The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf has appealed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to look into suportoling the efforts of the present legislature in the state to computerize the operations of that arm of government in the state.
He stated this on Tuesday in a speech when the Governor presented 2026 Budget Estimate before the State House of Assembly in Lokoja.
The Speaker stressed that Kogi State remains one out of the two only remaining states yet to computerize their operations and appealed to the Governor to assist them in achieving the status.
He also lamented the lack of required qualified staff in the Assembly to attain the 200 minimum support personnel needed for the Assembly to attain optimal legislative services, and said the requests the executive to support its human resource needs.
Rt. Hon. Umar further noted that considering the long distance between the main town and the Assembly complex, there is an urgent need for the provision of buses to convey the staff to and from the office to cushion the effect of high transportation costs.
He applauded the Governor for his unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline, infrastructural development, security, and human capital investment across the state, adding that the notable strides recorded in healthcare, education, road infrastructure, agriculture and public financial management reflect the administration’s vision of a stable, prosperous and inclusive Kogi State.
“Over the past year, Your Excellency’s administration has demonstrated remarkable dedication to improving the living condition of the people of Kogi State through provision of essential social services, thereby cushioning the effects of prevailing economic challenges for the benefit of our citizens, there is no doubt that the people of Kogi State are experiencing renewed confidence and stability under your leadership, which has consistently prioritized the welfare and security of our citizens, the primary purpose of government, with humility and commitment.”
The Speaker stressed that the current House of Assembly is determined to continue to foster harmonious Executive-Legislative relationship, a synergy that he sad is essential for sustaining good governance, strengthening institutions and deepening the dividends of democracy for citizens.
He also thanked the Governor for the courage of granting full autonomy to the State House of Assembly, stating that it is the unmistakable demonstration of the Governor’s respect for the independence of the Legislature, which has further strengthened accountability, transparency and the institutional capacity of the Assembly to discharge its constitutional duties without hindrance.
“We also thank you, Your Excellency, for your unwavering commitment to human capacity development across the State. Under your leadership, public servants have been encouraged to pursue training, upgrade their skills and improve their performance. You have opened doors of opportunity for workers across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies enabling them to enhance their productivity and professionalism.
“These deliberate actions have not only improved government service delivery, but have also contributed significantly to building stronger, more resilient institutions in Kogi State.
“I also wish to personally acknowledge, with deep gratitude, Your Excellency’s kind visit during my recent health challenge. Your decision to take time out of your demanding schedule to check on my well-being reflects not only your respect for this office, but also your genuine empathy and humane disposition. It is a gesture I hold in high esteem and do not take for granted.
On the the budget presentation, the Speaker said it provides the Legislature with the opportunity to carefully evaluate the performance of Approved Budget of the previous year and assess the priorities of government for the coming year and ensure they truly reflect the aspirations of people and assured that the House remains committed to a budget review process that is thorough, transparent, people-centred and development-driven.
“We assure Your Excellency of our readiness to give the budget accelerated, yet, diligent consideration, consistent with global best legislative practices.”
He therefore called on the Political Heads and Accounting Officers of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government in the State to honour the invitations Standing Committees for budget appraisal and defence, to enable the legislature consider and deliberate on the Appropriation Bill for the coming year in an efficient and timely manner.