The Kogi government has concluded plans to secure $500 million in funding for a World Bank-assisted programme called the HOPE-GOV initiative to strengthen basic education and primary healthcare services.

The Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris, disclosed this at a citizens’ sensitisation programme on Thursday in Lokoja.

Mr Idris explained that the HOPE-GOV initiative would avail the state of over 500 million dollars as enhanced funding to improve access to high-quality basic education and primary healthcare services.

According to him, education and healthcare remain the pillars of a productive, innovative and resilient society.

Mr Idris emphasised that improved funding for education and healthcare sectors, two human capital development indices, was critical for accelerating progress and inclusive growth in society.

Also, the accountant-general, Habibat Tijani, said the HOPE-GOV initiative would support the Kogi government’s efforts to enhance fiscal transparency.

Ms Tijani, who doubles as the World Bank fiscal focal person, said the initiative would improve budget credibility and ensure accountability in the use of funds for policies and programmes of the state government.

She added that the initiative would also increase the availability and effectiveness of financing for education and healthcare to improve the recruitment and performance of teachers and healthcare workers.

The Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his efforts in repositioning the education sector.

Mr Jones said the Kogi government had allocated over $1.2 billion for internal and external examination fees of pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools by the present administration.

The Commissioner for Health, Abdulazeez Adams, noted that the Hope-Gov initiative would revolutionise and promote access to essential healthcare service delivery in Kogi.

(NAN)