The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for fostering a peaceful and media-friendly environment in the state.
The commendation came during the grand finale of the 2025 NUJ Press Week held in Lokoja, with the theme “Kogi State Solid Minerals: How the Media Can Drive Development.”
The event drew journalists, government officials, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to deliberate on how the media can contribute to the growth of Kogi’s solid mineral sector and the promotion of good governance.
In his address, NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Ademu Seidu, praised the governor for creating an enabling environment where journalists carry out their duties without harassment or intimidation.
He also praised the administration for repositioning state media organizations, describing it as a demonstration of responsive governance.
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He also commended the roles of the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, and the Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, in strengthening the media sector in the state under the present administration.
Seidu, however, appealed to the governor to fulfill promises made to the union, including the provision of a brand-new bus and support for the renovation of the NUJ secretariat.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashir Gegu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Abdulsalami Hudu noted that Kogi is richly endowed with mineral resources which must be harnessed in the interest of the people
He revealed that the Ododo administration has secured 15 additional mining licenses bringing the state’s total to 30 licenses and procured mining equipment to boost mining operations in the state.
He added that unregulated artisanal mining would no longer be tolerated, urging journalists to focus on policy advocacy and putting the spotlight on development-driven success stories of the administration.
In his keynote address, Mr. Tope Joel, Chief Lecturer at Kogi State Polytechnic, stressed that Kogi is home to 22 of Nigeria’s identified solid minerals.
He called for strict regulation to curb environmental degradation, empowering leadership of state-owned solid minerals company with requisite training, and greater collaboration between the media and government to ensure that the sector becomes a source of sustainable revenue for the state government.
The NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, represented by the Vice President of Zone D, Comrade Adeiza Momoh-Jimoh, urged journalists to uphold professionalism, amplify marginalized voices, and celebrate the state’s successes while remaining committed to truth and accountability.
In his goodwill message, the Ohimegye of Igu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu who served as Royal Father of the Day, advised journalists to remain faithful to the ethics of the profession, noting that credibility depends on adherence to high standards.
Other goodwill messages were delivered by the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman; Technical Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Communication, Dr. Ebenezer Adurodija representing the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo.
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The ceremony also featured presentation of awards to deserving individuals, including the Provost of the College of Education, Ankpa, Dr. Paul Fashagba; Vice Chancellor of the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, the Elulu of Mopa, His Royal Majesty Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, and the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the Elulu of Mopa and Chairman of Mopamuro Traditional Council, HRM Oba Muyiwa Ibeun expressed gratitude to the NUJ for the honour, describing it as a call to deepen their contributions to the development of Kogi State.
