Never seen duo so connected in creed and idiosyncracies like the confluence brothers called Yahaya Bello and Edward Onoja, they set the template of enviable friendship that leaves onlookers perplexed in fascinating solenoid – how two people birthed in two different geographical and religious entities found impenetrable love in each other is a study in friendship.

An Ebira Muslim man so consumed in the embrace of an Igala-Christian man! There is no better integration reference than Bello and Edward’s friendship, they represent the new Nigerian dream where ideas bind people and not the identity of their tongue or faith.

You need to see the duo speaks about themselves, one happened recently during the declaration of Governor Yahaya Bello at the Eagle Square, penultimate Saturday where Chief Edward mounted the rostrum and spoke in convincing words about his brother turned boss.

So electrifying and pulsating was the man’s speech that you begin to wonder if Bello’s heart was implanted in Edward’s heart. It was a magnetic outpour of inner mind in support of a brother’s ambition. It was a surrealistic moment witnessed by millions of the passion of a friend for the aspiration of another friend.

Similarly, so was the same undiluted expression of love for a friend during the inauguration ceremony of the two kogi brothers as governor and deputy in 2019 when Governor Yahaya Bello went almost emotional describing his friend and deputy as unrivalled figure of inimitable loyalty.

What would have made a Muslim man find such intimate refuge and friendship in the embrace of a Christian man of different tribe at a time religion and ethnicity define our body existence?

Writing from unconventional lane, I may be forced to say that loyalty and trust played a prominent role in the closely-knitted friendship of this duo. When a stranger manifests real love, he takes the place of a brother.

That Mr Onoja has remained a constant decimal in the aspirations of Yahya Bello is a pointer to my assertion that whoever sticks to the rod of consistency in character and loyalty is a friend for life.

When you have a friend who believes in your existence, you can go far in your earthly voyage. Edward believe in his friend, pushed him on to the impossibilities and today he is a governor transmuting to another pedestal no thanks to the belief of a friend. May you have friends like Onoja who chose friendship over primordial limits.

Today, let me celebrate the fascinating stroke of true friendship anchored on deep-rooted beneficial aspirations of two friends who broke the barriers of ethnicity and collapsed the wall of religious divide in friendship.

My fellow countrymen from North and South from East and West is this not a testimonial of the lines “though tongue and tribe may differ, in brotherhood we stand”. Kogi has given Nigeria a model to true nationhood.

Impressively musing.

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward David Onoja today, the 2nd of February, received Amb. Dr. Friday Sani aka Makama into the All Progressives Congress. Makama, who had recently dumped the umbrella for the broom alongside thousands of his supporters in his Ward in Odolu, Igalamela LGA of Kogi State, had visited to formally declare his stand and desires for the Party going forward.

Chief Edward Onoja thanked God for uniting the people whilst welcoming Hon. Friday Sani aka Makama into the APC, a Party he described as one that had “no seniority”. He added that he has seen the light and where the wind of progress is blowing.

He stated that when the New Direction government came into power, Hon. Makama was a good friend of the young government, even though he was in the opposition until there was a disconnect. He described him as a stabilizing factor at the state assembly, noting that God has led him back into the light, and his defection will further strengthen Governor Bello’s stance on youth emancipation.

Chief Onoja stated that Governor Yahaya Bello was chosen by God based on prophecy, and was ushered at a pivotal period in Kogi’s history to demystify old beliefs and push for a New Nigeria devoid of tribal and religious bigotry. He stated that Makama’s defection, while further weakening the opposition, will strengthen the stand of the APC in Kogi East and Kogi at large, and urged all Kogites to join a Party where their needs matter.

In a banter with Hon Makama, Chief Onoja noted how he was then the chief custodian of insults and name calling as Chief Traitor of the Igala race for supporting a Government led by a non Igala. Forgetting all humans are same before our creator. In his words “I can say people who key in and are not so bashed are either into their usual games or here on an assignment for their original masters but as always time will reveal all truths. It was evident from output from their communities in the last Elections. At the appropriate time the final mark is from Electoral output”, he noted. He also chronicled how he handed over the baton to Dr. Salisu Ogbo who also handed over to Amade Edime before Makama inherited the mantle now. He also said since Hon Makama has joined, others would also join the party before he hands over the social media bashing and clandestine meetings gang ups to them.

He also admonished that the greatest weapon of the Christain Faith is love and forgiveness, he urged every aggrieved member to join hands with Hon. Makama and his litany of supporters to push the Party forward. He concluded by stating that it is in the interest of all Kogites, irrespective of tribe and religion to have Governor Yahaya Bello as President, so that his quest to liberate Nigeria can be fulfilled.

Amb. Dr. Friday Sani aka Makama described himself as a man of “high principle and crusader of the Igala people”, and declared that he had come into the APC to add value to the emancipation of the Igala Nation and the Nigerian youth. He said that he had carefully observed the happenings in Kogi APC, and had decided to join the Party after careful deliberations.

He promised to stand by the APC so that development can come to the people. He concluded by saying that Yahaya Bello has broken records in the State for aspiring to be the first Kogite to aspire to the highest seat in the land, and all Kogi youth had no alternative than to stand by him.

Also present at the meeting were the Member representing Igalamela at the State Assembly, Hon. Cosmos Ataboh and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Patrick Onogu, High Chief Amade Edime, his ally for over two decades and Miss Eunice Treasure, an Igalamela Odolu stalwart.

Promise Emmanuel
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor

Right from time immemorial, His Excellency, Chief Edward David Onoja (CEDO) has being in his own humanly way able to stand out amongst the Igala citizens to raise people from a nobody to a somebody, even before he joined Kogi politics.

This rare and philanthropic act alone is worthy of emulation.

The same CEDO was the reason behind the abolishment of class divides, religion barriers and ethnicity, which were what Kogites have been suffering from for decades before the advent of “New Direction” government. This was achieved through the official adoption of the concept of “EBIGO”.

Today as I speak, any less privileged and physically challenged persons that had encounter with CEDO will feel what others have been feeling over and over again – show of kindness beyond quantification.

When CEDO speaks, every worried beings around get motivated and encouraged due to his high level of Eloquency and Godliness.

CEDO is a God sent leader to Igala nation and Kogi state. We believe he is ready to do more and more of the good works he has started.

I can’t summarize this without extending a cosy appreciation to CEDO wherever he is at the moment, for being an exemplary youthful leader in our generation.

God bless His Excellency, Chief Edward Onoja, Deputy Governor of Kogi State.