Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has inaugurated the Steering Committee and Unified Technical Working Group for the implementation of the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Programme, charging members to deliver on the programme’s mandate with integrity, professionalism and accountability.
The committees were inaugurated on behalf of the Governor by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, at the Deputy Governor’s Office in Lokoja.
The event also marked the inauguration of the programme’s three implementation components—HOPE-GOV, HOPE-PHC and HOPE-EDU—which will be coordinated by the Commissioners for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Health, and Education, respectively.
Governor Ododo described the appointment of committee members as a call to selfless service, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them by ensuring effective implementation of the programme for the benefit of the people of Kogi State.
He explained that while the Steering Committee would provide strategic leadership, policy direction and oversight, the Unified Technical Working Group would coordinate implementation, offer technical guidance and monitor programme activities to ensure the successful delivery of its objectives.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the initiative, assuring of sustained collaboration with the World Bank and other development partners to deliver measurable improvements in education, healthcare and governance across the state.
“The HOPE Programme presents a unique opportunity to deepen reforms in governance, improve learning outcomes in our schools, strengthen primary healthcare services, enhance the capacity of teachers and healthcare workers, and promote fiscal transparency and accountability. These are priorities of our administration,” the Governor stated.
He further urged members of the committee and Unified Working Group to discharge their responsibilities with transparency, professionalism and a results-oriented approach, stressing that every decision should reflect the collective interest of the people, particularly children, teachers, healthcare workers and other beneficiaries.
Earlier, the Commissioners for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, and that of Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, described the inauguration as a significant milestone and a key requirement for the State’s participation in the World Bank’s Programme-for-Results under the HOPE initiative.
They expressed confidence that the implementation structure would ensure the successful execution of the programme, noting that the World Bank credit facility would strengthen primary healthcare, improve education outcomes and enhance governance through greater transparency and accountability.
The commissioners also assured that all stakeholders would work collaboratively to achieve the programme’s objectives and maximise its benefits for the people of Kogi State.
