By; ISAIAH BENJAMIN
When the news of Ministerial nominees filtered into the space with Hon. Barrister Bello Muhammed Goronyo conspicuously captured as nominee from Sokoto State, it was greeted with spontaneous jubilation by not only his political associates, even those who have had their parts crossed with him applauded his nomination, describing it as a well deserved nomination of a man who has paid his dues politically and has contributed in no small measure to the bringing on board of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his role as director of youth mobilization North West in the Presidential campaign Council (PCC), a position he used to galvanized the youths across the northwest states that produced an overwhelming votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate’s victory.
Hon. Bello Muhammad born in Sabon Garin Dole of Sokoto State started and completed his first school leaving education at Kofar Marke primary School, Sokoto State in 1981 from were he proceeded to Government College Sokoto and had his Secondary certificate in 1986 after which he bagged a diploma in law from college of Arts and sciences, Sokoto in 1990.
Determined to acquire more academic knowledge and qualifications, he proceeded to bag an LLB from Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto State in 1997 and for age reasons he was exempted from the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) with an exemption certificate in 1998, thereafter he proceeded to the Nigeria Law School Bwari Abuja and called to Bar in 2001. In 2019, he bagged Masters in Energy security management from the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna and another Masters in business management and leadership from London Graduate School , London UK, and thereafter bagged another Masters of Philosophy in Leadership and strategic studies from NDA in 2021 and presently pursuing his Ph.D in Leadership and strategic studies from the same NDA, Kaduna.
Barrister Bello Muhammed had a very meritorious working experience, he worked as Vital Registration Assistant (VRA) with National Population Commission (NPC) from 1991-1992, Legal translator with the Sokoto State House of Assembly from 1992-1993, Principal Orientation Officer (POO) with National Orientation Agency (NOA) from 1993-2001 and took up a lecturing appointment with the State College of Legal and Islamic studies, Sokoto from 2001-2006, practiced with the Adamu Umar and Co (law chambers from 2001-2006 and also with Rafi Law chambers, Sokoto from 2006-2007. The Barrister cum politician ventured into politics in 2003 as member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) as Legal Committee for the Gubernatorial, National and State Assembly election petition, he became a caretaker Secretary Democractic Peoples Party (DPP) Goronyo local government in 2006 and in 2007, he served as Secretary DPP Congress planning committee, Gubernatarial convention committee and Assistant State legal Adviser 11 of the party in Sokoto State.
Barrister Goronyo was elected member Sokoto State House of Assembly to represent Goronyo Constituency from 2007- 2015. He became the interim organizing Secretary of the party in Sokoto State in 2014 and Goronyo local government campaign coordinator for the 2015 general elections, he was Secretary APC legal committee election petitions of 2015. In recognition of his political sagacity, Barrister Bello Muhammed Goronyo was appointed as Commissioner Ministry for Solid Minerals & Natural Resources Development, Sokoto State. from 2015-2017, deployed as Commissioner Ministry of Energy Development, Sokoto State in 2017-2018 and then further deployed as Commissioner Ministry of Information, Sokoto State, a position he held from 2018-2019 before he voluntarily resigned after serving meritoriously in all the Ministries he served as Commissioner. He got elected as Zonal Secretary APC North West in 2022 and appointed I to the APC campaign council as Director National Youth mobilization North West of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) in 2023, a position he served with proven results.
The Ministerial nominee has served in several capacities including as Chairman Screening and flight schedule committee 2015 Hajj operations after serving as member in 2012, 2013, and 2014. He also served as Chairman welfare and entertainment committee for the inauguration of the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, he was a two times member Sokoto State Constitutional Review Committee, Chairman for the harmonization of two communiqués at the retreat held at Katsina between the Executive and the Legislature on the one hand and RTiLead on the other hand. As Member of Sokoto State House of Assembly, he was Chairman House Committee on Judiciary (SOHA) from 2007-2011 and Minority leader of the House within same period. He became Chairman House Committee on Rural Development from 2011-2015 and became Deputy House Leader from 2011- January 2015 and Deputy Speaker SOHA from January 2015- May 2015, he served as Chairman Transportation Committee in Saudi Arabia for the 2015 Hajj Operation in Mecca, Minna, Arafat, Muzdalifa, and Secretary, Planning and Implementation Committee, Chairman Jama’a system Consults, Chairman Community Mobilisation & Development initiative (COMDI), Secretary planning and implementation committee North West University, Sokoto, Sokoto State from 2020 till date.
Barrister Bello Muhammed belongs to several clubs and Associations where he contributes immensely to humanity and societal growth and development. As a trained lawyer, he is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Member Environmental Society of Nigeria, Member Nagarta Old Boys Association, Interim Legal Adviser NBA Sokoto Branch, 2013, Patron, Buhari/Osinbajo Vanguard for Change, Member Federal Road Safety Corps, Special Marshal National Legal Adviser Stop Cancer Foundation, Founder Goronyo West Development Association, Secretary General & Founder Sultan Aliyu Babba Foundation, Legal Adviser Goronyo Progressive Union, Member State Committee on the review of 1999 Constitution, As Member ANPP Legal Committee 2003 General Elections, Patron, Adolescent Girls Project, Patron, Community Mobilization & Development Initiative, Patron, Sarkin Yamma Peace Initiative, Unity Ambassador for Africa, Peace Ambassador Youth Federation for World Peace, Legal Adviser UDUS Alumni Association Sokoto State Chapter, 2013.Legal Adviser Jama’a System Consult North West Zonal Vice Chairman Northern Youth Assembly, National President, Network for reduction of Maternal Mortality and Morbidity in Nigeria, Legal Adviser Stop Cancer Foundation.
The political juganut has won for himself several National and International Awards/Certificates which include Youth Ambassador for Peace, Arewa Patriotic Vanguard, Special Legislature Award, Hope alive award by Stop Cancer Foundation, Global Life time Achievers Int’l Gold Award, (GLAIGA 2010) Ghana.Goronyo L/Govt Student Assoc. (GOLSA) Certificate of Merit Award, Unity Ambassador for Africa Merit Award, Adolescent Girls Project Merit Award, Letter of commendation from the Goronyo Community – 2008.
The happilly married erudite lawyer, academician, politician and father of four is widely travelled within and outside Nigeria brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of achievements to the position of Minister in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new government. With an extensive political career that includes serving as a Member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Commissioner for various ministries in Sokoto State, and holding significant positions within the APC, he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills and dedication to public service.
His educational background, including pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership and Strategic Studies, reflects his commitment to continuous learning and enhancing his expertise in leadership. His legal qualifications, including a BL from the Nigerian Law School, equip him with a solid foundation to navigate legal matters and policy implementation effectively.
Hon. Bello Muhammad’s experience as Deputy Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly and Chairman of several committees showcases his ability to lead and manage legislative affairs. He has also been actively involved in international engagements, fostering diplomatic relations and promoting Nigeria’s interests on a global platform.
In addition to his political achievements, Hon. Bello Muhammad’s community involvement and dedication to humanitarian causes highlight his commitment to the welfare of the people.
As Minister in President Tinubu’s new government, his experience, qualifications, and leadership abilities will play a pivotal role in contributing to the development of Nigeria. With a focus on good governance, inclusive policies, and strategic planning, he is well-positioned to drive positive change and foster economic growth. His dedication to public service, coupled with his legal expertise, will enable him to address critical challenges facing the nation and work towards a more prosperous and united Nigeria.
Barr. Bello Muhammad-Goronyo is a distinguished politician with a remarkable legacy of public service and leadership. He is known for his demand for excellence and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his people.His leadership style is characterized by fairness, strong determination, and a continuous quest for improvement in the development of Sokoto State. As a visionary leader, he has consistently supported and empowered the youth by providing scholarships for master’s education, enabling them to become more competitive and better equipped to contribute significantly to the progress of the state. As Minister in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new government, I am confident that his experience, qualifications, and passion for transformative development will bring positive changes and advancement to Nigeria as a whole. His dedication to fostering growth and progress aligns well with the aspirations of the nation, and I am certain that under his leadership, Nigeria will witness significant strides towards a prosperous future for all. The choice of Hon. Bello Muhammed is a right choice and am certain he will bring his rich wealth of political and societal knowledge to bare in moving Nigeria forward. His relationship with Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko which is a mentor Mentee relationship is yet another plus for him, he is a true believer of Senator Wamakko’s Political ideology which has greatly helped him in all his political achievements. He has been tested and trusted and has the capacity to deliver on mandate, his nomination is a round peg in round hole. His wealth of political experience cut across the three arms of Government ie Legislature, Excecutive and Judiciary. He is a complete party man who occupied various party positions from the local Government, State, Zonal and National level. A desendant of Sultan Muhammadu Bello of Sheik Usman bn fodio Islamic jihadist, he is a born leader who has never failed in any given responsibility and I can say without fear or favour that President Tinubu will be proud over his appointment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I make bold to say that Hon.(Barr)Bello Muhammad Dip Law, LL.B,BL,MESM,MPhil,CMC is a man whose choice as a Minister is a right choice.
Isaiah Benjamin is a Kaduna based Journalist and writes from Kaduna.
