Kogi: RTIFN highlights impact of Tinubu’s reforms

The Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN) campaign has concluded the Kogi State leg of its nationwide project assessment and media tour, describing the state as a clear example of how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms are translating into infrastructure development and expanded opportunities for citizens.

The assessment tour, led by RTIFN Deputy Director-General and veteran Nollywood actor Zack Orji, was undertaken to independently evaluate and document projects linked to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda across the country.

The delegation included the Director of Town Hall and Special Duties, Farida Deborah Ibrahim; members of the Media Directorate, Youth and Student Engagement Committee, Humanitarian Directorate, Welfare Committee, National Women Leader, and other state officials of the movement.

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Over three days, the team visited major government projects and institutions across Kogi State, engaging government officials, students and residents to obtain firsthand accounts of ongoing federal and state interventions.

Speaking during the tour, Zack Orji said the initiative was designed to provide Nigerians with verifiable information on how increased federal allocations and economic reforms are supporting development in different states.

“We are here to showcase how the increased allocation to the state is affecting the lives of the citizens. We have gone round to see projects ourselves because Nigerians deserve to know how these resources are being translated into development,” he said.

The delegation inspected several projects in Lokoja, including the newly commissioned Senator Oluremi Tinubu Pension and Treasury House, the newly constructed Audit House, the Lokoja International Market, the Lokoja International Airport, and sections of the ongoing Abuja-Lokoja concrete highway.

The team also visited tertiary institutions, including the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, and Kogi State University, Kabba, where they interacted with beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

At the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Pension and Treasury House, the Kogi State Auditor-General for Local Government, Mark Okala, said the facility was established to strengthen financial administration and improve service delivery to pensioners and public servants.

According to him, the project provides a modern working environment for the State Pension Commission and the Office of the Accountant-General.

“The idea behind this project is to provide a conducive environment for the Pension Commission as well as the Office of the Accountant-General. This has been made possible because of the magnanimity of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose policies have increased allocations to states, enabling governors to undertake projects that directly impact the lives of the people,” Okala said.

The delegation also toured the newly completed Audit House, which now serves as the permanent headquarters of the offices of the Auditor-General for the State and Local Governments.

Officials explained that the facility was designed to strengthen transparency, accountability and public financial management by providing a modern workspace for auditors responsible for monitoring government expenditure and ensuring compliance with budgetary provisions.

RTIFN noted that the increase in monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), following the Federal Government’s fiscal reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate adjustments, has enhanced the capacity of states to invest in infrastructure and public services.

At CUSTECH, Osara, members of the delegation met with beneficiaries of the NELFUND student loan scheme, who shared how the programme had eased their financial burden and enabled them to continue their education.

One beneficiary, Emmanuel Augustine of the Department of Nursing Science, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for introducing the initiative.

“I want to appreciate the President for this wonderful initiative. We, the Nigerian students who are benefiting from this, will never cease to bless you. Some students do not get the opportunity to further their education because of lack of funds. But the NELFUND loan initiative has brought hope to universities across Nigeria. It gives every Nigerian student the confidence to pursue academic goals without finances becoming a barrier,” he said.

RTIFN described the students’ testimonies as evidence that the programme is expanding access to higher education and reducing financial hardship among undergraduates.

The assessment also extended to Kogi East, where the delegation continued its inspection of federal and state-backed projects as part of the movement’s nationwide documentation exercise.

The organisation commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for complementing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the execution of infrastructure projects across the state.

According to RTIFN, investments in public finance infrastructure, transportation, education and institutional development demonstrate the effective utilisation of increased federal allocations arising from President Tinubu’s economic reforms.

The movement reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its nationwide project verification exercise, stating that the initiative is aimed at providing Nigerians with factual information on government policies and projects through direct engagement with communities and beneficiaries.