The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, has applauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his exceptional budgetary compliance and strategic allocation of resources in the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The commendation was delivered during an address in Lokoja on Monday, shortly before the Governor signed the bill into law.
In a statement issued by the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Yabagi Mohammed, the Speaker highlighted the Assembly’s thorough review of the budget. He praised the Governor for his meticulous management of state finances and his commitment to addressing critical sectors in the proposed “Budget of Inclusive Development.”
The Speaker noted that the Governor had earlier presented the budget proposal on December 3, 2024, in accordance with Section 121(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). During the presentation, the Governor provided a detailed breakdown of the state’s income and expenditure plans for the fiscal year 2025.
Rt. Hon. Yusuf emphasized the Assembly’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability, stating:
“After an objective and inclusive legislative consideration of the provisions in the 2024 budget and the proposed 2025 estimates, the House found it expedient to commend His Excellency for unrivaled budgetary compliance and strategic fund allocation to key sectors of the state.”
He further assured the Governor of the Assembly’s continued support for inclusive development across all constituencies, appealing for the extension of developmental projects to various state constituencies through constituency-specific initiatives.
In his response, Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for their diligence and swift passage of the 2025 budget. He called for continued unity among Assembly members and urged them to sustain their support for the Speaker, whom he described as a driving force for progress within the state.
The “Budget of Inclusive Development” is expected to address pressing needs across Kogi State, with strategic investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other critical sectors, setting the tone for sustainable growth in 2025.