Kogi: Ododo recommits to transparency, inclusion and others

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s steadfast commitment to transparency, inclusion and sustainable development.

Ododo pledged to pursue policies and programs that improve the lives of the people and position Kogi State as a destination of choice for investment, innovation and growth.

He reaffirmed the commitment on Friday during the ‘Kogi Rebrand 2026, themed ‘Reimagining Kogi: Unlocking Opportunities and Building Prosperity’, held in Lokoja, the state capital.

The governor noted that the theme reflects the vision of his administration since the first day he assumed office, with a firm promise to redefine governance by placing people at the center of all policies.

His words:

“While projecting Kogi State as a land of immense possibilities, it is not simply about changing the narrative; it is about aligning perception with reality.

“Today, our state is making steady progress in all key sectors. We are opening rural and urban communities through critical infrastructure, strengthening our health system to provide more accessible and efficient services, and investing in education to secure our children’s futures. In agriculture and solid minerals, we are unlocking opportunities that will create jobs and spur economic growth.”

He underlined the need for effective reporting of government activities and achievements. The governor explained that accurate and strategic communication by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would enable citizens to better understand government efforts, while promoting better service delivery.

He expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and reaffirmed his administration’s alignment with the President’s policies and programmes.

Governor Ododo also commended the state information officers, describing them as custodians of truth, shapers of perception and ambassadors of the state through MDAs. He charged them to take responsibility for communicating with accuracy, professionalism and patriotism.

He revealed that the officers would be equipped with the necessary skills to improve their performance on the second day of the programme.

In his remarks, former Deputy Governor of the state and Chairman of the event, Yomi Awoniyi, commended the governor for the initiative, stressing that it reflects a key leadership instinct which is the ability to gather, listen and shape the future.

He described Kogi State as a confluence of possibilities, rich in trade, culture and resources, adding that the state must clearly articulate its priorities, reforms, opportunities and concrete entry points for investors.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in his welcome address, said the event was about identity, perception and reclaiming the rightful place of the State in the national consciousness.

Fanwo applauded Governor Ododo for transformation in various sectors through his determined, bold and visionary leadership. He noted that the administration has continued to provide tangible dividends of democracy in all communities.

He declared that Kogi State is peaceful, progressive and steadily rising to national prominence.

The Commissioner reassured both government and citizens that the Ministry will go beyond simply reporting government activities to actively shape perceptions of the state.

He promised a deliberate, intentional and strategic approach to storytelling that consistently projects Kogi in a positive way while maintaining professionalism. He called on all Kogiti, both at home and in the diaspora, to take collective responsibility to speak well of the state and promote its image.

In his remarks, the Principal Consultant of Lizy Water Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Majeed Dahiru, described Governor Ododo as a focused, compassionate, humble and committed leader, dedicated to good governance and the welfare of citizens.