By Okwe Obi, Abuja
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has praised media professionals for their commitment to transparency and keeping citizens informed about government activities.
He made these remarks during the launch of the state’s first Annual Media Performance Report in Lokoja on Tuesday, April 8.
Represented by the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Folashade Ayoade, Ododo described the report as a landmark initiative reflecting his administration’s dedication to open governance.
“Effective communication is not just about the volume of coverage but the accuracy, sentiment, and impact of the information shared with the public,” he said in a statement from his Media Team. He urged journalists to remain objective and fair, stressing that the government prioritises truthful reporting over exaggerated claims about its achievements.
The governor expressed gratitude to journalists statewide and beyond for their sacrifices, pledging to foster direct engagement between the press and his administration.
“We value the media’s role in building trust and shaping public discourse,” he added. He also acknowledged the collective effort behind the report, particularly the contributions of his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah.
Isah, who hosted the event, noted that the report serves as both a retrospective analysis and a forward-looking tool to refine communication strategies. He thanked Governor Ododo for his unwavering support and called for ongoing collaboration to strengthen public trust and drive Kogi’s development.
Momoh Jimoh Adeiza, Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone D and General Manager of Prime FM Lokoja, hailed the report as a significant achievement. He urged the state government to enhance media support, empowering journalists to play a vital role in Kogi’s progress.