Musa Ubandawaki Sokoto
The Emir of Gwandu, Major General Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar (rtd) has presented a letter of appointment to Mohammed Bello Koko, Managing Director, and Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) as the 6th District head of Koko and member of Kebbi State traditional rulers’ council.
Presenting the letter of credence to the new district head at Abdullahin Gwandu Palace Birnin Kebbi, the Emir said Bello Koko was appointed District head of the area to succeed his late father, a former teacher and seasoned administrator, Malam Muhammadu Bello Koko, the 5th District head of the Koko who died last year.
Emir of Gwandu described Bello Koko as a quintessential gentleman, a diligent public servant, and an exemplary leader who has made an indelible mark in life’s journey by touching humanity with his purposeful leadership anchored on the well-being and prosperity of his people.
He congratulated the new District head for his worthy appointment and urged him to maintain an open-door policy and to be a servant of his people, not their leader.
The Emir called on the area’s people to support and cooperate with the new District head in his quest to move the area forward.
“Gwandu emirate council would give all necessary support and encouragement to the new district head to succeed in the task ahead, you should not hesitate to consult the emirate on matters beyond your powers for guidance and fatherly advice.
In his remarks shortly after receiving the appointment letter, the new District head Mohammed Bello Koko thanked the Kebbi state government and Gwandu Emirate for finding him worthy of the new appointment.
“I pray that may Almighty Allah continue to strengthen and shower his wisdom and blessings on our Governor Alhaji Nasiru Idris (Kauran Gwandu) and the Emir of Gwandu for finding me worthy to succeed my late father Malam Muhammad Bello the 5th District head of the area.
“My deep appreciation also goes to the teeming people of the area and all those who contributed variously to the huge success of the Grand reception accorded me at the historic palace.”
Born on the 25th of March 1969, Mohammed Bello attended and completed his secondary school education at the Federal Government College Sokoto in 1986.
He then proceeded to the famous Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto for his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Management Studies and Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) between 1992 and 1995 respectively.
In this quest for continuous learning, he proceeded to the Harvard Kennedy School, USA where he bagged an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership.
Bello Koko started his career with FSB International Bank Plc from the year 1996 to 2004 and functioned across several strategic portfolios including Banking operations, Credit-Risk Management, Treasury Operations, Retail banking, and Corporate Marketing found him in charge of the Energy sector and Public Sector, thus responsible for managing accounts of several multinational oil and Gas companies, Public sector relationships.
He joined Zenith International Bank Plc in the year 2005 where he grew at various times to be Branch Head, zonal Head Public Sector, and also Large Corporations from where his exceptional contribution to the bank’s globally referenced profitability and balance sheet in the period 2005 to 2015 earned him numerous awards in the bank and a spot in the bank’s Executive Management Team as Deputy General Manager and Zonal Head.
In the year 2016, Mohammed Bello Koko was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), a role he held with distinction till May 2021, when he was appointed Acting Managing Director.
His sterling performance as acting Managing Director was evidenced by the plugging of income leakages, unprecedented revenue growth, and improved operational efficiencies that led to a significant increase in container traffic to Onne Port and the demonstrated resolve to open up the other Eastern Ports of Warri, Calabar, and Rivers convinced President Muhammadu Buhari to confirm Koko as substantive Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NPA on the 15th of February, 2022.
Bello Koko who is a fellow of both the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and the Institute of Strategic Management (ISMN), is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and has attended several domestic and international trainings.
