Kogi Govt. secures $500m World Bank funding for healthcare, education

The Kogi Government has concluded plans to secure $500 million funding for a World Bank-assisted programme called HOPE-GOV initiative, to strengthen basic education and primary healthcare services in the state.

The Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris, disclosed this at a citizens’ sensitisation programme on Thursday, in Lokoja.

Idris explained that the HOPE-GOV initiative, would avail the state of over 500 million dollars as enhanced funding to improve access to high quality basic education and primary healthcare services in the state.

According to him, education and healthcare remain the pillars upon which a productive, innovative and resilient society is built.

Idris emphasised that improved funding for education and healthcare sectors, which are two indices of human capital development, was critical for accelerating progress and inclusive growth in the society.

Also speaking, the state’s Accountant-General, Habibat Tijani, emphasised that the HOPE-GOV initiative would support the efforts of the state government to enhance fiscal transparency.

Tijani, who doubles as the World Bank Fiscal Focal Person, said the initiative would improve budget credibility, and ensure accountability in the use of funds for policies and programmes of the state government.

She added that the initiative would also increase the availability and effectiveness of financing for education and healthcare, improve recruitment and performance of teachers and healthcare workers in the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo for his efforts in repositioning the education sector in the state.

Jones said the state government had allocated over 1.2 billion naira for internal and external examination fees of pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools by the present administration.

The Commissioner for Health, Abdulazeez Adams, noted that the Hope-Gov initiative would revolutionise and promote access to essential healthcare service delivery in the state.