Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello has signed a bill to establish the State Social Investment Programme agency and 14 other bills into law.
The bills were diligently passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly.
Among other notable bills signed into law by Governor Bello is the repeal of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Administration, Harmonization of Taxes, Duties, Levies Rates, Fees, and Charges due to the State, and the Revenue Appeal Tribunal Law 2017.
This has been re-enacted as the Revenue Administration and Other Matters Connected Therewith Law, 2024, the Kogi State Free Examination Registration Fees Bill, and a bill for the establishment of the Kogi State Senior Secondary Education Board, among others.
Governor Bello, while putting his signature to these legislative measures, took a moment to commend the State Assembly for their invaluable contributions to the overall development of Kogi State.
Recognising the importance of a robust legislative framework, the governor praised the Assembly for their dedication to the betterment of the state.
Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar, extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Bello for the successful completion of his terms in office.
While acknowledging the lasting impact of the governor’s administration over the last eight years, Aliyu lauded Governor Bello for leaving behind indelible marks of progress.
Expressing his feelings, Aliyu noted that these bills, being the last to be signed by Governor Yahaya Bello, mark the end of an era.
The Speaker emphasized the state’s gratitude for the governor’s invaluable guidance, profound wisdom, and deep vision that have played pivotal roles in steering the state towards growth.
Looking to the future, Aliyu expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo. He believes that Ododo will not only consolidate but also continue the legacy of good governance established by Governor Yahaya Bello.
It was gathered that a total of 89 bills have been assented to by the governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, between January 27, 2016, and January 24, 2024.
Speaking on this development, the Kogi State focal person of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), Abdulkereem Onyekehi, disclosed that this legislative milestone signifies a pivotal moment in the governance of Kogi State, setting the stage for continued development and progress.
According to him, the new agency that was established will create many job opportunities, sustain the school feeding program initiated by the Federal Government, including the Conditional Cash Transfer, Alternative School Program, and Grant for Vulnerable Groups, among others.
“Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has again written his name in gold by signing these important bills before leaving office.
No doubt, our digital Governor has done well in the last eight years; even the blind could feel his impact in their lives. Just to say a little about the newly signed law to establish the Kogi State Social Investment Programme agency.
“It will undoubtedly create massive job opportunities for Kogites, alleviate poverty, ensure that our children are fully encouraged to go back to school at the basic level.
Also, this agency will ensure that grants are given to the vulnerable groups in our society to enable them to earn a living.
“Like I said earlier, Governor Yahaya Bello has set a good footprint for the incoming administration. I am highly elated that our Governor-elect Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo is a technocrat who is highly experienced to deliver good governance in Kogi State.
We are very optimistic that he will not only succeed but also ensure that he sustains the legacies of our ever-dependable Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello.”
