Ododo’s Media-Friendly Governance Shines as Government House Press Crew Honours Excellence
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Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s results-driven and media-friendly style of governance came into sharp focus on Saturday night as the Kogi State Government House Press Crew hosted its 2025 End-of-Year Party, Gala and Award Night at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
The well-attended event served as a strong affirmation of an administration defined by transparency, open communication and mutual respect between government and the media. Throughout the evening, speakers underscored the ease and credibility of governance reporting under Governor Ododo, noting that journalists are no longer burdened with searching for stories as government performance continues to speak across critical sectors of development.
A major highlight of the night was the conferment of the Patron of the Government House Press Crew on the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Kinsley Femi Fanwo. 
He was also honoured with the Media Front Runner Award in recognition of his strategic leadership, consistent support for journalists and effective coordination of the state’s information architecture. The awards were received on his behalf by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Media, Hon. Adebayo Ohiare Yusuf.
In a goodwill message delivered at the event, Hon. Fanwo commended members of the Government House Press Crew for their dedication, professionalism and teamwork, describing them as a dependable force in projecting government policies and programmes with balance, credibility and responsibility.
He noted that their commitment has played a vital role in strengthening public trust and transparency, which he described as core pillars of Governor Ododo’s governance philosophy.
The Commissioner also praised the executive leadership of the Press Crew for promoting inclusiveness and unity, thereby creating an enabling environment for productivity and collective progress within the media team. 
Earlier, the Chairman of the Government House Press Crew, Abah Benjamin Eneojoh Treasure, set the tone for the evening by describing the Gala as a platform to celebrate excellence in public communication and to honour individuals and institutions that support credible governance reportage in Kogi State.
He expressed deep appreciation to the Kogi State Government, stressing that journalists thrive best in an environment where governance delivers tangible results.
He observed that the Ododo administration has made reporting both meaningful and rewarding, citing visible achievements ranging from infrastructural development across the state to sustained investment in human capital, improved healthcare delivery, and support for students through scholarships and bursary allowances.
According to him, the abundance of achievements has ensured that journalists no longer struggle for content, as impactful stories emerge daily from government activities.
The Press Crew Chairman also commended the Ministry of Information and Communications for its unwavering support and collaboration, noting that such cooperation has eased operational challenges and strengthened the effectiveness of government communication.
Special recognition was given to Hon. Ohiare Yusuf for his coordination role and for serving as a reliable link between the media and the Governor. 
Reaffirming the loyalty of the Press Crew to the Ododo administration, the Chairman pledged continued professionalism, credibility and commitment to safeguarding the image and interests of the government and the people of Kogi State.
The award segment of the night extended recognition beyond government communication. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation was named Best Contractor of the Year, with the award received by Austin Qi, Project Manager of CCECC Nigeria Limited, Kogi State Project Office, in acknowledgment of the company’s contributions to infrastructure development in the state. In the same vein, AVM Omeiza Umar, DSS, MSS, FWC (rtd), Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund, was honoured with the Outstanding Public Trust and Integrity Award for his role in strengthening security coordination and public confidence under the Ododo administration. 
Overall, the Gala and Award Night stood as a strong endorsement of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s people-oriented, performance-driven and media-friendly leadership, reinforcing his belief in the central role of a free, empowered and motivated press in sustaining good governance. The night concluded with renewed commitment from journalists to uphold responsible reportage in support of the Governor’s vision for a more prosperous, secure and united Kogi State.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the Kogi State Government represented by the Director of Administration in her office, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, the Director General of Government House, Dr. Umar Oricha Shuaibu, represented by the Director of Administration, Pastor Mrs. Praise Akubo, the Director General of Protocol to the Governor, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, the keynote speaker, Dr. Olubunmi Agbana, the Managing Director of Kogi State Graphic Newspaper, Hon. Yusuf Jimoh Itopa, and the Publisher of The Nigerian Post, Mr. Mike Abuh.
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