Kogi State under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello has witnessed remarkable level of success in the areas of security, discipline, probity, accountability and health sector lately. This is borne out of the governor’s burning desire to keep the state within the range of steady progress for socio-economic and political advancements.
Governor Bello, through his vision, has made steady progress and engineered far-reaching reforms geared towards restructuring and re-engineering the state’s economy.
Today, the effects of the dwindling federal allocation to states and local governments due to the downturn in the oil sector has made it imperative for governments at all levels to review several issues hindering development and proffer solutions on how best to service the people.
This, perhaps, has informed the new thinking in Kogi State in line with the Governor’s desire to give the state quality leadership and render selfless service in an atmosphere of peace, accountability and fiscal discipline.
Currently, the state’s monthly federal allocation stands at N3-4billion, out of which N2.8billion goes to workers’ salaries, N288million for the monthly settlement of pensions, 129million for allowance of political office holders, and N600million for the service of the loan taken by the previous administrations.
With this financial engineering, the state is able to meet up with its monthly financial obligations due to transparency and probity imbibed by the governor.
Before Yahaya Adoza Bello’s assumption of office, the state’s monthly internally generated revenue (IGR) stood at N225million, but with the reforms brought into the system, the IGR has increased to N2billion monthly.
Despite the financial crunch in the country, especially with a second recession in view, Kogi state is one of the states whose workers’ salaries and pensions are paid 23rd to 25th of every month.
The governing style of Yahaya Adoza Bello is uncommon.
The Governor’s choice of his deputy no doubt can not be questioned as he never compromise excellence.
– Muhammad Onoruoiza Yunusa writes from Kogi Central.
