By Kehinde Erin
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called for improved collaboration with the World Bank Group in the implementation of development projects in critical sectors of the state’s economy.
Governor Ododo, according to a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Ismaila Isah, made the call when he paid a working visit to the new Country Director of the World Bank Group in Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop at the Bank’s office in Abuja on Monday.
The Governor who used the high level engagement with the Bank to review all ongoing World Bank projects in the state, requested for an expansion in areas of critical interventions such as education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure to enhance the overall social and economic development of the state.
The Governor, also called for a programmatic approach to all World Bank interventions to conform with the state’s 30-year Development Agenda of shared hope and prosperity and to ensure better coordination of all projects and programmes in the state.
In his remarks, the new World Bank Country Director, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, assured Governor Ododo of his readiness to deepen cooperation and partnership with the state government, stressing that he looks forward to working with the Governor to accelerate implementation of all ongoing World Bank projects and programmes in the state.
The Governor who was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Honourable Ali Bello, commissioners and senior top government officials from the state, is the first state Governor in Nigeria to embark on such a high level engagement with the World Bank under the new Country Director, who recently assumed office in Nigeria.
