Ododo to journalists: You put us on our toes

By Richard Elesho/Kogi

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has commended journalists in the state for their professionalism, patriotism, and a strong sense of responsibility, charging them to approach their duty with utmost care and sincerity of purpose.

The governor gave the charge at the grand finale of the 2026 Press Week organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Kogi State Council, which took place on Thursday, 26, March in Lokoja. The event featured a public lecture, a presentation of awards, and N250 million fundraising for the construction of a befitting chapel secretariat.

Ododo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy, Kingsley Fanwo, described the correspondents as a credible link between the people and government. He applauded them for projecting the activities of his administration and the state in positive light as a Confluence of opportunities.

“As correspondents representing diverse media organizations across Nigeria, you have helped project Kogi to the national and international stage. You have demonstrated both the power of citizen journalism and the weight of ethical responsibility, keeping us on our toes and constructively pointing out areas where we must improve to better serve our people.

“Our administration deeply appreciates the critical role of the media in promoting good governance. The popular saying that “the pen is mightier than the sword” reminds us that if we must be careful not to misuse the sword, we must be even more careful not to abuse the pen. At all times, we must act with a full sense of responsibility to our nation, our state, and our profession.

“We do not seek a media that withholds the truth. Doing so would be like switching off the light while picking stones from beans. We desire a media that has the courage to point out our shortcomings and the commitment to partner with us in finding solutions. At the same time, we count on you to showcase the vast opportunities that abound in Kogi State so that together, we can effectively market the Confluence of Opportunities for the benefit of our nation.”

In a lecture, titled ‘Bad Road: Looking for alternative mode through the inland waterways corridor – passenger and cargo transportation in Nigeria,’ Dr. Femi Ajisafe, Chairman Kogi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, dissected the road transportation challenges in the country and made a strong case for water transportation.

“Nigeria’s Rivers Niger and Benue hold immense potential as transport hubs, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to traditional modes. By addressing challenges and leveraging solutions, we can unlock these waterways, boost economic growth, and improve livelihoods. It’s time to turn the tide and make Nigeria’s waterways a key driver of development.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Mr Segun Salami of the Channel Television, expressed hope that discussions at the event would give birth to solutions to problems in the transport sector of the economy.

He noted that the programme included an award ceremony to recognise deserving individuals who have made an impact on society.

The awardees were former governor Yahaya Bello, the All Progressives Congress, APC National Chairman, Prof Goshwe Yilwalda, a United Kingdom based data scientist, Daramola Omoyele, Federal lawmaker Hon Leke Abejide, Kogi revenue boss Dr. Sule Enehe Salihu, and immediate past Vice-Chancellor Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi.

The ceremony took place at Edge Drive Hotels and was attended by journalists, public servants, security chiefs, and traditional rulers, among others