Kogi secures World Bank’s $500m grant to fund education, healthcare

The Kogi state government is set to receive enhanced funding of $500 million from the World Bank to improve access to high quality basic education and primary healthcare services.

Asiwaju Idris, the Kogi commissioner for finance, budget and economic planning, announced the development at a citizens’ sensitisation programme held at the government house in Lokoja, the state capital, on Thursday.

The commissioner noted that the fund is provided under the World Bank assisted programme under the HOPE-GOV initiative.

He added that education and healthcare are the pillars upon which a productive, innovative and resilient society is built upon.

He noted that improved funding for education and healthcare which are two indices of human capital development is critical for accelerating progress and inclusive growth in the state.

Habibat Tijani, the state accountant-general and World Bank fiscal focal person, emphasised that the HOPE-GOV initiative would support the efforts of the government to enhance fiscal transparency, improve budget credibility, and ensure accountability in the use of funds for policies and programmes of the state government.

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

Wemi Jones, the commissioner for education, lauded the initiative and commended Governor Usman Ododo’s efforts in repositioning the education sector in the state adding that over N1.2 billion has been allocated for external examination fees of pupils and students in primary and secondary schools by the present administration.

Similarly, the commissioner for health, Abdulazeez Adams, noted that the Hope-Gov initiative is set to revolutionise healthcare service delivery and promote access to essential healthcare services in the state.