Government House, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to transparent governance, open communication and respect for the media took the spotlight on Saturday night as the Kogi State Government House Press Crew hosted its 2025 End-of-Year Party, Gala and Award Night at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
The well-attended event became a glowing testament to an administration whose achievements, accessibility and media-friendly disposition have made governance reporting seamless, impactful and credible.
Speakers repeatedly stressed that under Governor Ododo, Journalists are not left searching for stories, as government performance continues to speak loudly across sectors.
One of the major highlights of the night was the conferment of Patron of the Government House Press Crew on the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Kinsley Femi Fanwo, who was also decorated with the Media Front Runner Award in recognition of his strategic leadership, consistent support for Journalists and progressive coordination of the state’s information machinery.
Hon. Fanwo was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Media, Hon. Adebayo Ohiare Yusuf, who received the honours on his behalf.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Fanwo commended the Government House Press Crew for their dedication, professionalism and teamwork, describing them as a dependable pillar in projecting government policies and programmes with balance, credibility and responsibility. He noted that their commitment has significantly strengthened public trust and transparency, key pillars of Governor Ododo’s governance philosophy.
The Commissioner also praised the Press Crew’s executive leadership for fostering inclusiveness and unity, creating an enabling environment for growth, productivity and collective progress within the Media Team.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Government House Press Crew, Abah Benjamin Eneojoh Treasure, set the tone for the night, describing the Gala as an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in public communication and honouring individuals and institutions that promote credible governance reportage in Kogi State.
He expressed profound appreciation to the Kogi State Government, noting that journalists thrive best where governance delivers results.
“A Journalist truly struggles when there are no achievements to report. Fortunately, this is not our reality in Kogi State,” he said. “From massive infrastructural development across the state to sustained investment in human capital, improved healthcare delivery, students’ scholarships and bursary allowances, stories are not what we look for; stories look for us every single day.”
The Chairman particularly applauded Governor Ododo for running an administration that consistently produces tangible results, making the task of governance reporting both meaningful and rewarding.
He also appreciated the Ministry of Information and Communications for its unwavering support and collaboration, which he said has reduced operational stress and enhanced the effectiveness of government communication.
Special commendation was extended to Hon. Ohiare Yusuf for coordinating the Press Crew and serving as a reliable bridge between the media and the Governor.
Reaffirming loyalty to the administration, the Press Crew Chairman pledged continued professionalism, credibility and commitment to safeguarding the image and interests of Governor Ododo’s government and the people of Kogi State.
The award segment of the night further celebrated excellence beyond government communication. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) emerged Best Contractor of the Year, with the award received by Austin Qi, Project Manager, CCECC Nigeria Limited, Kogi State Project Office, in recognition of the company’s impactful infrastructure delivery in the state.
Similarly, AVM Omeiza Umar, DSS, MSS, FWC (rtd), Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund, was honoured with the Outstanding Public Trust and Integrity Award, acknowledging his contributions to security coordination and public trust under the Ododo administration.
Overall, the Gala and Award Night stood as a strong endorsement of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s people-oriented, performance-driven and media-friendly leadership, reinforcing his belief that a free, empowered and motivated press remains indispensable to good governance.
The night ended with renewed commitment from Journalists to uphold responsible reportage in support of the Governor’s vision for a more prosperous, secure and united Kogi State.
Among the dignitaries who attended the Press Night were the secretary to Kogi State Government represented by the Director Admin in her office, Honorable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon (Dr) Olufemi Bolarin, the DG Kogi State Government House Dr Umar Oricha Shuaibu represented by the Director of Admi, Pastor Mrs Praise Akubo, the DG Protocol to the Governor Alh Suleiman Ibrahim, the Keynote speaker of the day Dr Olubunmi Agbana, the MD Kogi State Graphic Newspaper Hon Yusuf Jimoh Itopa and the publisher of the Nigerian Post Mr Mike Abuh.
