Yahaya Bello declares free education, distributes N2bn palliatives in Kogi

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has declared free education for indigenes at primary and secondary schools across the state.

Bello made the declaration in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, on Thursday when he inaugurated the distribution of the Federal Government’s palliatives meant to cushion the effects of subsidy removal in the state.

“My administration has now declared free education from primary to secondary school in the state and will cover examination fees for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB for all indigenes of Kogi,” the governor said.

Bello, who commended the Federal Government’s efforts at mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal on citizens, said the palliatives, which were valued in excess of N2 billion, would reach intended beneficiaries regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliations.

He extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the “well-conceived” idea, saying: “Already, all the local government areas of the state have commenced the distribution of rice and other essential items.

“Therefore, this launch is essentially an extension of our ongoing efforts to cushion the impact of the current policy on our citizens.

“We are not only distributing rice but also making cash available to reach the people. The total value of what we are launching for distribution today exceeds N2 billion and it is intended to reach every household in Kogi.

“We have decentralised the distribution to ensure that every household benefits.

“Everyone is expected to benefit from this initiative, regardless of their political, religious, or ethnic affiliations, including security personnel.”

Governor Bello stressed that those responsible for the distribution must not discriminate, warning that any report of bias or favoritism/hoarding would be dealt with accordingly.

Bello, who called on security agencies to ensure a peaceful and smooth distribution process, assured the people of Kogi State that more initiatives to alleviate hardship were in place.

The Star

Segun Ojo