Ohikere: Media Reforms, Peacebuilding Mark My Record in Kogi
Former Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Tom Ohikere, has outlined what he says were the major achievements of his two terms in office, pointing to reforms in the state’s media sector, support for journalists, improved public communication and conflict resolution efforts.
Speaking on his record in government, Ohikere said his administration revived the Kogi Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) by restoring television and radio operations in Okene and Ochaja, while overseeing the digitisation of Radio Kogi headquarters to modernise broadcasting services.
He also said television booster stations were installed in Ankpa, Okene, Kabba, Anyigba and Egbe, expanding broadcast coverage across Kogi State’s three senatorial districts.
On media development, Ohikere said more than 80 journalists were provided with laptop computers to enhance their work, while free internet access was introduced at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Lokoja. He added that transportation support was also extended to the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel and other affiliated chapels.
According to the former commissioner, the measures strengthened communication between the government, the media and the public, contributing to what he described as a more open flow of information during his tenure.
Ohikere also highlighted his involvement in peacebuilding initiatives. He said he chaired a state peace committee made up of senior security officials, including the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Security Service (SSS) and military representatives, to address unrest in Kogi East.
He said the committee, which had been given a two-week mandate, submitted its report after resolving the crisis within three days.
The former commissioner further stated that he later participated in another peace mission to Kogi Central alongside former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Bello.
According to him, the committee, chaired by the late President of the FCT Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Moses Bello, engaged community leaders in consultations that helped restore peace in Ebiraland.
Ohikere said his contributions to public service and peacebuilding were recognised with the traditional title of Ohi-Enube of Ebiraland, conferred by the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ado Ibrahim.
