Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to strengthening collaboration with the media to drive improvement and good governance within the state.
The governor gave the peace of mind on Thursday on the 2026 Press Week of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, held in Lokoja.
Represented by the Commissioner for Data and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, Ododo counseled journalists for his or her professionalism, patriotism, and position in selling good governance, in addition to projecting the picture of the state.
He emphasised the essential position of the media in showcasing Kogi’s huge alternatives, noting that his administration values constructive criticism and solution-driven journalism.
The governor acknowledged progress made in addressing insecurity within the state however harassed that extra work stays to be executed.
He urged the media to maintain its partnership with authorities in tackling safety and energy provide challenges.
Ododo additionally highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance electrical energy provide, together with the institution of a regulatory framework and engagement with key stakeholders within the energy sector.
“We aren’t outlined by insecurity, however strengthened by our collective resolve to confront it,” he mentioned, urging journalists to assist promote the state’s potential.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Segun Ademola Salami of Channels Tv, counseled journalists for his or her dedication, sacrifice, and dedication to societal improvement.
He mentioned the press week was aimed toward participating stakeholders, selling moral journalism, and reviewing the media’s position in nation-building.
Salami assured that journalists would proceed to uphold reality, accountability, and accountable governance.
Additionally talking, the NUJ Vice-President, Zone D, Adeiza Momohjimoh, praised the cordial relationship between the Kogi State Authorities and the media, urging journalists to stay skilled and truthful of their protection of the forthcoming basic elections.
The Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, Saidu Akawu Salihu, represented by the Ohieba of Mozum, His Royal Highness Khalid Bukar, lauded journalists for his or her contributions to societal improvement and pledged continued royal assist for the chapel.
Delivering a lecture titled “Unhealthy Roads: Searching for Options Via Waterways and Cargo Airport,” Femi Ajisafe known as for the event of inland waterways as a viable different to street transport.
Whereas highlighting a few of the advantages equivalent to cost-effectiveness, security, job creation, and diminished street congestion, Dr. Ajisafe proposed the event of waterways with a minimal width of 70 metres and cargo capability of 1,500 metric tonnes, and urged the state authorities to collaborate with federal authorities to determine useful port infrastructure.
He additionally harassed the necessity for sustainability, phased implementation, and environmental affect assessments, whereas noting the huge tourism potential of the Lokoja Confluence.
The occasion featured a N250 million fundraising for the development of the chapel’s secretariat, in addition to the presentation of awards to notable people, together with former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; APC Nationwide Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda; and Leke Abejide, amongst others.