Ododo flags off HOPE programme to boost governance, health education

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has inaugurated the Programme Steering Committee (PSC) and the Unified Technical Working Group (UTWG) for the implementation of the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme in the state.

The inauguration, conducted on the governor’s behalf by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, took place on Friday at the Deputy Governor’s Office in Lokoja.

It also featured the inauguration of three key programme components—HOPE-GOV, HOPE-PHC and HOPE-EDU—which will be chaired by the Commissioners for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Health, and Education, respectively.

The HOPE Programme is a World Bank-supported initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

It is designed to improve governance, strengthen primary healthcare, enhance learning outcomes, build the capacity of teachers and healthcare workers, and promote fiscal transparency and accountability.

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Ododo charged members of both committees to view their appointments as a call to selfless service and urged them to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, transparency and commitment.

He explained that while the Programme Steering Committee would provide strategic leadership and policy direction, the Unified Technical Working Group would coordinate implementation, provide technical support and monitor progress to ensure the programme achieves its objectives.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the initiative, assuring continued collaboration with the World Bank and other development partners to ensure the programme delivers tangible benefits to the people of Kogi State.

“The HOPE Programme presents a unique opportunity to deepen reforms in governance, improve learning outcomes in our schools, strengthen primary healthcare services, enhance the capacity of teachers and healthcare workers, and promote fiscal transparency and accountability,” the governor said.

He urged committee members to ensure that every decision they make reflects the interests of the people, particularly children, teachers, healthcare workers and other vulnerable groups expected to benefit from the intervention.

Governor Ododo also congratulated the members on their appointments and called on them to work with unity, accountability and dedication in delivering the programme across the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adeiza, and the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, described the inauguration as a major milestone for Kogi State,