By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has been named Governor of the Year on Security at the 2026 100 Most Influential Progressives Awards organised by The Progressives Magazine. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, who cited a notification from the publication’s Editorial Board and Awards Committee.
According to the organisers, Ododo was selected following an assessment of governors across Nigeria based on security-related performance indicators, including protection of lives and property, collaboration with security agencies, conflict management, intelligence-led governance and community-based security initiatives.
The magazine stated that the evaluation also considered public perception and reported outcomes related to peace and stability.In the award notification, the organisers said the recognition was intended to honour public officials who have demonstrated leadership and governance impact in their respective areas of responsibility.
The publication also noted that Governor Ododo’s administration had implemented measures aimed at strengthening security infrastructure and improving coordination among security agencies in Kogi State.
According to the organisers, the governor’s selection was further supported by a nationwide public voting exercise in which participants acknowledged his administration’s security initiatives and community protection efforts.The 100 Most Influential Progressives Awards is an annual initiative designed to recognise public service, leadership and governance achievements across Nigeria.The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 26, 2026, at the Barcelona Hotel in Abuja.
