By Abubakar Abraham
Kogi State Ministry of Education, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with The Graphic Newspaper, to ensure government policies, programs, and initiatives are effectively communicated to residents of the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Ministry of Education, Mr. Alabi Bamagbade, made this known during a courtesy visit to The Graphic Newspaper, highlighting the indispensable role of the media in promoting educational initiatives and reducing the number of out-of-school children across the state.
He acknowledged that the importance of the media can never be overemphasised as they are agents of passing information to the general public, citing tangible benefits from previous media coverages and at the same time, soliciting sustained support.
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The Permanent Secretary, who also stated that the visit was his first official engagement since his assumption of duty at the Ministry of Education, expressed appreciation to the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Yusuf Itopa, and the entire management team for the relationship enjoyed in the past. He described the visit as “unique and new,” underscoring its significance.
Mr. Bamagbade noted that the visit as a strategic opportunity to deepen engagement with the media, emphasising it’s role in emancipating citizens and supporting educational programmes. He called for a robust partnership to amplify the visibility of the Ministry’s policies and activities.
Outlining the Ministry of Education’s vision and mission, he reiterated it’s commitment to delivering qualitative education through policy formulation, harmonisation, data collection, and quality assurance.
While stressing the need for media collaboration to underscore education’s transformative value, he highlighted a marked decline in out-of-school children due to joint efforts with the state government and media advocacy.
The Permanent Secretary lauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritising education, allocating 30% of the state budget to the sector, and assured stakeholders of the ministry’s resolve to ensure quality education delivery and excel in national competitions.
He further emphasised the need for synergy, urging the media to help disseminate information on free education policies to reach vulnerable children and encourage school enrollment. “The media amplifies the voice of the Ministry of Education and its activities,” he noted.
Responding, the MD/CEO, Mr. Yusuf Itopa, congratulated Mr. Bamagbade on his appointment and expressed full confidence in his leadership. He pledged the Newspaper’s commitment to comprehensively covering the ministry’s programs and policies.
On his part, the Executive Editor, Mr. James Oyewole, proposed the need to establish media ties to streamline information flow and reduce costs, commending the effort, dedication and advocating continued collaboration for the educational success of the Commissioner, Honourable Wemi Jones.
