•Commends media professionals, reaffirms commitment to transparency, public engagement
By Joy Salami and Victoria Okpanachi
In a bid to deepen transparency, accountability, and strategic communication, the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, has unveiled the state’s maiden Annual Media Performance Report. The report captures milestones, challenges, and the trajectory of media engagement by the Kogi State Government over the past year.
The launch held in Lokoja, marked a significant moment in the administration’s communication strategy, highlighting key engagements, public sentiment, media coverage analytics, and recommendations for improved government-media relations.
Delivering the Governor’s remarks, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Folashade Ayoade, who represented Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, lauded media professionals for their dedication to promoting transparency and keeping citizens informed.
Governor Ododo described the report as a landmark initiative aligned with his administration’s vision of open governance and effective public communication.
He emphasised that impactful communication is not measured by volume alone, but by the accuracy, tone, and relevance of the information shared with the public.
Commending the team behind the report, the Governor praised Hon. Ismaila Isah and his media office for their commitment to excellence and teamwork, describing the report as a reflection of the administration’s values and approach to responsible governance.
“I sincerely appreciate our media partners across the state and beyond. Your sacrifices in the line of duty are not taken for granted,” Ododo stated. He added that his administration would continue to foster open dialogue with the media, believing it is key to building trust and shaping public discourse.
He urged media stakeholders to uphold objectivity and fairness in their reportage, stressing that the government does not support sensationalism but remains committed to the accurate communication of its achievements and policies.
In his remarks, Hon. Ismaila Isah described the report as not only a retrospective analysis but also as a forward-looking tool designed to enhance future communication efforts.
“This report is the result of data collection, field engagement, content analysis, and strategic reflection. It provides us with a roadmap to do better and communicate more effectively,” he stated.
Isah emphasised that the maiden report reflects the accountability and purposeful leadership of the present administration.
He noted that Governor Ododo’s government had developed a comprehensive media assessment matrix to guide its communication initiatives—an effort that has earned Kogi State commendations both nationally and globally over the past one year
He also expressed deep appreciation to the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for entrusting him with the role, and highlighted the creation of the Media Centre at the Government House as a strategic development in the dissemination of government activities.
Isah called for continued collaboration between the government and media practitioners to further strengthen public trust and drive the state’s developmental agenda.
Also speaking at the event, the Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D, and General Manager of Prime FM Lokoja, Mr. Momoh Jimoh Adeiza, commended the initiative as a significant milestone.
He urged the state government to continue supporting the media sector to empower journalists in fulfilling their critical role in nation-building.
The report signals a renewed commitment to transparency and a stronger partnership between the government and the media.
