By Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to partnering with the media to promote transparency and keep citizens informed about government activities. The governor was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State (SGS), Folashade Ayoade, during the official launch of the state’s first Annual Media Performance Report held in Lokoja.
The governor described the report as a landmark initiative that aligns with the administration's commitment to open governance. "Effective communication is not only about the volume of coverage but the accuracy, sentiment, and impact of the information shared with the public," Ododo emphasized. He urged stakeholders to remain objective and fair in their reportage, stressing that the government does not support exaggerated claims, but rather believes in truthfully communicating achievements of the administration.
Ododo acknowledged the collective effort that went into creating the media performance report, highlighting the crucial role played by the Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, and his team. "We value the role of the media in building trust and shaping public discourse," he said, expressing deep appreciation to journalists across the state and beyond for their sacrifices in the line of duty. He pledged to facilitate direct engagement between members of the press and the Kogi State Government.
Earlier, Ismaila Isah emphasized that the report is not just a retrospective analysis but a forward-looking tool to refine future communication strategies. "We are grateful to Governor Ododo for his unwavering support, and we call for continued collaboration between the government and the media to further strengthen public trust and accelerate the development of Kogi State," Isah stated.
Momoh Jimoh Adeiza, Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone D and General Manager of Prime FM Lokoja, applauded the report as a major achievement. He urged the state government to increase its support for the media to empower journalists to fulfill their crucial role in the development of the state.