President Bola  Tinubu has extended heartfelt birthday greetings to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as he clocks 50.

The President’s message was conveyed in a statement posted on Wednesday via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, @NGRPresident.

President Tinubu hailed Bello’s political journey, describing him as a trailblazer for young Nigerians in politics.

“The President commends Yahaya Bello’s historic emergence as the youngest democratically-elected governor in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and his role in advancing youth participation in governance,” the statement read.

The former governor, who served two terms in Kogi State, is being celebrated for his contributions to leadership and public service at a relatively young age.

As the former governor marks his golden jubilee, President Tinubu offered warm wishes for his continued well-being and personal fulfilment.

“As he marks this golden milestone, President Tinubu wishes Alhaji Yahaya Bello continued good health, strength, and fulfilment in the years ahead,” the post concluded.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, recently congratulated the governor on his 50th birthday, hailing his contributions to youth and inclusive leadership in the state.

The tribute was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismail Isah.

He recalled that Bello made history in 2016 as Nigeria’s youngest governor and laid the foundation for a new generation of leaders in Kogi.

“Our leader, Governor Yahaya Bello, came as the pathfinder of the future.

“He built a system where sons and daughters of anybody could aspire for positions of influence; where streets once forgotten became pathways to leadership; I am here today as the Chief Servant of Kogi State and a living testament to that philosophy,” Ododo said.

According to him, Bello’s administration broke barriers by empowering youths and women across all levels, regardless of background.

The governor restated that Bello built men and women of value, not just with titles but with purpose, and elevated loyal followers into shining lights of public service.

Bello served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024 and has an ongoing case with EFCC primarily alleging money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.