Kogi State is steadily rewriting its governance narrative, thanks to a new wave of commissioners whose performance is attracting both national and international recognition. Through transparency, innovation, and people-centered leadership, these officials are proving that public service can indeed deliver measurable results.
Kingsley Femi Fanwo – Champion of Transparency in Communication
Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, has emerged as one of Nigeria’s finest public communicators. Recently honored as Nigeria’s Best Performing Information Commissioner, Fanwo has raised the bar in government engagement.
Under his leadership, the Kogi State Government website was ranked the top-performing among all APC-led states, ensuring citizens have timely and accurate access to information. He has also institutionalized staff recognition awards, strengthening morale within the ministry. His reforms demonstrate that effective communication is the backbone of accountable governance.
Asiwaju Idris – Driving Financial Accountability and Data-Driven Governance
In the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris has become synonymous with fiscal discipline and accountability. He recently unveiled a citizen-friendly breakdown of the state budget, bringing clarity to government spending and empowering the public with information.
Idris also spearheaded the Kogi State Performance Indicator Tracker (KPIT), a digital tool for monitoring government projects in real-time. This innovation has made it easier to track progress, reduce waste, and ensure every project aligns with the state’s development agenda. His results-oriented style is setting new standards for financial governance in Nigeria.
Dr. Zakari Usman – Transforming Health Outcomes
In the health sector, Dr. Zakari Usman, Commissioner for Health, has turned Kogi into a reference point for results-driven health care. The state recently emerged as the Best Performing State in the World Bank-supported Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) Project, outshining ten other participating states.
This achievement is credited to his focus on community-based health delivery, maternal and child nutrition, and strict monitoring of project implementation. Dr. Usman’s leadership is saving lives and positioning Kogi as a model for health system strengthening in Nigeria.
A Collective Force for Progress
These commissioners, each excelling in their domain, represent a collective force driving Kogi’s transformation. Fanwo has elevated transparency, Idris has institutionalized accountability, and Usman has delivered measurable health impact. Together, they are demonstrating that governance works best when it is transparent, innovative, and people-centered.
As Nigeria continues its search for models of effective governance, Kogi State’s high-performing commissioners are offering a blueprint — one that proves that with vision and integrity; public service can truly change lives.
– Moses Emani Salami
