Omotayo Adigun
The Kogi State Government has unveiled an ambitious strategy aiming to generate over N1 billion annually from signage and advertising revenue by the year 2026. This initiative represents a significant effort to enhance the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and decrease its dependence on financial allocations from the federal government.
The plan was detailed in a statement released by the Ministry of Information and Communications, authored by Information Officer Adegboyega Segun, following a management meeting in Lokoja on Wednesday involving ministry leadership and heads of associated agencies.
During the meeting, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, highlighted the strategic importance of appointing Mr. Richard Osaseyi as the new General Manager of the Kogi State Signage and Advertising Agency.
Fanwo described the appointment as a “masterstroke” intended to rejuvenate the agency and improve its operational efficiency.
“Kogi has no business depending solely on federal allocations if we are able to harness internal revenue opportunities effectively,” Commissioner Fanwo asserted. “Signage and advertisement can generate over a billion naira for the state by 2026.”
He stressed that bolstering state revenue is a primary focus for the administration led by Governor Usman Ododo.
Fanwo credited the Governor with successfully “separating revenue from politics,” thereby empowering professionals to manage the state’s economic drivers without undue interference.
Mr. Osaseyi, the newly appointed General Manager, elaborated on the strategic reforms being implemented within the signage agency. He specifically mentioned ongoing efforts to rectify issues of underpayment by major corporations advertising within Kogi State.
“With our new approach, we’re already seeing positive responses,” Osaseyi reported. “The agency is poised to become a major contributor to the state’s IGR, and we will intensify public sensitization to build trust and cooperation.”
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Support for this renewed revenue focus was echoed by Mr. Ebenezer Adurodija, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, who commended the agency’s revitalized efforts and confirmed the ministry’s backing for the initiative.
In a parallel development aimed at broader economic enhancement, Commissioner Fanwo also inaugurated a Ministerial Committee tasked with launching “Project Confluence of Opportunities.”
This flagship initiative is designed to promote Kogi State’s substantial economic and tourism potential to both domestic and international investors.
“Kogi is one of the most richly endowed states in Nigeria — geographically, historically, and naturally,” Fanwo remarked, citing landmarks like the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, Mount Patti, and abundant mineral resources. He positioned Kogi as having the potential to become a premier destination for investment and tourism.
“Project Confluence of Opportunities is our bold step to tell the world that Kogi is open for business,” the Commissioner stated. “Our mandate goes beyond informing our people — we are also here to tell our story to the world in a way that attracts value.”
According to Fanwo, both the intensified revenue generation drive and the investment promotion project are integral components of the Ododo Administration’s comprehensive strategy to transform Kogi into a financially self-sufficient, investor-attractive state, serving as a benchmark for effective governance in Nigeria.