Kogi State Government has won the World Bank’s Awards of Excellence in three categories.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement on Tuesday in Lokoja, said the awards were in Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Debt Sustainability and Domestic Revenue Mobilisation.
According to him, the awards were conferred on Kogi State at the Federal Government of Nigeria/World Bank States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Dinner with Governors/Award Night, held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Quoting the National Programme Coordinator, Ali Mohammed, he said: “SFTAS programme has achieved important milestones with remarkable improvement in fiscal transparency and accountability.
”Increased domestic revenue mobilization; increased efficiency in public expenditure; and strengthened debt management.
”The dinner was therefore organized to celebrate the achievements of SFTAS since inception.”
He said the objective of the world bank’s SFTAS programme was to
promote, focus attention on Nigerian States towards improvement of their PFM systems, processes and institutions.
”The Auditor-General of Kogi State, Yakubu Okala, attributed the celebrated success of the state in the areas of fiscal transparency and accountability to self-discipline.
”It is also as a result of the institution of a transparent and accountable governance system by Gov. Yahaya Bello from the inception of his administration.
“The State is blessed with an incorruptible governor who also provides leadership from all fronts; a professional to the core that has surrounded himself only with persons that have the capacity to deliver,” he said.
He added that the governor’s philosophy is making every single kobo available work for the entity of the state.
He said the governor instituted self-discipline, transparent and accountable governance system from day one of his administration.
“The governor does not condone any form of abuse or misuse of the state’s resources at the disposal of every responsible officer,” he said.
Fanwo noted that the World Bank, in July 2021, commended Gov. Bello for refunding US$4.63 million surplus funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
The commendation was conveyed in a letter of appreciation, signed by its Regional Director, Shubham Chaudhuri, describing the step as a sign of good leadership.
According to the World Bank, the Governor’s action made it possible for the organisation to extend its projects to other states facing deficit funds and to extend the closing date of its projects. (NAN)
