The Kogi State Government has set an ambitious target of generating one billion naira in revenue from signage and advertisement by 2026, as part of its broader strategy to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and reduce dependence on federal allocations.

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, during a management meeting with heads of agencies under the ministry in Lokoja.

Fanwo described the appointment of Mr. Richard Osaseyi as the 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.

“Kogi has no business depending solely on federal allocations if we are able to harness internal revenue opportunities effectively.

Signage and advertisement can generate over a billion naira for the state by 2026,” Fanwo said.

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

”Fanwo further emphasized that Governor Ododo has successfully “separated revenue from politics,” allowing professionals to drive economic initiatives without interference.

In his remarks, Mr. Richard Osaseyi outlined strategies already being implemented to reposition the agency and boost revenue.

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

“With our new approach, we’re already seeing positive responses,” Osaseyi said. “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.

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

Meanwhile, in a related development, Commissioner Fanwo 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.

“Kogi is one of the most richly endowed states in Nigeria — geographically, historically, and naturally,” Fanwo said.

“From the Confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue to Mount Patti and our rich mineral resources, Kogi has everything to become a top investment and tourism destination.

“Project Confluence of Opportunities is our bold step to tell the world that Kogi is open for business. Our mandate goes beyond informing our people — we are also here to tell our story to the world in a way that attracts value.

”The initiatives form part of the Ododo Administration’s broader blueprint to reposition Kogi as a self-reliant, investor-friendly state and a model of good governance in Nigeria.