From Olu Samuel,Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has been conferred with the award of Governor of the Year on Security in the forthcoming 100 Most Influential Progressives Award 2026, organized by The Progressives Magazine.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah said the notice of award was contained in a formal letter by the Publisher of The Progressives Magazine, Mallam Idris Jibril, on behalf of the Editorial Board and the Award Organizing Committee.

According to the statement, the publication which also named the Kogi State Governor among 100 Most Influential Progressives noted that Governor Ododo emerged top in the security category following a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process that assessed governors across Nigeria on key governance and security performance indicators.

According to the notice, the selection criteria, includes

” security interventions, protection of lives and property, collaboration with security agencies, conflict resolution mechanisms, intelligence-driven governance, and community-based security initiatives. It also factored in public perception and measurable outcomes in sustaining peace and stability”.

The publication noted that the award recognizes leaders who have demonstrated impactful governance, adding that Governor Ododo’s administration has continued to strengthen security infrastructure and improve coordination across relevant agencies in Kogi State.

“Your nomination followed a careful, data-driven selection process that evaluated security interventions, protection of lives and property, collaboration with security agencies, conflict management, intelligence-driven governance, community security initiatives, public perception, and measurable outcomes in maintaining peace and stability,” the statement read.

The publishers further disclosed that Ododo’s emergence was also reinforced by a nationwide public voting exercise, where participants reportedly acknowledged his administration’s proactive efforts in security of lives and property and community protection strategies.

“Following a highly competitive nationwide public voting exercise, Nigerians overwhelmingly recognized your administration’s proactive approach to security management, commitment to safeguarding communities, strengthening collaboration with security agencies, and fostering a peaceful environment conducive to economic growth and social development,” it added.

The Editorial Board of The Progressives Magazine said the 100 Most Influential Progressives initiative is designed to promote good governance, highlight transformative leadership, and serve as a platform for recognizing public service excellence across the country.