By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House Lokoja
April 24, 2026.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, has unveiled the vision behind Kogi Rebrand 2026, describing it as a historic movement to reclaim the true identity, image, and global perception of the Confluence State.
Speaking at the landmark event, Fanwo said the rebranding initiative was far beyond a ceremonial gathering, insisting that it was a defining moment for Kogi people to take ownership of their story and project the state’s true greatness to Nigeria and the world.
“This is not just another event. Today is the declaration. Today is the rebirth. Today, we take ownership of our story,” he declared .
According to him, Kogi has for too long been wrongly defined by outsiders who neither understand its history nor appreciate its immense cultural, economic, and natural wealth.
“There is a timeless truth—what you call yourself is what you become. If you refuse to define yourself, the world will define you, and often wrongly. For too long, others have attempted to define Kogi State. But today, we rise to say enough.”
Fanwo painted Kogi as a land of unmatched opportunities and divine endowment, calling it “a beautiful gift of nature” and “a confluence of opportunities.”
He highlighted the state’s rich cultural heritage, from the legendary Inikpi Statue in Idah to the historic grounds of Ajatoforoji in Ebbe, stressing that Kogi’s traditions are not relics of the past but living symbols of resilience, dignity, and pride.
“Our culture is not just preserved; it is alive. It reflects resilience. It radiates beauty,” he said.
He also referenced the iconic confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue as a powerful representation of unity, strength, and purpose, while reminding the audience that Kogi remains central to Nigeria’s historical foundation.
“We are a people of history—a history written in courage, built on sacrifice, and one that reminds us that Nigeria began here.”
The Commissioner firmly stated that Kogi must no longer be defined by its challenges but by its excellence, capacity, and limitless possibilities.
“This rebranding is not cosmetic. It is not about slogans. It is about identity. It is about perception. It is about reclaiming our rightful place in the consciousness of our nation and the world. Image is everything.”
At the center of the transformation, Fanwo paid glowing tribute to Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom he described as the Chief Brand Ambassador of Kogi State and the driving force behind the new narrative.
He praised Governor Ododo for repositioning Kogi on the national map and delivering tangible dividends of democracy across communities, saying the governor’s leadership has redefined perception and restored confidence in the state.
“From placing Kogi firmly on the national map to delivering real development across our communities, he has not just served with purpose and humility, he has redefined perception.
“From the dust of Upogoro to the tables of national relevance, he is giving Kogi a new name—a name that speaks of peace, a name that speaks of progress, a name that commands attention.”
Fanwo boldly declared that under Governor Ododo’s leadership, Kogi is now widely recognized for peace, progress, and dynamic governance.
“Kogi is peaceful. Kogi is progressing. Kogi is rising to the center stage. Kogi is experiencing dynamic leadership. Indeed, the story is changing.”
He further revealed that the Ministry of Information and Communications is also undergoing a strategic transformation, shifting from merely reporting government activities to actively shaping how Kogi is perceived globally.
“We will no longer be known only for reporting what government has done. We will be known for shaping how Kogi is seen.
“We will be deliberate. We will be intentional. We will be strategic. We will tell our story not occasionally, but consistently—not defensively, but proudly.”
Fanwo warned that when a people fail to tell their own story, others distort it, leading to undervaluation of their resources and capabilities.
“When perception is distorted, value is diminished. Our resources are taken and we are offered peanuts, not because we lack value, but because our story has been undervalued. That must change.”
Calling on all sons and daughters of Kogi, both at home and in the diaspora, he urged collective participation in promoting the new image of the state.
“Speak well of Kogi, Project Kogi, Defend Kogi, Promote Kogi.
“We have no business with mediocrity. We have no business with poverty. We have no business with underestimating ourselves. We are Kogi. We are strong. We are resourceful. We are exceptional.”
He concluded with a powerful declaration that “From today, the world will not just hear about Kogi—the world will experience Kogi.”
With Kogi Rebrand 2026 now officially launched, the initiative he said marks the beginning of a strategic image revolution, one aimed at placing the state where it truly belongs: at the center stage of national relevance, investment attraction, and global recognition.
