Governor Ododo Calls for Closer Ties with World Bank on State Projects
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has urged for increased cooperation with the World Bank Group to advance development projects across vital sectors of the state’s economy.
According to a statement from Ismail Isah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Governor Ododo made this appeal during a recent visit to the World Bank Group’s new Country Director in Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, at their Abuja office.
Governor Ododo made the call when he paid a working visit to the new Country Director of the World Bank Group in Nigeria, Dr Ndiame Diop at the Bank’s office in Abuja .
“The governor, who used the high-level engagement with the bank to review all ongoing World Bank projects in Kogi state, requested an expansion in areas of critical interventions such as education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructural to enhance the overall social and economic development of the state.
“Governor Ododo also called for a programmatic approach to all World Bank interventions to conform with the state’s 30-year Development Agenda of shared hope and prosperity and to ensure better coordination of all projects and programmes in the state.
During the meeting, Governor Ododo reviewed ongoing World Bank initiatives in Kogi State and emphasized the need for expanded interventions in key areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, among others as he underscored the importance of aligning these efforts with the state’s comprehensive 30-year Development Agenda, aimed at fostering shared prosperity and economic growth.
Dr. Ndiame Diop, the new World Bank Country Director, assured Governor Ododo of his commitment to strengthening collaboration and partnership with the Kogi State government and readiness to work closely with the governor to expedite the implementation of ongoing projects and programs in the state.
The statement highlighted that Governor Ododo’s visit marked the first high-level engagement between a Nigerian state governor and the new World Bank Country Director since his recent assumption of office in Nigeria. Governor Ododo was accompanied by top officials including the Chief of Staff, Honourable Ali Bello, and commissioners from Kogi State
“The Kogi State Governor who was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Honourable Ali Bello, commissioners and senior top government officials from the state, is the first state governor in Nigeria to embark on a high-level engagement with the World Bank under the new Country Director who recently assumed office in Nigeria”, the statement said.
