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| Kogi State Governor, H.E Usman Ododo while presenting the 2025 budget estimates before the Kogi State House of Assembly |
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – In a groundbreaking move to ensure sustainable growth and development, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has proposed legislation to anchor the state’s newly unveiled 32-year development plan. The plan, spanning from 2024 to 2056, aims to transform Kogi State into a beacon of progress and investment, with a focus on infrastructure, human capital, and economic diversification.
Governor Ododo announced the initiative while presenting the 2025 budget proposal to the Kogi State House of Assembly on Tuesday. The proposed legislation is designed to provide legal backing for the comprehensive roadmap, ensuring continuity across successive administrations and preventing project abandonment or deviation from strategic goals.
The 32-Year Vision: Shared Hope and Prosperity**
The development plan, themed “Shared Hope and Prosperity,” is structured into three phases, each building on the accomplishments of its predecessor:
Phase one (2024–2033) will establish the foundation for growth with investments in critical infrastructure, human capital, and economic diversification.
Phase two (2034–2043) will accelerate economic growth, improve governance, and enhance environmental sustainability.
Phase three (2044–2056), finally will consolidate earlier gains, promoting innovation, and positioning Kogi State as a competitive and attractive investment hub.
Governor Ododo emphasized that the plan is anchored on three pillars: fostering prosperity, building resilience, and ensuring sustainable development. These objectives will be achieved through innovative policies, wealth creation, robust healthcare systems, and human capital development, all underpinned by peace and exemplary governance.
2025 Budget Proposal: Consolidation and Continuity
The Governor also presented the 2025 budget proposal, totaling ₦584.4 billion, to the State Assembly. Dubbed the “Budget of Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Development,” it represents a 43.34% increase from the 2024 revised budget.
Key allocations include: Capital Expenditure, ₦302.8 billion (51.99%) and the recurrent expenditure is ₦279.6 billion (48.01%) .
Sectoral allocations: Economic Matters, ₦227.82 billion (39.12%); Social Services, ₦210.78 billion (36.19%); Administration, ₦120.05 billion (20.61%); Law and Justice, and ₦23.75 billion (4.08%).
The Governor outlined the policy direction of the 2025 budget, which is closely aligned with the state’s long-term development plan. Key objectives include: Enhancing efficiency in public financial management. Boosting revenue generation and blocking leakages.
Others are prioritizing investments in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. Promoting job creation, youth engagement, and public-private partnerships. Ensuring the completion of ongoing projects while introducing strategic new initiatives.
“The 2025 budget focuses on improving the quality of life for Kogi residents through better education, healthcare, food security, trade expansion, and infrastructure development,” Governor Ododo said.
Governor Ododo’s proposed legislation and the ambitious development plan underscore his administration’s commitment to transforming Kogi State into an inclusive and prosperous economy. With its legal backing, the 32-year plan aims to foster consistency, promote accountability, and position the state as a leader in sustainable development across Nigeria.
The Kogi State House of Assembly is expected to deliberate on the proposed legislation and budget in the coming weeks, marking a significant step toward actualizing the state’s long-term vision.
