The Kogi House of Assembly on Wednesday passed two key bills aimed free maternal and neonatal healthcare services and expanding agricultural education.
The bills 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 passage followed clause-by-clause consideration and adoption by the Committee of the Whole, after which the bills scaled their third and final readings.
Speaking after the passage, Speaker Aliyu Yusuf, said the College of Agriculture would enable residents to acquire agricultural knowledge and skills within the state.
Yusuf said agricultural education had historically contributed to the development of Kogi, adding that the college would support the state’s efforts to diversify its economy through agriculture.
According to him, a properly funded College of Agriculture would enhance agricultural production, create employment opportunities and generate revenue for the state.
He added that the institution would also contribute to the overall economic development of Kogi through improved agricultural education and skills development.
On the free maternal and neonatal healthcare bill, Yusuf said the legislation would ensure access to healthcare services for pregnant women and newborns.
He said the services would be provided at government-owned health facilities without financial barriers to beneficiaries.
The speaker expressed concern that some women had been unable to access treatment at government hospitals because they could not afford relatively small medical expenses.
Yusuf stressed that no pregnant woman or newborn should be denied essential healthcare services because of lack of funds.
He said the legislation would enable more citizens to benefit from government interventions in the healthcare sector.
The speaker expressed optimism that the law would improve access to maternal and neonatal healthcare services across the state.
He appealed to the executive to give assent to the legislation to enable its implementation for the benefit of women and children.
Yusuf commended members of the House for their contributions, patience and commitment during debates and public hearings on the bills.
He described the two legislations as important instruments capable of contributing to the development and well-being of the people of Kogi.
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