Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media to drive development and good governance in the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Thursday at 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 Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, Ododo commended journalists for their professionalism, patriotism, and role in promoting good governance, as well as projecting the image of the state.
He emphasised the critical role of the media in showcasing Kogi’s vast opportunities, noting that his administration values constructive criticism and solution-driven journalism.
The governor acknowledged progress made in addressing insecurity in the state but stressed that more work remains to be done.
He urged the media to sustain its partnership with government in tackling security and power supply challenges.
Ododo also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve electricity supply, including the establishment of a regulatory framework and engagement with key stakeholders in the power sector.
“We are not defined by insecurity, but strengthened by our collective resolve to confront it,” he said, urging journalists to help promote the state’s potential.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Segun Ademola Salami of Channels Television, commended journalists for their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to societal development.
He said the press week was aimed at engaging stakeholders, promoting ethical journalism, and reviewing the media’s role in nation-building.
Salami assured that journalists would continue to uphold truth, accountability, and responsible governance.
Also speaking, the NUJ Vice-President, Zone D, Adeiza Momohjimoh, praised the cordial relationship between the Kogi State Government and the media, urging journalists to remain professional and fair in their coverage of the forthcoming general elections.
The Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, Saidu Akawu Salihu, represented by the Ohieba of Mozum, His Royal Highness Khalid Bukar, lauded journalists for their contributions to societal development and pledged continued royal support for the chapel.
Delivering a lecture titled “Bad Roads: Looking for Alternatives Through Waterways and Cargo Airport,” Femi Ajisafe called for the development of inland waterways as a viable alternative to road transport.
While highlighting some of the benefits such as cost-effectiveness, safety, job creation, and reduced road congestion, Dr. Ajisafe proposed the development of waterways with a minimum width of 70 metres and cargo capacity of 1,500 metric tonnes, and urged the state government to collaborate with federal authorities to establish functional port infrastructure.
He also stressed the need for sustainability, phased implementation, and environmental impact assessments, while noting the vast tourism potential of the Lokoja Confluence.
The event featured a N250 million fundraising for the construction of the chapel’s secretariat, as well as the presentation of awards to notable individuals, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda; and Leke Abejide, among others.