Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has been honoured with the Golden Award of Excellence for Education and Teachers’ Friendliness by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in recognition of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of teachers and the development of education in the state.
The award was presented during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day Celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, on Sunday.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Unubi Emmanuel, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, the honour underscores Governor Ododo’s consistent efforts in strengthening Kogi’s educational system and prioritising teachers’ well-being.
“The award is a clear recognition and appreciation by the NUT for Governor Ododo’s unshakable commitment to teachers’ welfare and his administration’s robust investments in education,” Emmanuel stated.
“There’s no doubt that this award will further motivate the State Government to sustain and improve its plans for teachers and the education sector as a whole,” he added.
The award was received on behalf of the Governor by Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu, who was cheered by members of the teachers’ union for what they described as the Governor’s “genuine dedication to improving the teaching profession and education across the state.”
Salifu was accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including the Deputy Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Ahmodu Shehu Seidu; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwudah; Commissioners for Education, Agriculture, Transport, Innovation Science and Technology, and Works — Hon. Wemi Jones, Hon. Timothy Ojoma, Hon. Atulukwu Victor Levi, Dr. Helen Adeniyi, and Engr. Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf.
Others in attendance were Hon. Inah Hussein, former member representing Idah Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Omebije, former Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly; Hon. Muhammed Nasiru Alfa, Director-General, Kogi Community Watch and Ancillary Matters; Ibrahim Suleman, DG, Protocol, Government House; and Ogwu Abdul Alhasan, APC Acting Zonal Chairman, Kogi East.
Also present were Eunice Achimugu, Adviser to the Governor on Illicit Drugs and Trafficking; Sheikh Sani Momoh Musa, Senior Special Assistant on Ethics and Values; Alaji Alilu, Executive Chairman, Idah Local Government Area; and Femi Fashagba, Provost, Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa.
The NUT described the award as a testament to Ododo’s inclusive governance style, especially in fostering teacher motivation, expanding educational infrastructure, and ensuring timely remuneration for educators across the state.
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