By Ismail Isah (SA Media)
Ismail Isah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, quoted Honourable Asiwaju Idris, Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, as saying that Kogi State has secured $500 million from the World Bank to enhance access to quality basic education and primary healthcare services.
According to Honourable Idris, the World Bank-assisted programme under the HOPE-GOV initiative will provide over $500 million in enhanced funding to strengthen basic education and primary healthcare services in the state. He emphasized that education and healthcare are the pillars upon which a productive, innovative, and resilient society is built, stressing that improved funding for these sectors is critical for accelerating progress and inclusive growth in the state.
Dr. Habibat Tijani, State Accountant General and World Bank Fiscal Focal Person, highlighted that the HOPE-GOV initiative will support the state government's efforts to enhance fiscal transparency, improve budget credibility, and ensure accountability in the use of funds. She noted that the initiative will increase the availability and effectiveness of financing for education and healthcare, improve recruitment and performance of teachers and healthcare workers in the state.
Honourable Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education, lauded the initiative and commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's efforts in repositioning the education sector in the state. He revealed that the present administration has allocated over ₦1.2 billion for external examination fees of pupils and students in primary and secondary schools.
Similarly, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, Commissioner for Health, noted that the Hope-Gov initiative is set to revolutionize healthcare service delivery and promote access to essential healthcare services in the state.
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Education