FIC Report (Kogi State) – Governor of Kogi State,Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared that Kogi State must be consciously redefined through a deliberate rebranding effort, stressing that perception and narrative play a decisive role in shaping the destiny of any society.
Speaking on Friday at the opening ceremony of Kogi Rebrand 2026 held at the Government House, Lokoja, the Governor said the initiative is anchored on the theme: “Reimagining Kogi: Unlocking Opportunities, Building Prosperity.”
He explained that the vision of his administration is to place the people at the centre of governance while projecting Kogi State as a land of vast opportunities and untapped potential.
Rebranding Kogi is not just about changing narratives; it is about aligning perception with reality.We are making steady progress across infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and solid minerals.
These are the real stories that must be told,”Ododo said.
The Governor noted that rural and urban infrastructure are being expanded to open up communities, while investments in healthcare are improving access and efficiency.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms in education aimed at securing the future of children, alongside efforts in agriculture and solid minerals designed to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The Governor emphasized that governance goes beyond implementation, insisting that storytelling is equally important.
“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.
According to him, the platform also allows Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to present their achievements, strengthening accountability and improving service delivery.
Ododo called on citizens to see rebranding as a collective responsibility.
“Every citizen must become an ambassador of Kogi State. We must speak positively, act responsibly, and project our state with confidence,” he said.
He also outlined Kogi’s comparative advantages, including its rich deposits of coal, iron ore, gold, and other minerals, its status as the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue, its agricultural strength, and its historical significance.
Ododo added that ongoing infrastructure projects, including an airport, are aimed at opening the state further to global opportunities.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in his address of welcome, said the initiative represents Kogi’s decision to take ownership of its story,noting that perception determines value, stressing that the state must be defined by excellence and credibility.
Former Deputy Governor, Arc. Yemi Awoniyi, described the initiative as a potential turning point, urging stakeholders to align around a shared development vision that will attract investors and partnerships.
The Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, highlighted reforms in the education sector, including the extension of teachers’ retirement age to 65 years, increased school enrolment efforts, and a reduction in the number of out-of-school children from 731,000 to 596,000.
He noted the introduction of mega schools, a digital education system, and increased bursary support for students.
In the health sector, the Commissioner, Dr. Abdulaziz Adams Adeiza,said over 200,000 civil servants have been enrolled in the state health insurance scheme within one year.
He also disclosed that two state universities have secured accreditation to run MBBS programmes, while doctors now receive a ₦300,000 motivation allowance aimed at reducing brain drain.
The top government officials, stakeholders, and development partners, attended the event with all reaffirming commitment to reposition Kogi State as a preferred destination for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Maryam Abubakar Gulma
CIPRO
Federal Information Centre Lokoja
24th April 2026
