Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its position as a frontrunner in human capital development, recording the lowest number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isah, at the 2025 Blueprint Impact Award Series in Abuja, where he represented Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was honoured as the Governor of the Year in Human Capital Development.

Hon. Isah described the award as a clear recognition of the strategic investments made by the administration in both education and health sectors within a short time.

He explained that the Ododo-led administration has spent over ₦1 billion on the payment of external examination fees for students in public primary and secondary schools across the state in just over a year.

According to him, this deliberate intervention has significantly boosted school enrolment and retention rates, resulting in Kogi now having the lowest number of out-of-school children in the northern region, a rating confirmed by relevant national statistics.

“Kogi State under Governor Ododo has demonstrated that meaningful investment in people yields measurable results. This award is a testament to that fact,” he stated.

The media adviser also noted that his administration is currently undertaking the revitalization of over 300 primary healthcare centres across the 21 local government areas of the state, further strengthening its commitment to human capital development.

“The Governor remains committed to building a knowledge-based and healthy population. We are proud of the strides we have made so far, and this recognition by Blueprint affirms that we are on the right path,” he added.

The Blueprint Impact Award Series is an annual event that honours individuals and institutions making significant contributions to national development, governance and innovation.