Kogi State Ministry of Works Honored for Integrity and Excellence

Kogi State Ministry of Works Honored for Integrity and Excellence

By Gloria Amodu 

In a landmark achievement, the Kogi State Ministry of Works has been honored with a Corporate Ethics and Integrity Compliance Award by the Center for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO) in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the state’s development.

During a ceremony held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Ministry received a tripartite set of awards. The Honorable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf, was presented with the Integrity Icon of Nigeria (IION) award, having secured 3rd place nationally among top-performing State Ministries of Works and 2nd in the North Central Zone.

The Ministry itself was ranked 3rd overall in Nigeria and 2nd in the North Central Zone, earning the Corporate Ethics and Integrity Compliance Award. A third award was given to the core management staff in appreciation of their dedicated service to the Ministry, the state, and the nation.

Upon receiving the award, Commissioner Engr. Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf expressed his gratitude, stating that the recognition came as a pleasant surprise. He thanked His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the opportunity to serve, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to delivering quality projects with transparency and accountability.

“If much is given, much is expected,” he noted, pledging that the Ministry would continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all its endeavors. He dedicated the award to the people of Kogi State and to humanity at large.

Earlier, the Executive Director of CESVO, Ethicist Prince Salih Musa Yakubu, commended the Ministry for its exemplary performance. He explained that the evaluation was conducted through an independent undercover investigation aimed at promoting ethical governance and combating corruption in Nigeria.

Prince Yakubu highlighted that CESVO, as one of Nigeria’s oldest anti-corruption NGOs, has been actively engaged in fostering integrity in governance for over 22 years. He expressed optimism that such efforts would contribute to a corruption-free Nigeria in the years ahead.

In their assessment, CESVO found that Kogi State and several of its ministries, including the Ministry of Works, demonstrate a notable commitment to ethical practices. Prince Yakubu urged the State to maintain this standard for continued growth and development.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients and ministry staff, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Abdulsalam Mohammed Sagir, thanked CESVO for the recognition. He assured that the Ministry would remain steadfast in its mission to support the progress of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole.