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Kogi guber: Signage agency issues guidelines on use of campaign materials, bans posters in Lokoja metropolis, others
The Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency has issued some guidelines on the use of campaign materials, with a view to ensuring hitch-free, level-playing ground, sanity and protect the environment from defilement before, during and after the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State.
According to a statement signed on Tuesday by the General Manager of the agency, Osaseyi Richard, all political parties, gubernatorial candidates, politicians and supporters are to abide by the guidelines.
The agency noted that the development is in accordance with its mandate to control and regulate advert displays in the State, as provided under Section 5(1)(a-o) of the Kogi State Signage and Advertisment Law, 2022.
While warning that defaulters, or anyone involved in any form of impunity, lawlessness in the deployment of political campaign materials would be made to face the consequences of their actions, the agency banned campaign posters of all candidates in Lokoja metropolis, Kabba/Bunu, ljumu, Yagba West, Ankpa, Idah, Ayingba, Adavi, Okene and Okehi towns.
KOSSAA disclosed that it was poised to assisting all political parties, politicians, and supporters in ensuring hitch-free and level playing ground in the use of political campaign and advertising materials in the State and strongly urged everyone to comply with the guidelines to ensure sanity and to protect the environment from defilement, visual blight and other adverse effects of uncontrolled deployment and display of political campaign materials within the State before, during and after the poll.
“These guidelines are issued without prejudice to any political party, association or Candidate as it is the Agency’s intention to ensure fairness among all participants while judiciously performing its duties and applying the rules without sentiment or bias.
“The following are the guidelines as they apply to all Political parties before, during and after the November 11, 2023 Gubernatorial elections in Kogi State.
“Political Campaign Materials on billboards may be deployed on existing structures owned and operated by outdoor advertising practitioners who are duly registered with the Agency and have obtained permits for such sites and structures.
“Each billboard erected must be made of standard and sturdy materials to ensure they do not fall or block the roads or constitute risk to Citizenry and commuters.
“Posters must not be pasted on public utility structures such as Street lamps, poles, Transformers, the Ganaja fly-over and other unauthorized surfaces except as duly authorized by the Agency upon payment of relevant fees.
“In addition to the sum of N5,000,000.00 fee payment to the Agency by Political Parties wishing to deploy campaign materials within the State, each billboard erected by Parties, Candidates or Supporters attracts fee of N2,000,000.00
“The sum of N1,000,000.00 will be charged as fee payable to the Agency by Political Parties for every banner displayed in public places.
“A refundable Caution fee of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira only) shall be charged by the Agency for the deployment of all campaign materials before, during and after the election.
“Campaign posters of all Candidates are hereby banned in the following parts of Kogi State: Lokoja Metropolis, Kabba/Bunu, ljumu, Yagba West, Ankpa, Idah, Ayingba, Adavi, Okene, Okehi.
“All Political parties and Candidates must remove the campaign materials not more than Ten (10) days after the Gubernatorial elections on November 11, 2023.
“Parties, Candidates and Supporters must refrain from the use of unsavory languages on opponents and to be mindful of the contents of their campaign materials.
“Please note that all Participants are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these guidelines as defaulters, or anyone involved in any forms of impunity, lawlessness in the deployment of political campaign materials will be made to face the consequences of their actions,” the statement read.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, had earlier stated that the closure was for planned maintenance and rehabilitation.
She expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and appealed for public understanding.
The Federal Ministry of Works has clarified that necessary repairs on the bridge would be carried out at a later date.
The new instruction to reopen the bridge is ostensibly as a result of the gridlock caused by the closure which resulted in outcry by commuters since its closure on Tuesday, April 1.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart for Paris, France, today on a short working visit.
This information was stated in a press release today, April 2, 2025 by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy.
Onanuga said during the President’s visit, he will appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones.
“He will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary”.
“This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year”.
“Recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion—a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion”.
“While away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities. He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight, the statement reads.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, announced the launch of Air Algérie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, set to begin on April 6, 2025.
This is said to strengthen the diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Algeria.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the new route, which is the result of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the two countries, will be operated by the national carrier, Air Algérie, using a Boeing 737 aircraft.
This new service is expected to boost connectivity, encourage tourism, and facilitate trade and investment between Nigeria and Algeria.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the commencement of Air Algerie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, scheduled for 6th April 2025.
“This historic development marks a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Algeria.
“It is pertinent to state that it is the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both countries, which culminated in this successful venture,” the statement read in part.
The inaugural flight is expected to carry the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Algiers, Nigerian community leaders, and representatives from the Algerian government.
The Federal Government has extended congratulations to Air Algérie and offered its full support to ensure the success of the new service.
With affordable fares and Algeria’s proximity to Europe, the flight also offers Nigerians a convenient gateway to Europe, enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.
The statement added, “The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant aviation authorities, extends its warm congratulations to Air Algerie and assures all necessary support to ensure the success and sustainability of this new service.
“We believe this initiative will further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Algeria, while opening new opportunities for mutual growth.
“The affordable fare structure and the proximity of Algeria to Europe would also provide Nigerians with a convenient gateway to Europe, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.”
The ministry encouraged citizens and businesses to take advantage of this new connectivity to explore opportunities for trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
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