Kogi State Ranks Highest in Ethics with Ododo’s Spokesperson Recognized as Ethics Ambassador

Kogi State Ranks Highest in Ethics with Ododo’s Spokesperson Recognized as Ethics Ambassador

By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja

The Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO), an international anti-corruption NGO headquartered in Lokoja, has recognized Kogi State for ethical compliance under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s leadership.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, was recognized for his dedication to ethical practice, integrity, and quality public service delivery with the conferment of the Ethics and Integrity Ambassador Award.

According to Prince Salih Musa Yakubu, Executive Director of the Centre, the award was preceded by a comprehensive 14-month independent undercover ethical compliance assessment conducted across all 36 states of the federation.

Hon. Ismaila was recognized among the top 200 public officials at the sub-national level recommended by whistleblowers for his emotional intelligence, loyalty, compliance with professional ethics, and dedication to the wellbeing of the people.

A certificate of recognition was presented to Hon. Ismaila, recognizing him as an “exemplary public officer” who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in ensuring the proper functioning of the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, earning its position as one of Nigeria’s top three most ethically-managed public offices in the same category.

The commendation also emphasized his performance as the spokesperson of the Kogi State Governor, describing his service as productive, selfless, and made him worthy of recommendation for higher public service, corporate institutions, and development organizations both within and outside Nigeria.

The award presentation, which was in commemoration of the International Day of Conscience, was not only a personal honour for Hon. Ismaila but a reflection of the Ododo-led administration’s commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and value-driven governance.

Responding, Hon. Ismaila dedicated the award to Governor Ododo, expressing appreciation to his boss for creating an enabling environment where ethics and professionalism thrive.

He reaffirmed his resolve to uphold ethical standards in public communication and promote transparency through responsible media engagement.

Also recognized at the event were three staff members of the Government House Media Centre, Evelyn Oyiza Yusuff, Shamsudeen Sarki and Rufai Aliyu Omeiza who were applauded for their dedication, professionalism, and ethical conduct in support of the office of special adviser on media to the governor of Kogi State.