Centre for Ethics and Self value Orientation

14/05/2026

09/05/2026

PRELIMINARY REPORT:
Independent Assessment of Service Delivery and Governance in the 21 LGAs of Kogi State

Conducted by: Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO)

Assessment Period: January 2025 – 30th March 2026

1. About the Assessment

The Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO) is a 22-year-old anti-corruption and governance NGO based in Lokoja, Kogi State. CESVO conducted an independent, citizen-centered assessment of service delivery, transparency, and accountability across all 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

CESVO maintains a network of trained field monitors across Nigeria’s 774 LGAs. This report presents the preliminary findings for Kogi State ahead of the comprehensive report, which will be publicly unveiled at the forthcoming Kogi State Press Conference and Public Accountability Forum.

2. Methodology

Objective:
To assess citizen perceptions of service delivery, transparency, and accountability in Kogi State LGAs and provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening grassroots governance.

Scope & Sampling
- Coverage: All 21 LGAs in Kogi State
- Distribution: Kogi East – 9 LGAs; Kogi West – 7 LGAs; Kogi Central – 5 LGAs
- Sampling: Stratified random sampling by senatorial district. 10 communities per LGA were selected: 4 urban, 3 semi-urban, 3 rural.
- Sample Size: 1,000 respondents per LGA, totaling 21,000 respondents.
- Respondents: Adults aged 18+ from diverse backgrounds, including traders, farmers, civil servants, students, youth groups, artisans, non-indigenes, and community leaders.
- Margin of Error: ±3.4% at 95% confidence level for the state-wide sample.

Data Collection Methods
1. Citizen Perception Survey: Structured questionnaires administered face-to-face by trained field officers. Thematic areas included:
- Primary healthcare, basic education, water/sanitation, road maintenance
- Staff conduct, office attendance, timeliness, unofficial payments
- Staff welfare, youth/women empowerment, salary administration
- Poverty reduction, security, facility management, fiscal discipline
2. Document Review: Analysis of publicly available budgets, project lists, and audit reports.
3. Key Informant Interviews: Interviews with LGA officials, civil society actors, and traditional leaders for triangulation.
4. FOI Requests: Formal requests sent to selected LGAs. Response rates and timelines were recorded as indicators of openness.

Data Analysis:
Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS/Stata to generate frequencies, percentages, and composite scores per LGA. A Service Delivery Perception Index was computed across five core domains: access, timeliness, staff conduct, transparency, and accountability. Qualitative data was coded for recurring themes. Results were disaggregated by senatorial district and LGA, with individual respondents anonymized.

3. Limitations

1. This report reflects citizen perceptions and publicly verifiable records. It is not a forensic audit and does not establish criminal liability.
2. Security and access challenges limited data collection in 6 LGAs. These areas will be covered in the comprehensive report.
3. Non-response to FOI requests is documented but not interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing without further verification.

4. Ethical Standards & Quality Control

- Participation was voluntary, informed, and anonymous.
- Field officers signed confidentiality agreements and received training on neutrality.
- 70% of interviews were back-checked by CESVO supervisors and faculty advisors.
- Data entry was independently verified.
- Draft findings were reviewed by two external governance experts.
- No LGA official or staff is named in this preliminary release without reference to verifiable public documents or court records. Specific LGA performance classifications and names will be presented in the comprehensive report.

5. Preliminary Observations

The preliminary data indicates significant variation in service delivery and administrative presence across the 21 LGAs. Key patterns observed include:
- Inconsistent presence of principal officers at duty posts during unannounced visits.
- Limited evidence of structured mechanisms for monitoring staff attendance and performance.
- Weak dissemination of public information on budgets, projects, and service delivery plans.
- Gaps in citizen feedback channels and responsiveness to service delivery complaints.

These patterns point to systemic challenges in oversight, accountability, and public engagement that affect the quality and consistency of service delivery at the LGA level.

6. Recommendations

Based on the preliminary findings, CESVO proposes the following actions to improve service delivery and public trust in Kogi State LGAs:

*1. Strengthen Attendance and Accountability Mechanisms*
- Implement and enforce a biometric or manual attendance register for principal officers and staff, with monthly summaries published on LGA notice boards and online where feasible.
- Establish citizen feedback desks in each LGA to record and respond to complaints on staff availability and service delivery.

*2. Improve Transparency and Access to Information*
- Ensure timely publication of approved budgets, procurement plans, and project implementation reports in line with the Freedom of Information Act.
- Conduct quarterly town hall meetings in each LGA to present performance updates and receive public input.

3. Enhance Staff Capacity and Welfare
- Organize regular training for LGA staff on customer service, ethics, and public financial management.
- Address delays in salary and allowances to reduce unofficial payments and improve morale.

4. Prioritize Service Delivery in Key Sectors
- Set clear, measurable targets for primary healthcare, basic education, water/sanitation, and road maintenance, with progress reviewed quarterly.
- Strengthen collaboration between LGAs, traditional leaders, and community groups to identify priority needs and monitor implementation.

5. Institutionalize Internal Checks and Balances
- Reactivate and support the functions of Internal Audit Units and Supervisory Councillors to provide oversight on financial and administrative processes.
- Encourage the adoption of standard operating procedures for service delivery across all departments.

6. Strengthen Citizen Engagement and Feedback Loops
- Create structured platforms for youth, women, and community groups to participate in budget planning and project monitoring.
- Publish service charters in each LGA office outlining citizen rights, service standards, and complaint procedures.

7. Protect Citizen Monitors and Whistleblowers
- Establish clear, safe channels for citizens and staff to report service delivery failures without fear of reprisal, in line with existing anti-corruption frameworks.

8. Leverage Technology for Open Governance
- Explore the use of simple digital tools such as SMS feedback lines, WhatsApp platforms, and basic dashboards to improve communication between LGAs and citizens.

These recommendations are practical steps that LGAs can adopt immediately while awaiting the detailed findings and LGA-specific actions in the comprehensive report. CESVO stands ready to support capacity-building, stakeholder engagement, and follow-up monitoring to facilitate implementation.

7. Concluding Note & Next Steps

This preliminary report provides an initial, evidence-based snapshot of public experience and institutional responsiveness across Kogi State’s 21 LGAs. The findings are intended to support constructive dialogue among citizens, civil society, and government actors to strengthen service delivery and accountability.

Assurances
1. All data has undergone independent verification and external review.
2. This release avoids naming individuals or LGAs without public, verifiable documentation.
3. LGAs with limited data access will be addressed in the full report.
4. The intent is to identify gaps, recognize good practices, and support reform.

Next Steps
The comprehensive report, including detailed LGA-by-LGA analysis, rankings, and recommendations, will be formally unveiled at the *CESVO Kogi State Press Conference and Public Accountability Forum* in Lokoja later this year.

The forum will bring together government, civil society, media, and citizens to review findings, recognize high-performing LGAs, and discuss pathways for improvement.

CESVO remains committed to promoting ethical leadership, citizen participation, and institutional integrity in Nigeria. We invite all stakeholders to engage constructively with this process for the benefit of the people of Kogi State.

For media inquiries:
Head, Media and Public Relations
Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO)
Lokoja,
Kogi State
08036954864

05/05/2026

Bulletin No 39 26th April, 2026
NAERLS Listed Among 50 MDAs with Integrity
The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services has been recognised as one of the 50 most ethically compliant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria, following a comprehensive assessment of public institutions across the country.
The Executive Director of NAERLS, Prof. Y. A. Sani, was honoured on April 24, 2026, with the Integrity Icon of Nigeria (IION) award. The recognition highlights his exemplary leadership and commitment to ethical standards in public service. The award was presented by Prince Salih Musa Yakubu, Executive Director of the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation.

Speaking during the presentation at the NAERLS boardroom, Yakubu explained that his organisation conducted a 12-month investigation covering 250 strategic government agencies, evaluating their contributions to national development and adherence to ethical practices. According to him, only 50 agencies met the required standards for transparency, accountability, and quality service delivery.
“These agencies are classified as highly rated, ethically responsible, public service-compliant, and among the least corrupt MDAs,” Yakubu stated, noting that NAERLS earned its place among this select group.
In addition to the individual honour, NAERLS received a Certificate of Corporate Ethics and Integrity Compliance, having emerged second among parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Letters of commendation were also presented to principal officers of the institution for their professionalism and commitment to ethical public service administration.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Executive Director, the Deputy Director of NAERLS, Prof. M. M. Jaliya, expressed gratitude to the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation for recognising the agency’s efforts. He emphasised the importance of collaborative action in combating corruption and promoting ethical standards across public institutions.
Jaliya noted that organisations like the Centre play a vital role in strengthening accountability frameworks, adding that sustained commitment to integrity is essential for achieving national development goals.
The recognition marks a significant milestone for NAERLS, reinforcing its reputation as a leading institution in ethical governance and service delivery within Nigeria’s public sector.
For more information about NAERLS and its services, visit www.naerls.gov.ng or contact the NAERLS headquarters in Zaria and its zonal offices nationwide.
Public Relations, Protocols, and Advancement Unit
NAERLS, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

03/05/2026

EULOGY TO HON. LAWAL AKUS (Member, Kogi State House of Assembly, Representing Ankpa 1 Constituency_
_On the Occasion of His Birthday Today)

Distinguished People of Ankpa 1,

Today is not just another date on the calendar.
Today, Ankpa 1 celebrates the day a gift was born to us.*

A child conceived with great potential, unknown even to his parents, but delivered with a clear mission: to impact humanity.

Hon. Lawal Akus, we celebrate you.

1. You Are Our Voice That Refused to Be Silent
Before you, Ankpa 1 whispered. Today, Ankpa 1 speaks.
On the floor of the Kogi State House of Assembly, you turned our forgotten roads into motions, our dry taps into debates, and our empty classrooms into urgent matters of state.
You did not go to Lokoja to occupy a seat. You went to carry our burdens. And you carry them well.

2. You Are Leadership Without Distance
Many bear the title “Honourable” but remain strangers to the people. You are different.
You answer your calls. You attend our burials. You dance at our weddings. You know our villages by name, not by map.
You have proven that true honour is not in the cap you wear, but in the hearts you touch.

3. You Are the Bridge Our Fathers Prayed For In Ankpa 1, you are neither APC nor PDP. Neither Muslim nor Christian. Neither Igala nor any other tribe.
You are simply “Our Honourable” — with no trace of dishonourable conduct.
You have healed old wounds with humility. You have united our communities with fairness.
You are the finest colour in our political rainbow — the colour that holds all others together.

4. You Are a Seed of Hope for Our Youth
To every young boy hawking in Ankpa market and every young girl dreaming in the suburbs, you are proof that background is not a barrier.
You rose without stepping on others. You lead without pulling anyone down.
You show us that power is not taken — it is given by God, through people.

So today, Hon. Lawal Akus, we do not just say “Happy Birthday.”
We say, “Thank You for Being Born for Our Sake.”

Thank you for being born to fight for Ankpa 1.
Thank you for being born to defend the weak.
Thank you for being born to remind us that politics can still have a human face.

Our Prayer for You:
May your new year bring you wisdom greater than Solomon’s, favour greater than Joseph’s, and strength greater than David’s.
May your hands remain clean. May your heart remain pure. May your name remain golden.
May you live long to see the Ankpa 1 you dream of — with tarred roads, functional hospitals, and employed youths.

Honourable Sir, as you add another year today, Ankpa 1 adds another blessing.
You are not just ageing. You are rising.

You are the finest piece God sculpted for Ankpa 1 in this generation.
Keep shining. We are behind you. We are with you. We are for you.

Happy Birthday, The People’s Honourable!
May you go forward and never backward.

E-signed:
Ethicist Prince Salih Musa Yakubu
Executive Director,
CESVO

24/04/2026

THE FATHER: HEAD OF THE HOUSE, HEART OF THE HOME

Listen! "When a man wakes up, the house wakes up.
When a father stands, the family has a foundation. Head Doesn’t Mean Boss — It Means Responsibility
Being “head of the house” is not a title to brag about. It’s a burden to carry with love. The head feels the first rain, takes the first heat, and thinks when everyone else sleeps. A father doesn’t ask _“What will I eat?”_ He asks _“Have they eaten?”_
He doesn’t say _“I’m tired.”_ He says _“We’ll be fine.”_Finally, to fathers reading this:
Head of the house means —
_First to serve._
_First to sacrifice._
_First to forgive._
_Last to eat._

That is what it’s meant to be and let it be.

23/04/2026

Iisten! Every sunrise comes with a role.

The farmer sees soil. The student sees books. The father sees responsibility. The mother sees mouths to feed.

And if the pot is empty, her heart breaks before the fire even lights. Because a mother’s mind doesn’t rest until her children eat. Mothers are the soap of life.
You can pour water on a man, but without soap, the dirt stays. You can give a child clothes, shelter, school — but without a mother’s prayers, nurturing, and sacrifice, something essential is missing. The soul doesn’t feel clean. 9 months in the womb. 3–4 years on her back, her breast, her lap. 20+ years in her prayers. Then one day, because she corrected you, or because things got hard, she becomes _“the witch” in your mouth? Haba! Never.

The same womb that carried you cannot become the curse that blocks you. The hand that bathed you, fed you, watched you through fever at 2am — that hand doesn’t suddenly turn to poison.
Law of Life: You don’t curse your root and expect to blossom. You don’t call your ladder “evil” and expect to climb higher. If she erred, correct her with honor.
If she’s weak, cover her with love.
If she’s old, carry her with patience.
Because the God who wrote “honour your father and mother” didn’t add “unless she annoys you.”

So this morning:
Call her. Text her. Send her something.
If she’s gone, pray for her. If you’ve slandered her, take it back. Say “Mama, I’m sorry.” A man who makes peace with his mother makes peace with his destiny.

Bath without soap? Nonsense.
Life without a mother’s blessing? Same story. Forgiveness is the key. And mothers deserve the first copy.

22/04/2026

Listen! The wound Nigeria bleeds from today isn’t just banditry or kidnapping — it’s bitterness turned weapon. When a Neighbor, Cousin, or old friend sells you out to kidnappers, it’s often an unpaid debt of the heart. A grudge fermented into poison in a now fragile situation of our country. Three hard truths in my message today

1. Unforgiveness is expensive. It costs peace, sleep, safety, and sometimes life. The man you refused to say “sorry” to in 2015 may be the one giving your GPS coordinates in 2026.

2. Pride blocks healing — “Sorry” is a 5-letter word that can disarm a 50-year war. Yet ego tells us “I was right” even when the grave is being dug.

3. Hypocrisy kills prayers — We lift hands asking Allah for rahamah while our hearts are stone toward our brother. Heaven keeps records too. Haba!_

The key message here is:
Forgiveness = Longevity
Science agrees. Medicine agrees. Every scripture agrees. Bitterness raises blood pressure, weakens immunity, and attracts darkness. Forgiveness lowers cortisol, restores sleep, and breaks cycles of retaliation. So, I have decided to forgive what about you?

TITBIT:
“SORRY” CHALLENGE

As you step out today, do these 3 things:

1. Name 1 person you injured — by words, money, or action. Call or text: “I’m sorry for ____ I was wrong. May we start afresh?”_
2. Release 1 grudge you’ve nursed. Say out loud: “I forgive ____ I set myself free.”
3. Repair 1 bridge — visit, share kola, break bread. Bandits can’t kidnap a united street.

*What does it cost?* Nothing but pride.
*What does it gain? Life, peace, and answered prayers.

You can’t stop all the bandits in the bush. But you can disarm the one in your neighbor’s heart — the one you created.

Forgiveness is the key. Use it before you lose it.



Which of the three steps will you take before noon? Pls give your response if this message meet you well today.

18/04/2026

*LISTEN! Because “them say” shouldn’t make you cut a man off your life or abandon someone over gossip. Gossippers are killers of destinies . Have you checked yourself inwardly? Did God create you with perfection? Never! No man was created perfect. God was jealous enough in this regards hence he praises himself as a jealous God Everyone—including you—has weaknesses and strengths. The same person you shut out because of his weaknesses also has areas of strength. Why not overlook the weakness and cherish the strength as a basis for a healthy relationship going forward?

After all, we are all mere mortals full of errors and mistakes. Master the art of forgiveness and move on with people, no matter their shortcomings"

That is just the way it is and let it be.