Word Banks has praised Governor Yahaya Bello over his refund of $4.63m excess funds meant for the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
In a letter from World Bank, the Governor was commended for his selfless act after he transferred the excess funds to Plateau state's NEWMAP account.
The World Bank noted that this act alone will help fund related projects in other Nigerian states facing funds deficiency. A part of the statement read:
“The returned surplus funds will ensure that other States facing a deficit of funds can complete their civil works, while Kogi state focuses on completing its approved ongoing works."
The statement also added that this act alone will extend the project's closing date from June 30, 2021, to June 30, 2022. Part of the statement read:
“This action was made possible by your Excellency’s leadership, and its timeliness helped the Bank’s decision to extend the closing date of the project from June 30, 2021, to June 30, 2022."
World Bank noted that Governor Bello's act will see that the project comes to an orderly conclusion in Kogi state.
It also hoped that its goal of alleviating poverty from the state gets fulfilled. Yahaya Bello was thanked for his support to NEWMAP activities in Kogi State. It hopes that these activities transform the lives of the Kogi people.