By Segun Adgboyega
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and sustainable development.
He pledged to continue pursuing policies and programmes that improve the lives of the people and position Kogi State as a preferred destination for investment, innovation, and growth.
The Kogi Rebrand 2026, themed “Reimagining Kogi: Unlocking Opportunities and Building Prosperity,” was held on Friday in Lokoja, the state capital.
The Governor noted that the theme reflects the vision of his administration from the very first day he assumed office, with a firm promise to redefine governance by placing the people at the centre of all policies.
In his words:
“While projecting Kogi State as a land of immense possibilities, it is not merely about changing the narrative; it is about aligning perception with reality.
Today, our state is making steady progress across key sectors. We are opening up rural and urban communities through critical infrastructure, strengthening our healthcare system to deliver more accessible and efficient services, and investing in education to secure the future of our children. In agriculture and solid minerals, we are unlocking opportunities that will create jobs and drive economic growth.”
The Chief Servant
emphasized the need for effective reportage of government activities and achievements. He emphasized that accurate and strategic communication by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) would enable citizens to better understand government efforts, while also promoting improved service delivery.
He expressed profound 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 State Information Officers, describing them as custodians of truth, shapers of perception, and ambassadors of the state across MDAs. He charged them to rise to the responsibility of communicating with accuracy, professionalism, and patriotism.
He further revealed that the officers would be equipped with the necessary skills to enhance their performance on the second day of the programme.
In his remarks, the former Deputy Governor of the state and Chairman of the Occasion, His Excellency, Arch. Yomi Awoniyi, commended the Governor for the initiative, noting that it reflects a key leadership instinct the ability to convene, listen, and shape the future.
He described Kogi State as a confluence of possibilities, rich in commerce, 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, stated that the event was about identity, perception, and reclaiming the state’s rightful place in national consciousness.
Fanwo applauded Governor Ododo for the transformation across various sectors through his purposeful, bold, and forward-looking leadership. He noted that the administration has continued to deliver tangible dividends of democracy across 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 would go beyond merely reporting government activities to actively shaping how the state is perceived.
He pledged a deliberate, intentional, and strategic approach to storytelling one that consistently projects Kogi positively while maintaining professionalism. He called on all Kogites, both at home and in the diaspora, to take collective responsibility in speaking well of the state and promoting its image.
In his remarks, the Lead 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. He emphasized that leadership is rooted in empathy and genuine concern for the people qualities which the Governor has demonstrated in his time in office.
He further praised the Governor’s relentless efforts in ensuring the safety of lives and property, noting that his administration has left no stone unturned in advancing development across all sectors of the state.
