Kogi Building Sustainable Peace Through Inclusive Governance

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communicateions, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has said that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is deploying strategic community engagement, inclusive governance, and grassroots participation to strengthen security and promote sustainable development across the state.

Fanwo stated this at the Government House in Lokoja while receiving participants of Senior Course 48 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, who are in Kogi State for the Nigeria Study Tour themed: “Promoting Community Engagement for Enhanced National Security and Prosperity.”

Kogi State is one of seven states selected nationwide for the strategic research tour aimed at evaluating how community engagement mechanisms are being utilized to improve national security and development outcomes.

Addressing the delegation, the Commissioner described Kogi State as “the place where Nigeria started” and “the confluence of opportunities,” noting that the state occupies a unique position in Nigeria’s cultural and historical evolution.

He highlighted several notable heritage and historical sites in the state, including the European Cemetery, the historic Lord Lugard House and Lord Lugard Court, as well as the Inikpi Statue in Idah, describing Kogi as a major symbol of Nigeria’s historical identity.

Fanwo emphasized that effective leadership remains central to peace, security, and good governance, stressing that Governor Ododo’s administration is anchored on consultation, inclusiveness, and continuous engagement with citizens.

He recalled that during the administration’s first anniversary, Governor Ododo deliberately avoided elaborate celebrations and instead launched the Kogi Dialogue initiative, a platform designed to foster unity, resolve communal disputes, and strengthen social cohesion across the state.

According to him, the dialogue initiative has continued to build bridges among communities, promote reconciliation, and address conflicts, contributing significantly to the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state.

The Commissioner further stated that the administration has restored stability in communities previously affected by crises and has deliberately integrated youths into governance and decision-making processes as key stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts.

He explained that the appointment of Ward Special Assistants across the state has enhanced grassroots participation and strengthened communication between government and local communities, enabling quicker responses to emerging security concerns.

Fanwo also disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Communications has established multiple public engagement and feedback platforms through which citizens can freely communicate their concerns and contribute to governance.

He added that the government has intensified efforts to strengthen inter-ethnic harmony through programmes aimed at promoting unity among the diverse ethnic nationalities in the state.

According to the Commissioner, regular intelligence gathering, collaboration with local communities, and proactive engagement strategies have played a critical role in curbing insecurity and boosting public confidence.

He further revealed that the state government recently launched the Kogi Rebrand Project to positively project the image of the state and attract greater opportunities for investment and development.

Fanwo commended the leadership of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College for selecting Kogi State as one of the focal states for the research exercise, expressing confidence that the outcome of the study tour would enrich national discourse on community-driven security strategies and inclusive governance.