Following the global COVID-19 pandemic, Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello has revised the 2020 budget and make swift declarations in enhancing budget performance in the state.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo Wednesday reads;
“Council approved the revised Kogi state 2020 Budget. The Budget has been cut to 102 billion naira from the initial 176 billion naira passed into law. The move was to embrace the reality of the global economic downturn and to enhance budget performance.
Council approved 1.4 billion naira to ensure the smooth take off of the Kogi state Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme for the improvement of Cassava production and Aqua-Culture. The state government resolved to use agriculture to navigate through the impending economic challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world.
“Council approved a public private partnership for the resuscitation of confluence express transport as well as Kogi water transportation Initiative.
“Council approved a process to put the Lokoja mga terminal into use. The terminal could not be put to use since 2016 because the project was not fully completed. Having completed the project now, it is expedient to immediately set the process of using it in motion to help the state improve its transportation administration and also generate revenue.
“Council approved the deployment of the Kogi Open Governance and Accountability System (KOGAS), Its is a platform that will bring Government Officials to public accountability and breed grassroots participation in governance. The System is to be operated and managed by the Kogi state Ministry of Information and Communication.
“Council approved the inauguration of Press and Information Clubs in all secondary schools and tertiary institutions of learning in the state. The best among press club members are to appear on Confluence Radio as guest broadcasters and also feature in graphic newspapers. This is to make such Clubs a springboard for responsible journalism and grassroots Sensitization.
“Council approved a major overhaul of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation to make it function optimally. The beneficiaries of the approval are the Headquarters in Lokoja, Confluence Radio, Ochaja; Confluence Radio, Okene-Eba and Confluence Radio, Egbe. This is to enable the stations work optimally and galvanize the voices of the Kogi people.
“Council also charged the Economic Team to immediately swing into action and come up with modalities for the agricultural revolution program of the state.”