****Elects new Executive Council members
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
KOGI NGOs Network (KONGONET) has held its 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
with a call on government, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), citizens, and development partners to embrace greater inclusivity in planning and service delivery efforts.
The outgoing Chairperson of KONGONET, Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina, made the call at the 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of KONGONET held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Lokoja on Thursday.
Muraina urged that all should work together in synergy to deepen citizens’ participation, ensuring that governance remains transparent, responsive, and truly reflective of the people’s needs.
“Together, we can build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Kogi State for generations to come”, he said.
Muraina highlighted the remarkable achievements of KONGONET, including improved planning, service delivery, enhanced community participation, and more inclusive governance processes across various sectors.
The outgoing Chairperson announced the winners of the KONGONET’s 2025 Inclusivity and Partnership Awards, recognizing exemplary MDAs and an individual for their outstanding contributions.
Muraina expressed optimism that the incoming leadership would maintain and build upon the successes of KONGONET, ensuring continued collaboration with all MDAs and promoting a culture of inclusivity and partnership.
Hon. Ismail Isah, Special Adviser (SA) to Governor Ododo on Media in his paper titled: “Synergy for Socio-Economic Development; Uniting State and Non-State Actors for a Greater Impact”, described NGOs as co-drivers of government.
He said that the state government desired to expand the civic space for more inclusive governance as power is held in trust for the people adding that it was the desire of the government to empower the people with capacity.
He said that the government had fully embraced the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to ensure transparency and accountability and enhance people-oriented development in the state.
The Nigerian Pilot reports that a lot of horse trading took place in the election with some contestants for the position of Chairman stepping down for the emergence of Mr Hamza Aliyu, Executive Director of Initiative for Grassroots Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) emerging chairman.
Other Executive Council members elected include: Dr Hope Omeiza, Vice Chairman; Reuben Joshua, Secretary General; Hajia Hassana Umar, Financial Secretary and Joy Akinola, Treasurer.
Others are Roseline Alabi, PRO; David Ojogbane, Auditor; Serah Amanabo, Assistant Secretary and Barr Kemi Omeiza, Legal Officer.
In his post election speech, Mr Hamza Aliyu said the outgoing chairman had left a big shoe which would be difficult to fill adding that KONGONET under his leadership would continue to partner the government in its developmental efforts.
He however added that just like the outgoing leadership under Amb. Muraina, KONGONET would not fail to applaud and support the government in towing the right for the good of Kogi people but would not hesitate to embark on “Aluta” should the need arise. (Ends)