By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
GOVERNOR Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi has called for improved collaboration between the state and the World Bank Group in the implementation of development projects in critical sectors of the state’s economy.
This is contained in a statement signed by Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, made available to newsmen on Monday in Lokoja.
According to the statement, Ododo made the call when he paid a working visit to the new Country Director of the World Bank Group in Nigeria, Dr Ndiame Diop, on Monday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the Governor used the high level engagement with the Bank to review all ongoing World Bank projects in Kogi state.
He requested for expansion in areas of critical interventions including Education, Healthcare, Agriculture and Infrastructure to enhance the overall socio-economic development of the state.
The Governor also called for a pragmatic approach to all World Bank interventions to conform with the state’s 30-year Development Agenda of shared hope and prosperity.
The call, he added, was aimed at ensuring better coordination of all the Bank’s projects and programmes in the state.
In his response, the World Bank Country Director, Dr Ndiame Diop assured Governor Ododo of his readiness to deepen cooperation and partnership with the Kogi State government.
Diop stressed that he looks forward to working with the Governor to accelerate implementation of all ongoing World Bank projects and programmes in Kogi State.
Governor Ododo was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Ali Bello, Commissioners and top government officials from the state.
The statement said that Ododo was the first state governor in Nigeria to embark on such high level engagement with the World Bank under the new Country Director who recently assumed office in Nigeria. (Ends)