***As Month-Long Celebration Kicks Off with Outreach, Football Match in Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has commended LugardTV for its pivotal role in enhancing public engagement and effectively communicating government activities across the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo gave the commendation on Friday through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Ayoade Arike, during the official flag-off of LugardTV’s one-year anniversary celebrations in Lokoja.
The kickoff event, which featured a community outreach and a novelty football match between Team Ododo and Team Kogi All Stars, was held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre.
It marked the beginning of a month-long lineup of activities designed to celebrate the platform’s contribution to civic education and developmental journalism.
In his address, Governor Ododo praised the station’s professionalism, innovation, and growing influence in shaping public discourse within the state.
He noted that despite being relatively new, LugardTV has quickly become a credible and impactful medium for promoting transparency and strengthening citizen-government relations.
“LugardTV has swiftly emerged as a key player in Kogi State’s media landscape. It is helping to shape positive narratives, highlight progress, and drive public enlightenment. We commend this effort and encourage the team to sustain their momentum,” the Governor said.
He also lauded the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr. Ismaila Isah, for his leadership in building a vibrant media outfit that aligns with the administration’s vision for strategic communication.
“LugardTV has become the voice of government, articulating our programmes and achievements with consistency and clarity. The station has our full support as it continues to grow,” Governor Ododo added.
In his remarks, Mr. Ismaila Isah explained that the novelty football match was inspired by Governor Ododo’s passion for sports and was designed to foster camaraderie among government media professionals.
“His Excellency is an avid football enthusiast. Including this friendly match between Team Ododo and Team Kogi All Stars allowed us to blend celebration with relaxation. It’s also a reward for the hard work the media team has put in over the past year,” Isah said.
He reaffirmed LugardTV’s commitment to deepening professionalism, expanding its content reach, and innovating in line with the administration’s communication priorities.
The kickoff event also had its solemn moments. Players at the football match wore black armbands in honor of two recently bereaved public officials: Alhaji Yusuf Okala, father of the State Auditor-General, and the late husband of the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Hajia Rabietu Okute.
Mr. Isah expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and supporters who attended the event and reiterated LugardTV’s mission to serve as a platform for civic engagement, public education, and media excellence.
The station’s anniversary celebrations will continue over the coming weeks with a variety of programs aimed at promoting1 innovation in media, good governance, and citizen participation across Kogi State.