By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh, Suleiman
Abdulmumin, Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to transparent, results-driven and media-friendly governance took centre stage 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 stood as a strong endorsement of an administration whose accessibility, performance and respect for the media have made governance reporting seamless, impactful and credible across the state.
Speakers at the gala repeatedly emphasized that under Governor Ododo’s leadership, journalists are not left searching for stories, as government performance continues to speak loudly across key sectors of development.
A major highlight of the night was the conferment of Patron of the Government House Press Crew on the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who was also honoured with the Media Front Runner Award in recognition of his strategic leadership, consistent support for journalists and effective coordination of the state’s information architecture.
Hon. Fanwo was represented at the event by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Media, Hon. Adebayo Ohiare Yusuf, who received the awards on his behalf.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Fanwo commended members of 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 the Press Crew’s commitment has significantly strengthened public trust and transparency, which remain key pillars of Governor Ododo’s governance philosophy. The Commissioner also praised the executive leadership of the Press Crew for fostering unity, inclusiveness and an enabling environment that promotes productivity and collective progress within the media team.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Government House Press Crew, Abah Benjamin Eneojoh Treasure, described 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 deep appreciation to the Kogi State Government, noting that journalists thrive best in an environment where governance delivers tangible 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 Press Crew Chairman particularly applauded Governor Ododo for running an administration that consistently produces measurable outcomes, making governance reporting meaningful and rewarding. He also appreciated the Ministry of Information and Communications for its unwavering support and collaboration, which he said has eased operational challenges and enhanced effective government communication.
Special commendation was extended to Hon. Adebayo Ohiare Yusuf for his coordination role and for serving as a reliable bridge between the media and the Governor.
Reaffirming loyalty to the administration, the Press Crew pledged continued professionalism, credibility and commitment to safeguarding the image and interests of Governor Ododo’s government and the people of Kogi State through responsible reportage.
The award segment of the night also 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 confidence under the Ododo administration.
Overall, the Gala and Award Night reaffirmed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s people-oriented, performance-driven and media-friendly leadership, reinforcing the belief that a free, empowered and motivated press remains indispensable to good governance.
The night ended with renewed commitment from journalists to uphold responsible and ethical reportage in support of the Governor’s vision for a more prosperous, secure and united Kogi State.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, represented by the Director of Administration in her office; the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. (Dr.) Olufemi Bolarin; the Director-General, Kogi State Government House, Dr. Umar Oricha Shuaibu, represented by Pastor Mrs. Praise Akubo; the Director-General of Protocol to the Governor, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim; the keynote speaker, Dr. Olubunmi Agbana; the Managing Director of Kogi State Graphic Newspaper, Hon. Yusuf Jimoh Itopa; and the Publisher of The Nigerian Post, Mr. Mike Abuh.