Taraba: Hon. Umar Bello assumes office as Ardo-Kola LG boss
OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO
Hon. Umar Bello Badawaire, the newly sworn-in Executive Chairman of Ardo-Kola local government area of Taraba State has taken over the mantle of leadership to pilot the affairs of the council for the next two years.
Hon. Umar Bello Badawaire
Badawaire took over from Hon Ismaila Zakari Dangote during a handing and taking over ceremony held at Sunkani, the administrative headquarters of the local government.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Badawaire lauded Governor Agbu Kefas for creating an enabling environment for him to serve the people of Ardo-Kola.
He also appreciated the stakeholders of the local government area for working tirelessly with strong commitment for him to come on board as their chairman.
“It’s a defining moment to the people of Ardo-Kola that today, changes will come to you”.
The out-going Chairman, Alhaji Zakari Ismail (Dangote) was not left behind by the Executive Chairman, in his show of gratitude.
He pledged to forgive Dangote where he erred, and also pledged to work with him, seek his support and advice when the need arises.
He also prayed God to lift Dangote beyond the chairmanship of Ardo-Kola local government.
Badawaire added that leadership is not just occupying office, it’s all about understanding and improving the lives of the people. “I want to assure you that we are going to run our administration according to transparency, accountability, equity, prudence and inclusiveness”.
While calling on the people of Ardo-Kola to support his administration to succeed, Hon. Umar Bello Badawaire urged local government workers to get ready to work to enable him give the council a facelift.
“I want the people of Ardo-Kola to understand that they cannot live in an environment where there’s rancour, insecurity, we must live in peace with one another, no tribal or religious sentiments”,
“We want the people of Ardo-Kola to cooperate with us so that the government will also work towards making sure that developmental projects in terms of agriculture, infrastructure, health care facilities, water, among others are provided for you”.
While thanking the people for giving him the mandate to serve, he pledged further to serve them with the fear of God. “I will do it with honesty, but I need your support, I cannot do it without you”,
“I will listen to ideas, I will listen to all the criticisms of everybody and I can work towards the criticisms to shine my eyes and understand my weaknesses. My doors will be open to the people of Ardo-Kola, for them to advise me where necessary”,
“Civil Servants of Ardo-Kola, you have to be coming to work, let’s put our heads together to make the local government a better place for our people”, he added.
Also speaking, the out-going Chairman of the local government council, Alhaji Zakari Ismail (Dangote) thanked the generality of the people for their support through out his tenure.
Alhaji Zakari Ismail (Dangote)
He also asked for forgiveness from the people he offended explaining that he has already forgiven those who offended him.
He added that his doors are open for clarifications if the need arises.
In a welcome address earlier, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) Ardo-Kola LGC, Dr. Joseph Peter Diah lauded the people of the local government area for coming out in their thousands to witness the epoch making event of handing and taking over ceremony of the leadership of the local government.
Dr Joseph Peter Diah
Dr. Diah said election was held across the 16 LGAs of the state on 8th November 2025, and that Ardo-Kola was one of the council areas where election took place.
Congratulating Hon. Umar Bello (Badawaire) and his team, Dr. Diah said Hon. Badawaire happened to be the winner of the election in Ardo-Kola local government hence the handing and taking over ceremony today.
He also thanked the outgoing Chairman, Alh Zakari Ismail Dangote for his efforts in maintaining peace across the local government area throughout his tenure.
He however, urged all to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for the smooth transition and success of the handing and taking over ceremony.
