Governor Yahaya Bello has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to key into the Kogi Open Governance and Accountability System, KOGAS.

Governor Bello gave the directive at the launch of KOGAS in Lokoja.

Represented by his Depuy, Chief Edward Onoja, the Governor said launch signalled the birth of transparency of Government Business likewise Kogi Digital Album meant to create an archive of relics, pictures and developmental strides of not just the present administration but previous ones since the creation of Kogi State.

According to him, KOGAS is open to all citizens of the State and urged all Political Appointees to key into it also as failure to do so would attract sanctions.

He disclosed that the portal would be placed in the Governor’s office and monitored by his Chief of Staff for efficiency and productivity.

In a remark, the Secretary to the State Government, Dotor Folashade Arike Ayoade commended the Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo and his team for the initiative that brought about KOGAS and urged him to sustain his developmental strides.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo said the launch of KOGAS is provide a platform for the Government and the people to interact on the act of governance.

Fanwo said it is also meant to hold political office holders accountable to the people who elected them into positions of authority.

The Commissioner said the Digital Album also would serve as repository of knowledge of the State history in terms of the act of governance, projects execution and performance of successive administrations in Kogi State.

In a remark, the Consultant in charge of KOGAS, Wale Aguda said the platform which he stressed is not a website but a platform is meant to make accountability digital to the people of the State.

Also in a lecture via zoom, a United Kingdom based APC stalwart, Mr Ade Omole and Doctor Ayodele John Alonge of the University of Ibadan, described the development as timely, apt and for the opening of Kogi State to the global world as service delivery and decision making would be enhanced.

In a message to the occasion, the President, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, said KOGAS is a welcome development as access to information is fundamental principle of the nation’s constitution.

Highlights of the occasion was the official launch of KOGAS and presentation of working tools to Public Relation Officers in the State.