By Ogalla Daniel
The Kogi State House of Assembly, has passed two bills into law, aimed at strengthening agricultural education and expanding access to 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 passage of the bills followed clause-by-clause consideration and adoption at the Committee of the Whole, after which they scaled their third and final readings.
Speaking after the passage, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, said the establishment of the College of Agriculture would provide an opportunity for residents of the state to acquire agricultural knowledge and skills without having to travel outside Kogi.
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The Speaker who recalled that agricultural education had historically played an important role in the development of the Kogi State, said the establishment of the proposed college would further support the state’s efforts to diversify its economy through agriculture.
According to him, a properly funded College of Agriculture could enhance agricultural production, create employment opportunities, generate revenue and contribute to the overall economic development of the state.
On the free maternal and neonatal healthcare bill, Rt. Hon. Yusuf said the legislation was designed to ensure that pregnant women and newborn children have access to healthcare services at government-owned health facilities without financial barriers.
He expressed concern that some women had been unable to access treatment at government hospitals because they could not afford relatively small medical expenses.
The Speaker noted that no pregnant woman or newborn child should be denied essential healthcare because of lack of funds.
The Speaker said the bill would enable citizens to feel the impact of government intervention in the healthcare sector and improve access to maternal and newborn services across the state.
He appealed to the Executive to give assent to the legislation, expressing hope that its implementation would benefit women, children and the wider population.
Rt. Hon. Yusuf commended members of the House for their contributions, patience and commitment during debates and public hearings on the bills.
The Speaker described the two bills as important pieces of legislation capable of contributing to the development and wellbeing of the people of Kogi State.
