By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh in Lokoja.
Kogi State Government has inaugurated the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, active citizen participation,strengthening democratic values and foster inclusive governance.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy,Com Joel Salifu in Lokoja on Friday,reiterated his administration’s resolve to implement the principles of the OGP by creating systems that empower citizens to engage with government decisions and policies.
“I am pleased to unveil the Kogi State Open Government Action Plan,” he said.
“Our state is not only rich in agricultural potential but is also making progress in security and governance reforms.
“We are building a system where government decisions reflect the voices of the people,” Ododo said
The governor directed all ministries, departments, and agencies to align their operations with the values of openness and inclusion.
“We are committed to ensuring that citizens are not just informed but are active participants in the development process,” he noted.
The governor stressed that the state is embracing technology and collaboration to enhance service delivery, saying, “We aim to build trust and deliver services that respond to the real needs of our people.”
Amb. Idris Ozovehe, Co-Chair of the Non-State Actors in the OGP, stated that the initiative seeks to bridge the trust gap between the government and citizens. “Transparency and accountability are essential ingredients of good governance, and we are here to ensure that Kogi becomes a model of democratic excellence,” he said.
He said that the Steering Committee would be responsible for designing and executing action plans that promote openness, civic engagement, and public trust in government to boost democratic development in Kogi State.
The event marked a significant step in the state’s efforts to institutionalize open and participatory governance.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
