The Kogi government has set a N1 billion revenue target for signage and advertisement in 2026 as part of its broader strategy to boost the state’s internal revenue and reduce dependence on federal allocations.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed at a meeting with management and heads of agencies under the ministry in Lokoja.

He described the appointment of Mr Richard Osaseyi as General Manager of the Kogi State Signage and Advertising Agency as “a masterstroke,” noting that it would reposition the agency for greater efficiency and impact.

The commissioner said: “Kogi state has no business depending solely on federal allocations if we can harness internal revenue opportunities effectively. Signage and advertisement can generate over a billion naira for the state by 2026.

“This is why we are gathered here to brainstorm the prospects and challenges. Revenue generation is at the top of the agenda of the Governor Ododo administration, as we aim to fund infrastructure and development from within.”

He emphasised that the governor had successfully separated revenue from politics by allowing professionals to drive economic initiatives without interference.

In his remarks, Osaseyi outlined strategies to reposition the agency and boost revenue.

He revealed that many large corporate advertisers in the state had been underpaying in the past, adding that the agency was engaging with them diplomatically to correct the imbalance.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ebenezer Adurodija, also commended the agency’s readiness, and pledged the ministry’s continued support to ensure the success of the initiative.

Equally, the commissioner inaugurated a Ministerial Committee to begin work on the launch of Project Confluence of Opportunities, an initiative aimed at projecting Kogi’s vast economic and tourism potential to both local and global investors.

The initiative forms part of the Governor Ododo administration’s broader blueprint to reposition Kogi as a self-reliant, investor-friendly state, and a model of good governance in Nigeria.

ALSO, the state government has promised creating over 250,000 jobs from mining activities as a deliberate measure to engage the youths in sustainable economic ventures.

It equally confirmed of decisive steps to sanitise the solid minerals sector, following the acquisition of 15 mining licences to check illegal mining and create structured opportunities for youth empowerment.

The Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Bashiru Gegu, made the revelation yesterday in Lokoja.

He said the licences, obtained from the Federal Government, cover various mineral deposits across the state, and would be driven by a formal framework for mining operations in the state.

According to him, the initiative is part of the governor’s commitment to harnessing the state’s vast mineral resources for sustainable development and economic inclusion.