Governor secures $500m World Bank fund for education, healthcare
The Kogi State Government has secured $500 million in funding from the World Bank under the HOPE-GOV initiative to enhance basic education and primary healthcare services in the state.
The Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris, disclosed this during a Citizens’ Sensitisation Programme held at the Government House in Lokoja on Thursday.
Idris emphasised that education and healthcare are the foundation of a productive, innovative, and resilient society.
He noted that improved funding for these sectors is crucial for accelerating progress and fostering inclusive growth in Kogi State.
“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 stated.
The State Accountant General and World Bank Fiscal Focal Person, Dr Habibat Tijani, highlighted that the initiative would “enhance fiscal transparency and budget credibility” and “ensure accountability” in the use of funds for government policies and programmes.
She also noted that it would “increase financing effectiveness” for education and healthcare and “improve recruitment and performance” of teachers and healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Education, Hon Wemi Jones, commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his commitment to “repositioning the education sector.”
He revealed that the current administration has allocated over ₦1.2 billion for external examination fees for students in primary and secondary schools.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams, noted that the HOPE-GOV initiative would “revolutionise healthcare service delivery and promote access to essential medical services across the state.”
