By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
May 23, 2025
In a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in governance, Kogi State Government has inaugurated the Steering Committee on Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Lokoja on Friday.
The Executive Governor of Kogi State Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo who was Represented by Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu, presided over the ceremony at his office, marking a crucial milestone in the state’s journey towards good governance.
Governor Ododo emphasized that his administration is committed to deliver effectively on the Open Government Partnership principles and promised that he would continue to partner with all stakeholders to win the trust of the citizens in governance across the state.
In his words “I am pleased to present the Kogi State Open Government Action Plan. Kogi State is one of the leading states in Nigeria; it has abundant arable land, and makes enormous contributions in the area of agriculture in Nigeria”
“The state has improved in the areas of security and is conducive for investments. The state having successfully embarked on public governance reforms with the support of the World Bank, Kogi State has taken steps to become even more open, transparent and accountable”.
” To this end, I have mandated ministries, departments and agencies under the current administration to strictly prioritize and deliver 100% on these commitments, so as to demonstrate our avowed commitment to accountability, transparency, citizens participation and the adoption of technological innovation to provide effective citizens centered service provision across the state to the best of our abilities”
” The State is indeed eager to foster increased collaboration between governments and all other external stakeholders with the main aim of improving the living conditions of our citizens” he said.
Ealier, Amb. Idris Ozovehe; the Co-Chairman of the Non State Actors, stressed that the motive behind Open Government Partnership is to resolve the issue of Trust Deficit citizens have in government, noting that accountability and transparency remain the key to good governance.
The committee is expected to develop and implement action plans that will enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.