Emmanuel lkpeama
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has commended State Information Officers serving across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for their dedication, professionalism and exceptional service delivery.
The governor praised the officers for promoting the image of Kogi State and strengthening communication between government and citizens.
Speaking during the unveiling of Kogi Rebrand 2026 at the Government House in Lokoja, Ododo described Information Officers as critical to the success of governance, noting that no administration can succeed without effective and strategic communication.
According to him, governance is not only about implementing policies and projects, but also about telling the story behind those achievements.
“But governance is not only about doing the work, it’s also about telling the story of that work. When we fail to tell our story, others will tell it for us, and not always correctly. This is why this rebranding initiative is both timely and necessary,” he said.
Ododo stressed that citizens must understand government’s vision, direction and accomplishments through clear and credible information dissemination.
He warned that when communication breaks down, misinformation takes over, creating confusion and distrust. He therefore praised Information Officers for serving as trusted custodians of truth and defenders of the state’s reputation.
The governor explained that Kogi Rebrand 2026 is more than a slogan or campaign, describing it as an effort to restore confidence, build trust and allow Kogi people define their own identity.
He added that the consistency and sacrifices of Information Officers have helped shape positive public perception and keep citizens informed about government policies and development efforts.
Ododo also expressed satisfaction that the second day of the programme would focus on capacity building for Information Officers.
“In today’s fast-paced and digital-driven world, information is power. Our Information Officers are not just messengers; they are custodians of truth, shapers of perception, and ambassadors of Kogi State,” he added.
He described the officers as silent but powerful contributors whose daily efforts bridge the gap between leadership and the grassroots, urging them to remain committed, professional and proactive.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, described the officers as the foot soldiers of the ministry and frontline ambassadors of the Kogi narrative.
Fanwo said the success of the rebranding initiative depends largely on their ability to take the message of the new Kogi identity to every community, institution and stakeholder across the state.
“Today is not just another event; today is the declaration, today is the rebirth, today we take ownership of our story,” he said.
He applauded their resilience, loyalty and dedication, describing them as silent heroes whose efforts remain central to government communication success.
Fanwo assured them of continued ministry support, capacity development and recognition of excellence as the administration advances its rebranding agenda.
Stakeholders including Arc. Yomi Awoniyi and Majeed Dahiru also said the Kogi Rebrand 2026 initiative signals a fresh governance direction under Governor Ododo, driven by strategic communication, economic growth, tourism, innovation and sustainable development.