Kogi state receives first derivation allocation as oil producing state
By Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja
Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello said the state has received its first derivation allocation as an oil producing state.
Governor Bello disclosed this during the State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, assuring the people of the determination of his administration to continue to record more wins for the people of the state.
He said his administration had recorded many giant strides in the sectors covering the thematic areas of his New Direction Blueprint, adding that the “derivation allocation will make us do more for our people”.
He said, “I am elated to announce to the good people of Kogi State that my administration has received our first derivation allocation as an Oil Producing State. This announcement is in line with my administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, for which we have received many awards.
“We worked hard to make this history. But we wouldn’t have achieved it without the support of our people, who stood resolutely with us to make this see the light of the day. We also wish to express our gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership roles as well as the RMAFC for making this a reality.
“Let me reiterate this to the people of Kogi State that my promise to make their resources work for them is iron cast. We will build more schools, hospitals and construct more roads. We will empower our youth and women. Under my watch, we will ensure security.”
Addressing pressmen after the State Executive Council meeting, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the derivation allocation came at a time the State Government was building legacy projects across the State, stressing that the Governor would ensure “judicious use of the derivation allocation”.
“The Governor has once again proved that he is a goal getter with the tenacious manner he defended the interest of the state to be listed as an Oil Producing State. History will remember him for this feat,” he stated.
Also, the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiru Idris, said the administration would continue to put in place more “people oriented projects”.
Kogi state oil Fields are in Ibaji local government area in the eastern part of the state, which shares boundary with Anambra state in South Eastern Nigeria.
Kogi state became an Oil-Producing state after the peaceful resolution of the disputed Oil Fields between Kogi and Anambra states, by the National Boundary Commission of Nigeria after years of disagreement between the two neighbouring states.
The new economic status of the state, as an Oil-Producing state, has increased its derivation allocation from the Federation’s account, which means more money for the state government to finance its capital and fiscal services.
The development comes with wide excitement to the Governor, Yahaya Bello, cabinet members as well as government officials in the state as they all celebrate the new economic status of the state with words of praises for President Buhari’s administration.
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