The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Professor (Chief) Salisu Ogbo Usman, has paid glowing tribute to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, describing him as his boss, benefactor, mentor, and leader for life.
In a heartfelt birthday message to mark Bello’s birthday anniversary, Professor Ogbo Usman praised the former governor’s extraordinary kindness, visionary leadership, and life-changing support, saying his relationship with Bello has been defined by trust, mentorship, and uncommon compassion.
Usman recalled that his admiration for Bello began during the build-up to the 2015 governorship election in Kogi State, when Bello’s youthful and confident campaign image inspired hope among many young people, especially those from humble backgrounds.
According to him, Bello’s emergence as governor represented more than a political victory, as it symbolized hope for ordinary citizens without privilege, influence, or elite connections
The Vice-Chancellor recounted how his early criticisms of governance issues, particularly through social media commentaries on challenges facing Prince Abubakar Audu University, were allegedly misrepresented by some political actors who sought to portray him as an opponent of Bello’s administration.
Despite what he described as sustained misinformation and malicious narratives, Usman said Bello refused to be swayed and instead assessed him based on facts.
He recalled that during a previous administration at the university, he was removed as Dean of Student Affairs under claims that the decision was made on the governor’s directive.
However, according to him, Bello later distanced himself from the action after discovering that his name had been falsely invoked.
“Rather than being diminished, I was later entrusted with greater responsibilities,” Usman stated.
Professor Usman particularly highlighted Bello’s intervention during one of the darkest moments of his life, when his younger brother was diagnosed with a brain tumour and urgently needed surgery.
He said financial difficulties forced him to consider selling his car at a giveaway price to raise funds, but Bello intervened after learning about his predicament through former Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja.
According to him, Bello not only stopped the sale of the vehicle but personally funded the surgery.
Although his brother eventually died, Usman said the former governor’s compassion remains unforgettable.
“That singular act of kindness can never be forgotten,” he said.
Moved by Bello’s support, Usman said he mobilised support for the former governor’s re-election in 2019, convinced that such a compassionate leader deserved loyalty and support.
In 2020, Bello appointed him Acting Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic before later confirming his appointment based on performance.
He described the appointment as another major turning point in his life, noting that Bello remained resolute despite opposition from detractors.
Usman said the appointment also came during another family crisis, when his younger sister was battling for survival after a serious road accident.
He explained that the financial benefits from his first 28 days as Rector helped fund her treatment and contributed to her recovery.
Throughout his nearly six-year tenure at the Polytechnic, he said Bello gave him the confidence and freedom to lead without undue interference.
Professor Usman further revealed that Bello introduced him early to his successor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, long before Ododo became governor.
He said Bello had long envisioned his rise to greater responsibilities and remained committed to empowering people from humble backgrounds to attain extraordinary success.
Usman described himself as a direct beneficiary of that philosophy, adding that this conviction informed his open support for Ododo’s governorship ambition in 2023 despite political risks.
He also credited Bello’s mentorship and recommendation for his eventual appointment as Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University.
According to him, February 11, 2026, remains a defining moment in his career, marking his transition from Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic to Vice-Chancellor of the university.
Professor Usman described Bello as one of the most successful politicians to emerge from Kogi State, noting that he remains the only former governor to maintain cordial relationships with both predecessors and successors.
He said such political maturity is rare in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
As Bello marks another birthday, Usman reaffirmed his loyalty, admiration, and gratitude, praying for God to grant the former governor good health, wisdom, protection, and greater accomplishments.
“Today and always, I celebrate you,” he said.
“Happy birthday to my boss, benefactor, mentor and leader for life.”
