Governor Ododo Invests N2.2 Billion In Government House Renovations, Allocates Only N600 Million To Education And Health

Governor Ododo Invests N2.2 Billion In Government House Renovations, Allocates Only N600 Million To Education And Health....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A recent budget performance review of Kogi State reveals that between April and June 2024, the state government, under Governor Usman Ododo, spent N2.2 billion on remodelling the Government House. This amount is significantly higher than the N962 million originally budgeted for the entire year for the same purpose…….. CONTINUE READING

In addition to this expenditure, N200 million was allocated for the renovation and furnishing of the Deputy Governor’s office and lodge, with N100 million each designated for these two projects. Another N784 million was spent on “minor capital expenses” for the Government House, although only N100 million was budgeted for such minor works. These expenditures were executed through direct procurement, raising questions about the lack of open competitive bidding.

While Kogi State classified the N784 million spent on minor capital works as a minor expense, the total expenditure on constructing and providing public schools across the state amounted to only N495 million, and just N101 million was allocated to hospitals and health centers. In total, N3.1 billion was spent in three months on Government House renovations, minor capital works, and the Deputy Governor’s office and lodge.

This level of spending is notable considering that in 2023, the state government had spent N1.3 billion on renovating government offices and quarters across Kogi. This recent expenditure, which is nearly three times that amount, occurred just months after the previous renovation costs.

Meanwhile, Kogi State allocated only N395 million for water resources capital development, N1.8 billion for education capital expenditure, and N1.3 billion for the environment ministry’s capital expenditure in the second quarter of the year. The state has long been plagued by corruption and mismanagement issues, with former Governor Yahaya Bello currently facing an N80 billion corruption trial while evading arrest and court appearances.