Yahaya Bello Biography: Age, State Of Origin, Career, Political Offices, Wives, Family, Controversies, Net Worth
Yahaya Bello Biography
Yahaya Adoza Bello is a Nigerian businessman and politician who served as the Governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024. Born on June 18, 1975, in Okene, Kogi State, he was the youngest governor in Nigeria during his tenure.
Yahaya Bello holds a degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, where he also completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA).
His political career began when he was chosen by the All Progressives Congress to replace the late Abubakar Audu, who won the 2015 Kogi gubernatorial election but passed away before the results were declared. He was elected for a second term in 2019.
Yahaya Bello State Of Origin
Yahaya Bello hails from Kogi State, Nigeria.
Yahaya Bello Age
Yahaya Bello is 49 years old as of 2024.
Yahaya Bello Early Life and Education
Yahaya Adoza Bello was born on June 18, 1975, in Agassa, Okene Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. He was the last born in a family of six children to his parents, Alhaji Bello Ipemida Ochi and Hajiya Hawawu Oziohu.
In 1984, Bello embarked on his educational journey at the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Primary School, Agassa, in Okene LGA.
For his secondary education, Bello attended Agassa Community Secondary School, Anyava, Agassa-Okene. However, he completed his secondary education at Government Secondary School, Suleja-Niger State in 1994.
Bello’s higher education commenced at Kaduna State Polytechnic Zaria, but his aspirations led him to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. His thirst for knowledge did not stop there; he continued to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which he completed in 2002.
This academic background, coupled with his subsequent chartered fellowship with the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in 2004, equipped him with the skills and expertise necessary for his future career in business and politics.
Yahaya Bello Career
Yahaya Bello’s career is marked by a transition from the corporate world to the political arena. Before venturing into politics, he was the Managing Director of FairPlus International Ltd, a transport company known for providing quality road transport services across Nigeria
In the corporate sector, Bello began his career as a Revenue Officer II at the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). His diligence and competence quickly earned him a promotion to Senior Accountant. He was later elevated to the position of Assistant Chief Accountant, showcasing his expertise in financial matters.
Bello’s political journey commenced in a rather unconventional manner. He entered the political scene after a loss in the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary in 2015. However, fate took a turn when the elected candidate, Abubakar Audu, tragically passed away on election day. Bello was then chosen by the APC to replace Audu as the party nominee, and he was sworn in as the Governor of Kogi State the following year.
Bello’s re-election campaign in 2019 was marked by controversy, with reports of violence and fraud. Despite these challenges, he emerged victorious, defeating the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) nominee Musa Wada by a significant margin.
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Yahaya Bello Controversies
Yahaya Bello has been named in an ongoing corruption case. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused him of being part of a conspiracy to divert over N80 billion belonging to the state.
The controversy involves allegations that funds were converted for personal use, with Mr. Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, and his associate, Dauda Suleiman, being the main defendants. The EFCC has also named an alleged co-conspirator, Abdulsalami Hud, who is described as being “at large”.
Additionally, Yahaya Bello was accused by the United States Department of State of undermining democracy and inciting violence during the 2019 gubernatorial election in his state, which led to a visa ban.
Yahaya Bello Wife and Children
Yahaya Bello is married to three wives: Amina Oyiza Bello, Hafisat Bello, and Rashida Bello. Amina Oyiza Bello is known to be a lawyer and philanthropist, and she is the founder of the Hayat Foundation. He had children from all his three wives.
Yahaya Bello Net Worth
Yahaya Bello has an estimated net worth of $6 million as of 2024. This estimation comes from his career as a politician and businessman, with investments in various sectors including transportation, financial services, oil and gas, and agriculture.
