The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed two key bills aimed at expanding agricultural education and ensuring free maternal and neonatal healthcare services across the state.
The legislations are the Kogi State College of Agriculture, Ochaja-Egume Establishment Bill, 2026, and the Kogi State Free Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare Services Bill, 2025.
The bills were passed following clause-by-clause consideration and adoption by the Committee of the Whole, after which they successfully scaled their third and final readings.
Speaking shortly after the passage, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, said the proposed College of Agriculture would provide young people and other residents of the state with opportunities to acquire agricultural knowledge and practical skills without having to travel outside Kogi.
Yusuf noted that agricultural education had played an important role in the development of the state over the years, stressing that the proposed institution would complement the government’s efforts to diversify the state’s economy through agriculture.
According to him, a well-funded College of Agriculture could significantly increase agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities, generate revenue and contribute to the overall economic growth of the state.
On the Free Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare Services Bill, the Speaker said the legislation was designed to eliminate financial barriers that prevent pregnant women and newborn babies from accessing essential medical services at government-owned health facilities.
He expressed concern that some women had been unable to receive necessary treatment because they could not afford basic medical expenses.
The Speaker stressed that no pregnant woman or newborn should be denied essential healthcare simply because of financial difficulties.
He therefore appealed to the Executive to give its assent to the bill, saying its implementation would enable more residents to benefit from the government’s intervention in the health sector while improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Rt. Hon. Yusuf commended members of the Assembly for their contributions, commitment and participation in the debates and public hearings that preceded the passage of the two bills.
He described the legislations as important measures capable of advancing agricultural development and improving the well-being of the people of Kogi State.
