KOGI SSAs SET FOR 2026 SUMMIT, GRAND RELAUNCH OF GOBO 003
Gbenga Aliyu
The Kogi State Forum of Senior Special Assistants to the Executive Governor (KSFSSA) is set to hold its 2026 Kogi State Senior Special Assistants Summit, with the grand relaunch of the Governor Ododo Business Outreach, GOBO 003, scheduled as the climax of the three-day programme.
Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Joseph Best A. Omeiza, FCISM, FCIA, MNIM, disclosed this during a press briefing ahead of the summit held in Press Conference Hall of Government House, Lokoja.
According to him, the summit will take place from Monday, September 21, to Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Glass Hall, Government House, Lokoja, while the grand finale and official relaunch of GOBO 003 will hold on Wednesday, September 23.
The summit is themed: “Strengthening Governance and Sustainable Development: The Strategic Role of Senior Special Assistants in Delivering the Kogi State Development Agenda.”
Omeiza said the theme reflects the Forum’s understanding that governance should not be measured only by policies formulated or programmes announced, but also by the extent to which such initiatives translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens, particularly those at the grassroots.
He described Senior Special Assistants as an important link between government and the people, noting that their responsibilities include engaging communities, communicating government policies and programmes, understanding local concerns and providing feedback to government.
The Chairman said the summit would provide an opportunity for members to realign their activities with the development priorities of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, strengthen their capacity for effective grassroots engagement, share experiences and best practices, and promote greater collaboration among Senior Special Assistants and relevant stakeholders.
According to Omeiza, the grand finale of the summit will feature the official relaunch of the Governor Ododo Business Outreach, GOBO 003.
He described GOBO as an initiative focused on economic inclusion, entrepreneurship and empowerment, particularly among youths, women, small businesses and other grassroots entrepreneurs.
The GOBO programme has previously been used to provide direct support to petty traders and small-scale businesses in Kogi communities. The Kogi State Government reported, for instance, that beneficiaries in Kabba Central Market received financial support to strengthen their businesses.
Omeiza said the decision to make GOBO 003 the climax of the summit underscores the Forum’s belief that government programmes must ultimately translate into tangible impact for citizens.
He stressed that the responsibility of Senior Special Assistants goes beyond occupying official positions, saying they must ensure that government programmes are properly communicated, understood, accessed and translated into benefits for the people.
The KSFSSA Chairman also reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to supporting the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and serving the people of Kogi State.
He said members recognise the confidence placed in them through their appointments and understand that such appointments come with responsibilities.
He pledged that the Forum would continue to promote responsible representation, grassroots engagement, constructive communication, professionalism and effective service.
On the approaching 2027 political season, Omeiza said the Forum would remain committed to the ideals and programmes of its political party and support democratic processes in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Nigeria.
He, however, emphasised that the Forum’s contribution should ultimately be measured by its conduct, professionalism and ability to demonstrate that government can make a meaningful difference in the lives of ordinary citizens.
Omeiza called on members of the Forum to participate actively and constructively in the summit, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and improve their capacity as public officers.
He urged Senior Special Assistants to ensure that government policies, programmes and achievements are communicated accurately and responsibly to their respective communities.
“Our strength is in our unity. Our relevance is in our service. Our legacy will be measured by our impact,” he said.
The Chairman assured the people of Kogi State of the Forum’s continued commitment to initiatives aimed at promoting good governance, economic opportunity, grassroots development and meaningful citizen engagement.
He said the 2026 Senior Special Assistants Summit would provide an opportunity for members to reflect, learn, collaborate and recommit themselves to the responsibilities entrusted to them.
The Forum subsequently invited members of the media, stakeholders and the people of Kogi State to participate in the summit and the grand relaunch of GOBO 003.
The summit is expected to focus attention on the strategic role of Senior Special Assistants in strengthening governance, grassroots engagement and sustainable development across Kogi State.
