By Ojotule Romanus
Kogi State Government House Press Crew, has celebrated individuals, political aides and corporate organizations that have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.
The honours were conferred during the 2025 End of Year Party/Gala and Award Night held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
Kogi State Chairman of the Government House Press Crew, Mr. Benjamin Treasure, warmly set the tone for the evening with his welcome address. He applauded Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Odoodo, for creating an enabling environment to practice and creating news, a vital aspect of journalism, through his numerous projects.
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Mr. Treasure noted that, from the massive infrastructure development across the state, to sustainable investment in human capital development and empowerment, improved healthcare delivery, students scholarship and bursary allowances as well as many more impactful interventions of the state government, “stories are not what we look for; stories look for us every single day”.
He explained that the event was meant to celebrate excellence in public communication and to honour individuals and institutions that are committed to promoting credible governance reportage in the state and as well as a moment of reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment as the year comes to an end.
The Press Crew Chairman also expressed profound appreciation to the Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communication for their support and collaboration just as he pointed out that their collaborative efforts has helped in reducing the stress associated with journalism practice and as well enhance the effectiveness of government communication strategy.
He then used the forum to appeal to Governor Ododo to provide the unit with a vehicle to further enhance their efficiency and service delivery
Various speakers at the event also acknowledged that the activities and achievements of the Governor Ododo led administration has made headline across the country in various sectors.
In his address, The Managing Director of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr Yusuf Itopa, commended members of the Press Crew for putting in place such an event which he said provide an avenue to review activities, strengthen unity, celebrate achievements and present requests to the government.
Mr Itopa used the occasion to applaud Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Odoodo, for his developmental efforts in various sector across the state. While appealing for more support from the public to ensure that government effectively carries out it’s obligations to the people.
One of the major highlights of the event was the conferment of Patron of the Government House Press Crew on the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Kingsley 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.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Media, Hon. Adebayo Yusuf, Hon. Fanwo commended the Government House Press Crew for their dedication, professionalism and teamwork.
He describibed the group as a dependable pillar in projecting government policies and programmes with balance, credibility and responsibility. Adding 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.
Special commendation was also extended to Hon. Yusuf for coordinating the Press Crew and serving as a reliable bridge between the government house media and the governor.
The award segment of the night further celebrated excellence beyond government communication.
For instance, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), was honoured with the Best Contractor of the Year Award which was 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, Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund, AVM Omeiza Umar, (rtd), was honoured with the Outstanding Public Trust and Integrity Award, in recognition of his contributions to security coordination and public trust under the Ododo administration.
Overall, the Gala and Award Night stood out as a strong endorsement of Governor 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.
Among the dignitaries who attended the Press Night were the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State (SSG) is Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, who was epresented by the Director Admin in her office, Honorable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon Olufemi Bolarin, the Director of Administration Kogi State Government House, Dr Umar Oricha Shuaibu, represented by the Director of Admi, Pastor Mrs Praise Akubo.
Others are the Director General Protocol, Government House, Alh Suleiman Ibrahim, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Media and Coordinator Government House Press Crew, Hon. Yusuf Ohiare and the the Guest Speaker, Dr. Olubunmi Agbana, from the Federal University lokoja.
