The government of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was rated high in ethical and transparent governance, even as his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, was conferred with “Ethics and Integrity Ambassador”.
Presenting the award, Prince Salih Musa Yakubu, the Executive Director of the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO), an international anti-corruption non-governmental organization, said Kogi State government was among the ethically compliant states in Nigeria.
The award, which he said was part of the event marking the 2025 edition of the International Day of Conscience, followed a 14-month independent undercover ethical compliance assessment across all the 36 states of the federation.
The CESVO Executive Director commended Hon. Isah for his “commitment to ethical practice, personal integrity, and quality public service delivery.”
Hon. Isah, the organization noted, was identified 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.
The recipient was presented with a certificate of recognition, which described him as an “exemplary public officer” whose leadership has ensured the proper functionality of the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, making it one of the top three most ethically- managed public offices in the same category in Nigeria.
The awardee was further described as “productive, selfless” in service delivery , and made him worthy of as the spokesperson of the Kogi State governor.
The ethical ambassadorial award for Hon. Isah was seen, not only as a personal honour, but a reflection of the Ododo-led administration’s commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and value-driven governance.
Responding, Hon. Isah dedicated the award to Gov Ododo whom he said created an enabling environment for ethics and professionalism thrive.
He reaffirmed his resolve to uphold ethical standards in public communication, and promote transparency through responsible media engagement.
Three other staff members of the Government House Media Centre who were also recognized include Evelyn Oyiza Yusuff, Shamsudeen Sarki and Rufai Aliyu Omeiza for their dedication, professionalism, and ethical conduct in service delivery.
