By Our Correspondent in Lokoja
Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Thursday expressed adminstration’s commitment to the development of Education sector as the key to high-level human capital development for emancipation of the people and the state.
Bello disclosed this during the inauguration of the reconstructed 30-bed capacity Hajia Hauwau Bello Health Centre, Security House named after him, perimeter fencing and newly renovated lecture theatre also named after him at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
The governor said that even though he considered sectors of the state economy to be important, it was no secret that he held the Education sector in high esteem in view of its foremost position in development.
“Quality and affordable Education is the key to high level of human capital development which is in turn the access code to unlocking keys needed for breakthrough in all other sectors.
The governor said that in spite of the distractions arising from the court cases over his re-election, his government had successfully completed the legal and regulatory frameworks for establishment of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.
“In the same vein we have also upgraded the college of Agriculture, Ochaja, to a Diploma awarding institute in order to provide infrastructure deficit and career prospects for students.
“As a government, we shall continue to nurse Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja for maximum functionality as well as all the existing primary secondary and tertiary institutions in the state,” he said.
The governor, who also confirmed Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman, as substantive Rector of the polytechnic, praised the rector’s development initiatives which he noted had transformed the institution.
He commended what he described as the creativity, competence, resourcefulness, foresight and capacity of the rector, saying that under straining financial circumstances, Ogbo “had turned lemon into lemonade within a short time.”
“This can do attitude, attitude of it is doable, attitude of it is possible, attitude of we will get there, we will get the job done is the soul and spirit of our New Direction Agenda”, the governor added.
Dr Igbo Usman, the former Acting Rector now confirmed had earlier in his remarks commended the governor for finding him worthy and giving the enablement to execute the projects.
He said that the education sector under Bello’s administration had recorded monumental growth in policy direction and infrastructure due to the governor’s resolve to alter the hitherto negative narratives.
