By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

GOVERNOR Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi has presented an Appropriation Bill of N582.4 billion as total estimated expenditure for 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly for approval.

Presenting the Appropriation Bill on the floor of the Assembly on Tuesday, Governor Ododo said the budget represented a total estimated revenue (Recurrent Revenue and Capital Receipts) and total estimated expenditure (Recurrent and Capital).

Tagged “Budget Of Inclusive Development” Ododo said the budget was designed to achieve six major goals aimed at promoting economic growth, reducing financial burdens and creating a more attractive business environment for investors and partners of the state.

According to him, the total budget outlay of N582,404,119.489 is divided into Recurrent Expenditure of N279,590,215,687 representing 48.01 per cent and Capital Expenditure of N302,813,903,802 representing 51.99 per cent.

“The total estimated revenue (recurrent revenue and capital receipts) stands at (N582,404,119,489 for the year 2025 and the total estimated expenditure (Recurrent and Capital) stands at N582,404,119,489 for the year 2025 making the 2025 Draft Budget a balance budget”, Ododo revealed.

The governor hinted that the fiscal strategy of the Government for the next three years would be anchored on the on-going Public Financial Management Reform (PFM).

Over the period 2025-2027, the State Government’s fiscal policy would be directed at Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of spending and ensuring greater control of the State Wage Bill.

He said the fiscal policy would also aim at directing capital expenditure to critical infrastructures such as e Road, Housing, Education, Health and other thematic areas of Job Creation, Youth Engagement, Infrastructure and Utilities and Public Sector and Pension Reforms.

Boosting revenue receipts by identifying and blocking revenue leakages; and gradual fiscal consolidation to achieve a level of public spending consistent with macroeconomic stability and sustainable debt would also be pursued.

Addressing the governor earlier, Speaker of the House, RT Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf described the occasion as a “Moment of historic significance” as it marked the first time Governor Ododo was presenting a budget to the House since his assumption of office as Governor.

“This presentation underscores the vital partnership between the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government. As representatives of the people, it is our sacred duty to scrutinize the budget proposals”, he said.

The exercise, according to the Speaker, is to ensure they reflect the financial plan, vision, priorities and commitment of the State Government in addressing the welfare, needs and aspirations of the citizens of Kogi State through inclusive development, economic growth, social security and justice.

Pledging to ensure timely passage of the Appropriation Bill, Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf said, “This process symbolizes our shared commitment to advancing the progress of our dear State through effective governance”, he said. (Ends)

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

AS the world marks the 2024 World AIDS Day, Civil Society for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN) has called on the Nigerian government and all stakeholders to scale up HIV testing and treatment services particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

In a statement issued on Monday in Lokoja, as part of activities to commemorate the day, CISHAN said the call is aimed at entrenching efforts toward achieving a resilient and sustainable HIV response in Nigeria.

The statement signed by Dr Remi Obinatu, Chairman of the Governing Council of CISHAN restated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria achieves the 95-95-95 targets by 2030.

CISHAN also called on the Nigerian government, Civil Society Organizations, and all stakeholders to address the social and economic determinants of health including poverty, stigma, and discrimination, which exacerbate the HIV epidemic.

“As we mark World AIDS Day 2024, the Civil Society for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria CISHAN joins the global community in reaffirming our commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

“This year’s theme, “Closing the Gap,” resonates deeply with our mission to promote a resilient and sustainable HIV response in Nigeria.

“Today, we honor the lives lost to AIDS and celebrate the progress made in the fight against this disease.

“However, we are equally mindful of the gaps that remain in our response, particularly in reaching marginalized communities and ensuring equitable access to HIV services”, the statement added.

CISHAN reiterated its commitment to promoting human rights and gender equality by recognizing that they are essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.

The body also advocated the promotion of Human Rights and Gender Equality by recognizing that these are essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.

“We urge everyone to join us in this effort, as we strive to create a world where people living with HIV can lead healthy and fulfilling lives, free from stigma and discrimination”, the statement added. (Ends)

***Calls for Immediate Safety Reforms

The Senator representing Kogi East in the National Assembly, Jibrin Isah Echocho has sent a message of condolence to the families affected by the recent boat mishap on the River Niger.
The boat incident had claimed the lives of many market women traveling from the state to neighboring Niger State.

In a statement personally signed by the senator, Echocho conveyed profound sympathy, urging the bereaved to find solace in the face of the devastating tragedy.
He offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased and comfort for the grieving families.

The accident, confirmed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), occurred along the Dambo-Ebuchi corridor of the River Niger, a major commercial route.
While investigations are ongoing to determine the cause, the tragedy has intensified concerns about waterway transportation safety in the region.

Senator Echocho expressed alarm over the frequency of such incidents, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures.
“The waterway connecting Kogi and Niger states has become perilous. Authorities must act swiftly to implement stringent safety protocols to prevent further loss of lives,” he urged.

He called on the government to prioritize the safety of those who depend on water transport, advocating for better infrastructure, stricter regulations, and more effective enforcement of safety standards.

Echocho also assured the victims’ families that the Kogi State government, in collaboration with federal agencies, would provide necessary support to those affected.
He emphasized the importance of community and government cooperation in helping the victims heal and rebuild.

The senator’s message comes as Kogi State continues to mourn the loss of lives, with citizens and leaders offering solidarity and support to the affected families.

The Kogi State government has pledged to assist the victims’ families and to work closely with relevant federal bodies to enhance water transport safety, ensuring that such a tragedy does not occur again.

This incident has reignited national calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s waterway safety regulations, as communities demand action to prevent future disasters.