Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reiterated the commitment of his administration to transparency and accountability.
He made this known while launching the annual media report of his administration in Lokoja on Wednesday.
The launch of the annual media report, an initiative of the office of the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, shows the media engagement of the programmes and policies of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo from January 2024 to January 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to Government of Kogi State, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, Governor Ododo promised to collaborate with all and sundry to move the state to an enviable height.
He expressed gratitude to the media, the journalists, reporters, and editors who played pivotal roles in keeping the public informed about the activities of his administration.
“The launch of this report signals a new era of communication in our administration, one that emphasizes the importance of keeping records and preserving information about how we keep our citizens well-informed and actively engaged in the process of governance.
“We believe that effective governance is not just about delivering services but ensuring that our people are connected and informed every step of the way.
“This Annual Media Performance Report is the first of its kind in Kogi State. It tracks and evaluates media coverage of our administration from January 2024 to January 2025, providing us with valuable insights into how well we are communicating with the public and shaping perceptions.
“Over the past year, the state has recorded more than 6,000 media mentions across television, radio, print and digital platforms. This demonstrates our commitment to transparency and continuous flow of information to the people of Kogi State and beyond about our policies and programmes.
“However, is not just the quantity of media coverage that matters, but the quality. The sentiment behind these mentions, how our messages are framed, and their impact on public discourse are equally critical. Through a combination of advanced media monitoring tools and traditional metrics, this report shows that our messages are not only reaching the audience but also fostering trust and positively shaping the narrative around governance in Kogi State.
“I am aware that this report is the result of a collective effort, a collaboration between various ministries, departments, agencies, and working with the Special Adviser on Media. His leadership and tireless dedication have been key to the success of this initiative, and I want to take this opportunity to personally commend him and his team for their outstanding performance.
“As we look to the future, the insights derived from this report will help us refine and enhance our communication strategies. It will guide us in continuously improving how we engage with the people, ensuring that our messages are clear, impactful, and aligned with our goal of open, transparent, and accountable governance,” he said.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Media, Ismaila Isah noted that his mission is to align with the vision of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
“In the last 14 months, I have had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated team of professionals whose goal has always been to ensure that our approach to governance is transparent, responsive, and directly connected to the people.
“I have also been privileged to benefit immensely from the invaluable partnership and
support of our colleagues in the media, these are unsung heroes who amplify our messages to the people and hold us to account at the game time. Today, as we present this report, I want b take a moment to recognize that this achievement is as much a product of your hard work, dedication, and professionalism as it is of our efforts as officials of the Kogi state government.
“The Media Performance Report aligns vith our policy to recognize hardwork and to demonstrate in real terms, our commitment to openness, transparency and accountability. It is a testament to our strategic communication agenda, driven by science, innovation and empirical data that guarantees leadership.
“The Media performance Report for the period from January 2024 to January 2025 is not just a reflection of our communication activities, but a tribute to the power of collaboration and team spirit.
” This report compiles and evaluates the media mentions of the Kogi State Government under His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo across vanous platforms including television, radio, newspapers, Magazines and digital media, giving us insight into how our government is perceived by the public and providing us with valuable data to guide future efforts in media operations.
“In the past year, our media team, in close cooperation with ministries, departments, and agencies, has worked relentlessly to craft clear, compelling, and impactful messages to promote the administration, thus evolving an all-of-government media agenda rather than focusing on only what happens at jhe government house. ‘
“Let me restate that the true success of this report lies in the tireless efforts of journalists and media practitioners who have worked day and night to ensure that our messages reach thee public in a timely, accurate, and engaging manner.
“It is a resource that provides us with valuable insights into public sentiment, the effectiveness of our messages, and areas where we can improve as a team. It is a guide for us to continue fostering an even stronger bond between our team and the media on one hand, and the people of Kogi State and the government on the other hand.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the media professionals, journalists, and all stakeholders who have supported us throughout this journey.
“Your role in our success cannot be overstated. Without your tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to truth and transparency, this report would not have been possible. You are not just conduits of information, you are active participants in the process of good governance, helping us shape the narrative and ensuring that our administration remains accountable to the people of Kogi State,” Isah said.
According to him, the report symbolizes the beginning of an even more robust collaboration between the government and the media.
Isah said the media sector of the government is not just sharing information but are working together to advance the development of the state, foster greater accountability and build stronger public trust.
