JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has accused the government’s officials of remaining close to the base and guaranteeing a constant commitment with the people, observing that this connection is the key to reactive governance.
Ododo was the task during the meeting of the State Executive Council held in Lokoja on Monday.
“We are in the government to serve the people, and this means staying in contact with their needs and aspirations,” said the governor.
As part of the efforts to increase the local economy, the governor has also ordered all the government officials to wear fabrics made in Kogi as a show of support for indigenous industries. He encouraged the kogites to be proud of local products and to guide a cultural and economic Renaissance from the inside.
The journalists also meet after the meeting, the commissioner for information and communications, the Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said that the administration is committed to making governance more visible and impactful.
“Governor Ododo is guiding a government he listens, learns and leads from the base. His directive on the fabrics made in Kogi is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” said Fanwo.
On the infrastructure, Fanwo revealed that the perimeter fencing at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (Custech), Osara is completed at 90%, while both male and females have been completed and are already students. Similar projects at the Kogi State University, Kabba, are progressing satisfactorily.
To improve public safety, the Council also approved a bill to limit the movement of heavy trucks during the top hours. Another bill has been approved for the establishment of the State Agency of Kogi for climate change as part of a response provided for global environmental challenges.
In a separate briefing, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwa Asiru Idris, announced that the Ododo administration has completely liquidated N98.8 billion of debt inherited from previous administrations within 15 months.
The failure includes:
• N8 billion of bonds from the Idris Wada administration.
• Salting n50.8 billion climbing from the last administration.
• Eca infrastructure loan of N10 billion.
• N15 billion Zenith Bank infrastructure loans and another n15 billion from UBA PLC.
“This is a reference result. The governor of his excellence Ododo has demonstrated the tax discipline and the commitment to economic recovery. Within 15 months, we canceled N98.8 billion in hereditary debts,” said Idris.
He added that Fitch Ratings updated the Kogi credit rating from “B-” A “B”, with a stable perspective, citing prudent financial management. As of September 30, 2024, the state debt profile stands at N40.5 billion, putting it on a strong path towards the sustainability of the debt.
Post views:
148
