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The Kogi State Executive Council has approved the establishment of Kogi State Hotel and Tourism Board and to provide for the registration, classification and monitoring of hotels and tourism establishments and other matters connected therewith.
Briefing newsmen after the Executive Council meeting, the Director General of Media and Strategy to the Governor, Kingsley Fanwo said council decided to abrogate the earlier Act establishing the Board, which was enacted in 1995, saying the planned repudiation of the obsolete Act was to enact a new one that conforms with “the modern demands of hotels and tourism management.” He said the policy is in line with the New Direction Agenda to position Kogi State as the Centre of Tourism Excellence in Nigeria.
“The decision of Council to establish a 21st Century-compliant Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board was aimed at exploring the bountiful opportunities that abound in the state’s tourism industry in order to protect both the investors and consumers.
“Council also approved the engagement of of SapphireNgr Consulting Ltd as coordinating consultants to provide needful services to enable the State implement the 22-point agenda of Fiscal Sustainability Plan.
“The Governor reiterates his determination to ensure rapid development and fiscal responsibility in the state.”
Also speaking at the Press Briefing, the Hon. Commissioner For Budget and Planning, Barrister Oloruntoba Kehinde said Council has approved the draft budget of the State for 2017 for transmission to the State House of Assembly. He said the budget, which is termed “Budget of New Direction,” will be transmitted to the Assembly next week, expressing confidence in the budget to bridge the infrastructural deficit in the State.
The Honourable Commissioner For Works, Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Abubakar Sadiq, also told newsmen that Council has approved the rehabilitation and construction of Lokoja Township roads.
Among roads approved for rehabilitation and reconstruction are: Gadumo Village, Aniebo Quarters, 4th Republic Estate Road, Otokiti, 500 Housing Estate roads and many others. He also disclosed to pressmen, Council’s approval of the Electrical Power Improvement for Agassa Town and Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area.
Kogi State is believed to be committing over 65% of her 2017 budget to capital projects. The decision is in line with the resolve of the Governor to concentrate on projects that will impact on the welfare of the greater number of the Kogi people. It would be recalled that the Governor had warned political office holders to be prepared for sacrifices, saying his administration is to serve the people of the State and not a select few in government. Governor Bello said his administration will continue to tune down recurrent expenditure in the State.
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