Impact of Yahaya Bello's Administration on the Socio-Economic Life of Kogi People, 2015-2023
Keywords:
Impact, Yahaya Bello, Administration, Socio-Economic, Kogi StateAbstract
This study examined the impact of Yahaya Bello’s administration in Kogi State between 2015 and 2023, with emphasis on the policies, implementation patterns, and developmental outcomes recorded within the period under review. The study was informed by the need to assess whether governance in the state produced measurable improvements in the welfare of the people, particularly in relation to infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment, poverty reduction, and public service delivery. The study adopted the historical methodology combined with It adopted a mixed-method research design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Primary data were obtained through interviews with selected respondents, while secondary data were sourced from government publications, policy documents, budget reports, statistical records, and relevant scholarly works. The data collected were analysed to establish the relationship between governance decisions and socio-economic outcomes in the state. The findings revealed that although various policy initiatives and development projects were undertaken during the period, their impact on the general welfare of the people remained uneven. Some progress was recorded in infrastructure development and selected social interventions, but these gains were constrained by weak implementation, inadequate accountability, limited policy continuity, and uneven distribution of projects across the state. The study also found that socio-economic governance was affected by administrative inefficiency, fiscal challenges, and political considerations that shaped the pattern of resource allocation and service delivery. These factors contributed to a gap between government policy intentions and the actual living conditions of many residents. The study concluded that effective socio-economic governance in Kogi State requires stronger institutions, improved accountability, inclusive planning, and more transparent implementation of public policies. It recommended a governance approach that prioritises equity, efficiency, and sustainable development in order to improve the welfare of the people and strengthen state performance.
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