By Dada Ahmed.
,,,,,Governor Ododo’s media aide leads.
By Dada Ahmed.
The Kogi State government, under the dynamic leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has further demonstrated its commitment to fostering better relations with journalists in the state On Friday, March 7,2025,the relationship took another positive step forward when the Senior Special Adviser( Media),Mal. Isah Ismaila, hosted journalists in the state to a special breaking of Ramadan fast.
This event brought together members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, and other stakeholders in a gesture that promotes unity and collaboration among the ethnic nationalities that constitute the media family in the state.
The breaking of the fast, which took place at the NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja ,attracted a broad spectrum of media men and women. In attendance were serving journalists, elders of the union, its executive members and the permanent secretary, state Ministry of Information and Communications,Mr. Ebenezer Adurodija among important dignitaries.
All the journalists that graced the occasion agreed that the cool evening event has gone along way to further unite them in the spirit of camaraderie to boost their desire to further strengthen their professional ties with the state government.
As journalists from various chapels of the council gathered to break fast with the governor’s media aide in a relaxed atmosphere characterised by assorted fruits, delicious maimai, akamu, and delicacy such as roasted fish, many media professionals expressed delight that the occasion has created an atmosphere of warmth and good fellowship.
Besides the major aim of the event, many journalists were spotted in a rapt sharing of thoughts and ideas for the realistic social,economic and political development of kogi
To many, the occasion was more than just a social gathering as it was also an opportunity to engage with the government in an informal and relaxed setting. It also gave media practitioners the platform to foster mutual understanding and exchange views on critical issues that affect the media and governance. By hosting such an event, journalists said that Ismaila has not only provided them a space for social interaction but also underscored the importance of collaboration between the media and the government.
Alhaji Seidu Haruna Adamu, Chairman of the NUJ Kogi State Council, was full of praises for the Senior Special Adviser, commending him for organizing the event, for the second time since he assumed office.He expressed gratitude to the Governor’s aide for providing such a platform for journalists to engage with government representatives. He prayed for continued blessings upon Ismaila, recognizing his effort to foster a deeper relationship between the media and the state government.
Contributing,Alhaji Adeiza Momojimoh, the Vice President, Zone “D”, NUJ, also lauded the Senior Special Adviser for sponsoring the event. He stressed the significance of such gathering in ensuring that both the media and the government work together effectively for the betterment of the state.
Momojimoh, the immediate past chairman of the state council of the union,emphasized that event like this helps to break down barriers and create an environment where journalists can operate freely, ensuring the flow of information that is vital for good governance.
Adding his voice,Alhaji Ali Atabo, who is also a former chairman of the council, equally gave kudos to the governor and his aide for ensuring the reality of the event and called on other stakeholders in information management to emulate Ismaila’s noble initiative.
Atabo called on his colleagues to continue to give their maximum support to the state government to ensure the success of the Ododo-led administration.
The event also served as a reminder of the pivotal role that the media plays in shaping public opinion and influencing the direction of governance. In an era where information is key to decision-making process, the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship between the media and government cannot be overstated.
Consequently,the breaking of Ramadan fast, courtesy of the governor’s aide in charge of the media, therefore, symbolizes the essence beyond its face value, more importantly, it represents a tangible step towards strengthening the partnership between the government and the press in Kogi State.
As the relationship between journalists and the government continues to grow, the optimism of the journalists is that, it will foster greater cooperation in the management and dissemination of information that impacts positively on the lives of citizens.
Journalists in the state ,no doubt,have demonstrated their capacity as watchdogs of the society in ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people. By establishing a conducive environment for this relationship, media personalities in the state note with delight that the government not only enhances media freedom but also creates a pathway for better governance.After all,good governance thrives in an atmosphere where dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding are at the forefront.
By hosting such an event, Ismaila has also demonstrated the state government’s recognition of the media’s critical function in advancing democracy.
Therefore ,the interaction that took place at the NUJ Press Centre on March 7,2025,has again helped to build trust and a solid foundation for a functioning democracy.
In the final analysis,it must be stressed that the breaking of Ramadan fast,hosted by Ismaila, is a step towards a more collaborative and transparent relationship between the Kogi State government and the media.
Basically ,It stresses the importance of creating a platform for open communication, where journalists and government officials can engage on common ground.
The hope of many attendees at the event is that, this initiative is bound to yield positive results, not only for the media in Kogi State but also for the overall development of good governance and the dividends of democracy for the people.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of Kogi State Government Annual Media Report, covering January 2024 to January 2025, to the chairman of the union.
Ahmed publishes The Reporters.
