Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi State Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isah, has announced a month-long programme of events to commemorate the first anniversary of LugardTV, the state’s official online public service broadcaster.
Hon. Isah disclosed this in a statement issued in Lokoja, where he outlined the timeline and purpose of the anniversary activities scheduled to begin on Friday, July 18, 2025, with a community outreach, and climax on Thursday, August 21, 2025, with a grand finale event in Lokoja.
The statement said the finale would feature key conversations on the future of media entrepreneurship in Nigeria, among other salient issues.
According to the Special Adviser, the celebration is aimed at reflecting on LugardTV’s contributions to public service broadcasting in the past year, as well as reaffirming its mission to connect governance with the people at all levels.
“LugardTV was established in July 2024 with the vision to tell the Kogi story from authentic sources that reflect the position of the government, the people, and the development strides recorded under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. As a medium, LugardTV is more than a platform, it is a bridge between the government and the people of Kogi State,” he stated.
Hon. Isah explained that within its first year of operation, LugardTV has produced close to 1,000 original contents, covering key sectors, including health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, and security.
He noted that the platform has shifted from traditional broadcasting models by offering real-time digital coverage, human interest stories, development-focused reporting, adding that it has rapidly gained a strong, loyal audience within and beyond the state.
“Our team is young, passionate, and committed. LugardTV has become a training ground for young professionals from all parts of the state, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and interns who now see public service broadcasting as a purposeful career path,” he noted.
The Governor’s media adviser stressed that an Open House event will be held from Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 15, 2025, allowing members of the public to interact with LugardTV’s behind the scene experience, adding that a Team Event that includes bonding and switching of roles among staff will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to appreciate people behind the platform’s success.
He also disclosed that the Grand Finale on Thursday, August 21, 2025, will feature a high-level panel discussion, the premiere of a documentary on LugardTV’s one-year journey, unveiling of new programmes, and awards recognising outstanding contributions to the development of Kogi State.
Hon. Isah called on the general public, development partners, media practitioners and others in civic and entertainment spaces to join the celebration and continue supporting LugardTV’s mission of promoting inclusive and transparent governance through communication.
The special adviser commended Governor Ododo and principal officers of the government for providing the enabling environment and support for LugardTV to operate and secure the level of success so far attained in promoting programmes and policies of the Kogi state government.
