By correspondent in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Government has restated its commitment to building and sustaining a robust relationship with working journalists as part of its broader strategy to advance development and promote transparency in governance.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, made this known during the unveiling of the state’s maiden Annual Media Performance Report, held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House,Lokoja .
Isah described the report as a testament to the Ododo administration’s emphasis on accountability and purposeful leadership. He noted that the media monitoring matrix developed by the administration has drawn commendations from within and outside Nigeria, thanks to the progress recorded in the last 14 months.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his appointment, adding that the establishment of a media centre at the Government House has played a vital role in enhancing information dissemination and projecting government activities.
“This moment marks a new chapter in our engagement with the people of Kogi State and the global community through diverse media platforms,” Isah stated. “Today is not just about numbers or data; it reflects our commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.”
According to him, the Annual Media Performance Report is the first of its kind in the state, covering media engagements and mentions from January 2024 to January 2025. The report, he said, provides critical insights into the state’s communication strategy and its effectiveness in shaping public perception.
“Over the past year, Kogi State has recorded more than 6,000 media mentions across television, radio, print, and digital platforms,” he revealed. “This highlights our resolve to ensure a continuous flow of information about government policies and programmes to the people.”
He emphasized that the quality of media coverage is just as important as its quantity, pointing out that the sentiments behind stories, the framing of messages, and their impact on public discourse are crucial in building public trust.
Isah lauded the collaborative efforts of ministries, departments, and agencies that contributed to the report, and commended his media team for their professionalism and dedication.
“As we move forward, this report will help us refine our communication strategies to ensure our messages are clear, impactful, and aligned with our vision of open and accountable governance,” he added.
He also thanked the media community—journalists, editors, and reporters—for their continuous support and professionalism, assuring them of the government’s ongoing commitment to open and responsive governance.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, Michael Abu, praised Governor Ododo for surpassing public expectations and described the media report as a valuable reference document for other states.
Abu, who is also the publisher of The Nigeria Post, called for increased budgetary allocation to support subsequent editions of the report. “This comprehensive and educative report shows the great work being done in Kogi. I commend the governor’s media team for this initiative,” he said.
He also appealed to the state government to improve the reward system for media practitioners, lamenting that despite their efforts to promote the image of the state, they receive limited recognition.
Adding his voice, the NUJ Vice President (Zone D), MomohJimoh Adeiza, urged the state government to prioritize the welfare of journalists, stressing their indispensable role in democracy and development.
Edited by Dada Ahmed
