Rebrand Kogi: ‘Era of Allowing Outsiders Define the Confluence State is Over’ – Ododo

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo says the era of allowing outsiders define the Confluence State is over.

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Speaking at the launch of Rebrand Kogi 2026 in Lokoja on Thursday, Ododo declared that “the story must change.”

Ododo said the rebrand is not spin but strategy aligning image with reality. He pointed to people-centered governance already opening rural and urban communities through infrastructure, healthcare upgrades, education investment, and the unlocking of agriculture and solid minerals.

“We are not interested in just the story. We are interested in telling the world what they stand to gain by doing business with Kogi State. We want to show them what they can enjoy here in terms of tourism. We are building an airport so that we can open our airspace to the world.

“If you refuse to define yourself, the world will define you, and often wrongly. From now, the story must change. When we fail to tell our story, others will tell it for us and not always correctly,” he stated.

He stressed that performance without communication is incomplete, adding that MDAs will present stewardship reports while Information Officers undergo capacity building as custodians of truth, shapers of perception, and ambassadors of the state.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, described the launch as far more than ceremony.

“This is not just another event. Today is the declaration. Today is the rebirth. Today, we take ownership of our story,” Fanwo said.

He noted that the Kogi Rebrand 2026 initiative is a historic movement to reclaim Kogi’s true identity and global perception, warning that distorted narratives diminish value.

“When perception is distorted, value is diminished. Our resources are taken and we are offered peanuts, not because we lack value, but because our story has been undervalued. That must change.”

Fanwo positioned Governor Ododo as Chief Brand Ambassador, crediting him for placing Kogi firmly on the national map and delivering real development.

“From the dust of Upogoro to the tables of national relevance, he is giving Kogi a new name, a name that speaks of peace, a name that speaks of progress, a name that commands attention.

“Kogi is peaceful. Kogi is progressing. Kogi is rising to the center stage. Kogi is experiencing dynamic leadership. Indeed, the story is changing,” Fanwo stated.

He highlighted the state’s endowments such as coal, limestone, iron ore, gold, the iconic confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue, the legendary Inikpi Statue in Idah, and the historic grounds of Ajatoforoji in Ebbe, insisting that “our culture is not just preserved; it is alive. It reflects resilience. It radiates beauty. We are a people of history, a history written in courage, built on sacrifice, and one that reminds us that Nigeria began here.”

“From today, the world will not just hear about Kogi — the world will experience Kogi.”

The Chairman of the occasion, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, lauded the state government for unveiling the initiative and charged Kogites to value their own always.

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