World Bank Praises Yahaya Bello For Refunding $4.63m

Yahaya Bello

The World Bank has heaped praises on Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, for refunding the sum of $4.63m surplus under the Nigerian Erosion Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).

In a letter signed by its Regional Manager, Shubham Chadhuri, the World Bank said the governor’s action is a sign of good leadership. They said this singular act of his will further help the organization assist other states like Plateau state who have fund deficit.

Chaudhuri said the timeliness helped the bank’s decision to extend the closing date of the project from June 30, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

The returned surplus, he noted, will ensure that other States finish their civil works, while Kogi focuses on completing its approved ongoing works.

The bank said, “We look forward to your continued leadership in following up on the progress and completion of such works.

“We trust the project can be brought to an orderly closure in your state, while achieving its intended objective and contributing to transforming lives and alleviating poverty.

“We also take this opportunity to request that you kindly also expedite the issuance of a required Letter of Comfort.”

Kayode Shopekan