Janet Samuel
The Kogi State Forum of Senior Special Assistants (KSFSSA) says its 2026 summit will focus on strengthening the capacity of government appointees to translate policies and development programmes into tangible benefits for citizens at the grassroots.
The Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Joseph Best A. Omeiza, stated this during a press briefing ahead of the 2026 Kogi State Senior Special Assistants Summit and the grand relaunch of the Governor Ododo Business Outreach (GOBO 003).
Omeiza said the summit, themed “Strengthening Governance and Sustainable Development: The Strategic Role of Senior Special Assistants in Delivering the Kogi State Development Agenda,” will hold from Monday, September 21 to Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Glass Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
According to him, the summit is designed to move the responsibilities of Senior Special Assistants beyond official titles by equipping them to communicate government programmes, engage communities and provide effective feedback on citizens’ needs.
He said the forum would use the gathering to realign the activities of its members with the development priorities of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, while promoting collaboration, knowledge-sharing and professionalism among the appointees.
The chairman noted that SSAs occupy a strategic position in governance because of their direct interaction with communities and their ability to communicate government policies while conveying grassroots concerns back to government.
The summit will culminate on Wednesday, September 23, with the grand finale and official relaunch of GOBO 003, an initiative focused on economic inclusion, entrepreneurship, empowerment and access to opportunities for youths, women, small businesses and grassroots entrepreneurs.
Omeiza explained that the decision to make GOBO 003 the climax of the summit was deliberate, stressing that governance should ultimately be measured by its impact on the lives of citizens.
He said SSAs would continue to work with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to ensure that programmes designed to empower citizens are properly communicated and accessible to intended beneficiaries across the state.
The KSFSSA chairman also pledged the forum’s support for the administration of Governor Ododo, saying members understood that their appointments came with the responsibility to serve the people effectively.
He urged members of the forum to use the summit to strengthen their capacity, share experiences and improve their engagement with communities.
Omeiza further called for accurate and responsible communication of government policies, programmes and achievements, particularly as the 2027 political season approaches, while stressing the importance of adherence to democratic processes and the laws of the country.
He said the ultimate legacy of the forum should be measured not by the number of officials occupying government positions, but by the impact of their service on ordinary citizens.
The chairman invited the media, stakeholders and people of Kogi State to participate in the summit and the GOBO 003 relaunch, describing both events as opportunities to deepen collaboration, strengthen governance and advance sustainable development in the state.
