***Presents N584 Billion 2025 Budget to Kogi Assembly
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called for legislative support for the state’s ambitious 32-year development plan, as he presented the 2025 budget proposal to the Kogi State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement, indicated that the plan, which spans from 2024 to 2056, is designed to ensure sustainable development in the state, providing a strategic roadmap for infrastructure, human capital development, economic diversification, and social progress.
In his address, Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of securing legislative backing for the 32-year plan, which he described as essential to maintaining continuity and avoiding project abandonment. The Governor stated that the proposed legislation would provide a legal framework to guide the long-term growth of Kogi State, ensuring that all future administrations adhere to the same strategic vision for the state’s development.
Governor Ododo explained that the 32-year development plan is organized into three phases, each addressing specific goals for the state’s transformation.
The first phase (2024-2033) focuses on laying the foundation for growth by prioritizing critical infrastructure and human capital development.
The second and third phases (2034-2043 and 2044-2056) will focus on accelerating economic growth, enhancing governance, and consolidating gains, particularly in innovation, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability.
The Governor highlighted that having legislative backing for this development plan would ensure that each phase is fully implemented without disruption, regardless of changes in administration.
“This plan is not just a vision for the present, but a sustainable framework that will ensure Kogi’s prosperity for generations to come,” Ododo said.
By securing legal recognition for the plan, Governor Ododo hopes to prevent deviations from the strategic vision and ensure that ongoing projects, especially in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic diversification, are sustained over the long term.
Alongside the development plan, Governor Ododo presented the 2025 budget proposal of N584.4 billion, a 43.34% increase from the revised 2024 budget.
The budget is designed to support the objectives of the 32-year plan, with a significant portion allocated to capital expenditure (51.99%), including investments in infrastructure and human development.
The Governor outlined a comprehensive fiscal strategy, which includes improving revenue generation, reducing waste, and ensuring efficient public spending.
With a focus on completing ongoing projects, the proposed budget aims to boost economic growth, enhance service delivery in education and healthcare, improve road infrastructure, and support job creation.
Governor Ododo urged the Kogi State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the legislation for the 32-year development plan and approve the 2025 budget to set the stage for the state’s transformation.
He stressed that the backing of the legislative arm is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of the state’s development agenda, calling for bipartisan support to make the vision of a prosperous Kogi State a reality.
In his closing remarks, Governor Ododo emphasized the need for collaboration between the executive and legislative branches to achieve the goals outlined in the 32-year plan.
He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to making Kogi State an attractive destination for investment, innovation, and prosperity.