The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed two bills aimed at expanding agricultural education and providing free maternal and neonatal healthcare services across the state.
The bills are the Kogi State College of Agriculture, Ochaja-Egume Establishment Bill, 2026, and the Kogi State Free Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare Services Bill, 2025.
The bills were passed after clause-by-clause consideration and adoption by the Committee of the Whole, before scaling their third and final readings.
Speaking after the passage, the Speaker of the House, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, said the proposed College of Agriculture would provide young people and other residents with opportunities to acquire agricultural knowledge and practical skills within the state.
Yusuf said agricultural education had contributed to the development of Kogi State over the years, adding that the proposed institution would complement government efforts to diversify the state’s economy through agriculture.
According to him, a well-funded College of Agriculture could increase agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities, generate revenue and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
On the Free Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare Services Bill, the Speaker said the legislation was designed to remove financial barriers preventing pregnant women and newborns from accessing essential healthcare at government-owned facilities.
He expressed concern that some women had been unable to receive necessary treatment because they could not afford basic medical expenses.
Yusuf stressed that no pregnant woman or newborn should be denied essential healthcare because of financial difficulties.
He therefore appealed to the Executive to assent to the bill, saying its implementation would enable more residents to benefit from government interventions in the health sector and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
The Speaker commended members of the Assembly for their contributions, commitment and participation in the debates and public hearings that preceded the passage of the bills.
He described the legislation as an important measure towards advancing agricultural development and improving the well-being of residents of Kogi State.
