and Igalla, you have also touched the lives of some of us from other ethnic nationalities. Among us, the participants are Urhobo, Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Edo and other tribes. We cannot thank you enough.
"Our prayer is that your heart's desire of enthroning Alhaji Usman Ododo would come to pass.
"On your future aspirations, I leave you with the words in the Holy Bible which say "The vision is for an appointed time, though it tarries, hold on because it would not tarry."
"In past editions, some of my colleagues who won the essay competition have smiled home with prize money. No one invests in humans the way you do without great reward.
"I would not close this remark without raining encomiums on my senior colleague, mentor and virtuous woman Madam Yemi Kolapo for bringing Egg heads like my boss in The Guardian, Dr Reúben Abati, my amiable president, Chief Chris Isiguzo and others to refresh our memories on Mass Communication 101. We are highly gratified.
Great men are the real men, in them, nature has succeeded.
Governor Yahaya Afoza Bello, You are indeed a great man, in your nature has succeeded.
God bless the governor, God bless the Nigerian press, God bless Kogi State and God bless Nigeria./Thank you very much." he stated