By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
January 29, 2026
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu, has been honoured with the National Leadership Award as the 2025 Best Deputy Governor in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor Mr Unubi Emmanuel, the award he said was presented on Thursday at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, in a joyful ceremony attended by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, Rep Halims Abdullahi, Rep David Idris Zacharias, senior government officials, state lawmakers, commissioners, leaders and stakeholders from Kogi State and across the country.
According to the Organizing committee Chairman, Chief Perry Okpara, the award is meant to encourage outstanding leaders to do more, describing it as recognition of the transformative and stable leadership in Kogi State. He noted that Kogi has shown that governance can transition smoothly from one administration to another without crisis.
He commemded Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and his Deputy for their measurable impact, loyalty, and teamwork, stressing that the selection process was independent and based strictly on performance. He described the honour as a catalyst for greater service and political growth.
About eight Local Government Area Chairmen were also recognised, selected from among the 777 council and area council chairmen nationwide, showing the national importance of the awards.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Joel Salifu expressed deep gratitude to God Almighty and described the recognition as humbling, stressing that the award is not a personal achievement but a reflection of collective service and teamwork.
“My principal and I strongly believe that leadership is service, not a pursuit of awards. We did not come into government to be celebrated; we came to serve. This honour is not Joel Salifu’s award; it belongs to the people of Kogi State,” he said.
He dedicated the award to Governor Ododo, former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the resilient people of the state, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to human capital development, infrastructure, healthcare, security, and youth and women empowerment.
Comrade Joel Salifu assured the people that the recognition would inspire greater dedication to service.
“This award will not slow us down. It will push us to work harder and serve our people better. We want to be remembered for lives touched, roads built, opportunities created, and hope restored,” he stated.
Shortly after the event, the leadership of Ejule National Forum held a reception ceremony to hosts the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu at Rehoboth Villa, Karsana Abuja.
