Stakeholders Hail Governor Ododo Over Open Governance In Kogi

Stakeholders at a review meeting on the just-concluded OGP Global Summit in Spain have commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi for his servant leadership and support for open governance.

The group observed that state government, under the leadership of Governor Ododo, has shown readiness to join the elite league of inclusive openness and partnership for transparent governance.

The stakeholders urged the governor to maintain and amplify the momentum towards inclusive openness, stronger partnerships, and transparent governance that delivers inclusive growth and tangible benefits for all citizens of Kogi state.

They called for the expansion of anticipatory citizen participation in policy design and public service improvement initiatives, promote open data initiatives, freedom of information access, and proactive disclosure to deepen trust in governance.

In the communiqué issued at the end of a one-day Post-OGP Summit 2025 knowledge sharing session in Lokoja on Thursday, the stakeholders called for one hundred per cent implementation of the five commitments of the state government via the OGP State Action Plan (SAP) as directed by Governor Ododo during the unveiling of the commitment document.

Speaking on the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit held in Spain, stakeholders said the event was an eye-opener, revealing practical insights, successful models, and a clear path forward for the implementation of Kogi State’s State Action Plan (SAP).

They noted that the event reinforced the imperative of working with all stakeholders in an inclusive, participatory, and constructive manner that yields tangible results for citizens.

While commending non-state actors for their commitment and sacrifice in supporting the SAP’s design, advocacy, oversight, and implementation, stakeholders called for a culture of accountability, citizen-centred reporting, and transparent decision-making processes, which they said must remain at the core of all SAP activities.

Stakeholders were unanimous in their demand that actions and outcomes achieved from the State Action Plan should be consolidated and publicised so that all citizens and stakeholders are well aware and able to relate to such achievements.