The Kogi State Governor-elect, Yahaya Bello, has asked the state’s transition committee to devise strategies that will increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
The governor-elect also asked the committee to think outside the box by coming up with workable plans for the smooth take-off of the incoming administration in January.
Bello gave the charge while addressing the members of the committee, led by Alhaji Isah Shaibu, a statement said on Sunday.
Other members of the committee include Edward Onoja, Hajia Zainab Abdulazeez, Prof. Olu Akerejola, Hajia Khadijat Suleiman, Ohinoyi Shaban and Suleiman Baba Ali.
Others are Mr. Idris Sura, Dr. Atte David, Idris Haruna, Hajia Halima Alfa, Dr. Yakubu Ugwalawo, Mumuni Okara, an architect, and Dr. Martin Makoju.
Bello said despite the presence of many industries in the state and its closeness to the FCT, the state has not been among the top five in the country.
The statement quoted Bello as saying, “Kogi State is endowed with abundant natural and human resources which gives it an advantage, in addition to its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory.
“All these natural endowments, ordinarily, should place our dear state among the top five in the federation. Sadly, due to the leadership gap we have experienced over the years, the reverse is the case as our social and infrastructural development indices left much to be desired though we are ranked 18th in terms of monthly federal allocations. This, to say the very least, is unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission has congratulated Bello on his victory at the poll.
In a letter dated 18 December, 2015 and signed by its Acting Chairman, Shettima Umar Abba Gana, the commission expressed confidence in the competence of Bello in turning around the fortunes of Kogi State.
It will be recalled that Bello served the commission for about fifteen years before pursuing his governorship ambition.
The commission said the success of Bello at the poll did not come to it as a surprise. It expressed confidence in his ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Kogi State.
“These and other enviable traits of yours attest to your wide acceptability by the people of the state,” the commission further stated while wishing Bello a successful tenure in office.
Credit: Punch
