Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, formally presented the Kogi State Governor-elect, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Lagos. The event preceded a Christmas Homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Forum.

In a poignant ceremony at the Lagos State Government House, Governor Bello introduced his successor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to the NGF, to an enthusiastic reception by members. The NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, welcomed Ododo as the ‘new luminary’ of the forum, congratulating him on his victory in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.

The governors, accompanied by Ododo, later visited President Tinubu in his Ikoyi residence to pay him their Christmas homage. They exchanged pleasantries with him and held far-reaching discussions on national security and the state of the nation’s economy.

As it stands now, preparations are kicking into high gear for January 27, 2024 when Governor Bello will complete his constitutional two terms in office and hand over to Ododo as the new Kogi State helmsman.

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Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, extends warm felicitations to Christians in Kogi State, Nigeria and across the globe as they celebrate Christmas.

He emphasizes that the season symbolizes hope for humanity, encouraging citizens to maintain a positive outlook.

The Governor urges Nigerians to embody God’s love for humanity and extend that love to their neighbors during the festive season. While acknowledging that the holiday is an excellent time to share joy with family and friends, Governor Bello also emphasizes the importance of sober reflections and prayers for peace, unity, and togetherness, especially during a time when the country is navigating a new economic course.

Expressing joy that the people of Kogi State are witnessing another Christmas, Governor Bello acknowledges the boundless mercy and love of God Almighty despite the individual and collective challenges faced. He highlights the administration’s commitment to peace, security, and safety, noting the remarkable progress in socio-economic growth and infrastructural development.

In his final Christmas celebration as governor, Bello outlines his administration’s achievements in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital development. He commends the citizens for their support and commitment to the state’s progress since the beginning of his tenure in 2016.

Governor Bello assures that the quarterly distribution of palliatives to cushion the effects of petroleum product subsidy removal, a government policy, will be diligently sustained by the incoming administration.

He lauds the people for their peaceful conduct and support during the recent governorship election, expressing confidence that Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo will uphold and build on the legacy of his administration for inclusive growth.

During the Christmas celebration, Governor Bello encourages Nigerians to promote peace and good neighborliness. He calls for prayers for leaders at all levels of governance and advocates for acts of kindness toward the less privileged, emphasizing that such gestures foster love and peaceful coexistence.

Governor Bello reassures citizens of their safety during the celebrations, emphasizing the state’s preparedness to handle any security challenges. He cautions against any criminal activities, affirming that Kogi State is not conducive for such actions.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

December 24, 2023
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Abuja, Nigeria – December 23, 2023: The Kogi State office of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) received stellar recognition from the World Bank, achieving top marks in environmental safeguards and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) oversight, and placing second in transparency and integrity for the project’s first year.

Top Performer:

The World Bank/Federal Ministry of Environment lauded Kogi ACReSAL’s commitment to environmental protection, awarding them the ‘Best on Environmental Safeguards’ title. They further commended their exemplary performance in M&E oversight, deeming them the ‘Best in Monitoring and Evaluation.’ Additionally, Kogi ACReSAL secured the ‘Runner-up’ position for demonstrating exceptional transparency and integrity in project execution.

Recognition at Stakeholder Forum:

These accolades were announced at the World Bank’s one-day Stakeholder Engagement Forum held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abuja. The event drew representatives from the 19 participating states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the authorizing environment.

Kogi Delegation Leads by Example:

The Kogi State team, led by Hon. Commissioner for Environment and Kogi ACReSAL State Steering Committee (SSC) Chairman, Hon. (Chief) OMOFAIYE Victor Adewale, actively participated in the forum. Joining him were co-chairmen from the Ministries of Water Resources and Agriculture, along with the State Project Coordinator, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto OON.

Kogi’s strong representation also included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Jibrin (Chairman, Kogi ACReSAL State Technical Committee), Permanent Secretaries from other relevant ministries, and the Head of the Project Financial Monitoring Unit (HPFMU).

Platform for Progress:

The forum served as a vital platform for fostering communication and understanding between the World Bank and implementing partners. It offered the participating states a clear view of the ACReSAL Project’s development objectives, promoting seamless implementation at the state level.

Furthermore, the event facilitated performance evaluation and provided valuable support to participating states.

Kogi’s Commitment to Sustainability:

Speaking at the forum, Hon. OMOFAIYE attributed Kogi’s success to the Governor’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection. He emphasized the state’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in project execution.

Echoing this sentiment, Barr. Jatto reaffirmed their commitment to the project’s long-term sustainability. She expressed gratitude to Governor Bello for his unwavering support, which has empowered Kogi ACReSAL to achieve their set objectives.

Kogi ACReSAL’s exceptional performance in environmental safeguards, M&E oversight, and transparency serves as a commendable example for other participating states. Their dedication to project sustainability ensures a bright future for the ACReSAL program.

©Kogipedia
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Kogi Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, Inaugurates Operational Vehicles comprises of 30 State-of-the-Art referral Ambulances, Modern Firefighting Trucks, official vehicles for the State Assembly members and principal officers, Heads of the Judiciary, Heads of Institutions and others.

The inauguration of the vehicles is done at the Muhammadu Buhari Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State on Friday.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 22, 2023
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2024 Kogi State Appropriation Law. His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State assented to the Kogi State Appropriation Law, 2024 yesterday, 20th December, 2023 which made the 2024 Draft Budget of Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth a functional statute in the Confluence State.

It will be recalled that the Governor had presented the draft Budget to the Kogi State House of Assembly on Monday, 11th December, 2024
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In a significant milestone, the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, has officially signed the N258,278,501,339 Appropriation Bill for the year 2024 into law. The governor, expressing the uniqueness of this budget signing, remarked that it marks the final one under his tenure as the state’s governor.

Governor Bello extended commendations to the Speaker and members of the Kogi State House of Assembly for their exceptional collaboration and prompt attention to his request, leading to the swift passage of the appropriation bill into law.

The 2024 budget, titled “Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth,” stands at N258.3bn, representing a notable increase from the N197.5bn revised approved budget for 2023—a 30.71% increment of N60.6bn.

Governor Bello outlined key areas of emphasis within the 2024 budget, spanning good governance, infrastructural development, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, peace-building, women empowerment, gender equality, environment, sustainable development, industry, commerce, information technology, innovation, youth empowerment, sports development, entertainment, culture, tourism, housing, enhanced internally generated revenue, water, and sanitation.

As the governor approaches the conclusion of his administration on January 27, 2024, he expressed a heartfelt desire for continued cooperation with the incoming administration of Governor-Elect Ahmed Usman Ododo. He anticipates that the transition will be embraced with excitement and optimism, paving the way for the state to achieve new horizons.
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Expressing gratitude to God and the people of Kogi State for their unwavering support during his nearly eight-year tenure, Governor Bello expressed confidence in the State Assembly’s ability to maintain a harmonious relationship with the incoming administration.

Speaking optimistically about the budget’s implementation under the leadership of Governor-Elect Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor Bello foresees the incoming administration building on the foundation laid during his tenure. He commended the commissioner, management and staff of the ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning for painstakingly put the budget together.

Earlier in his address, the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that the 2024 budget is a reflection of the resolve of the people of the state to address their critical needs and pledged the assembly’s cooperation and collaboration with the incoming administration for the overall interest of the state.

In addition to signing the 2024 budget, Governor Bello enacted laws to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State Local Government Law, 2000; law to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State College of Nursing Sciences; and law establish the Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, among other crucial matters.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 20, 2023
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