By Ogalla Daniel
The need for the State Government and relevant stakeholders to remove all forms of hurdles hampering the State Broadcasting Corporation and The Graphics Newspaper from successfully delivering their mandates formed the major highlight when the Ministry of Information and Communications appeared before the State Assembly.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, led the management and staff of the Ministry to defend the proposed 2024 Budget for the Ministry.
Other members of his delegation include; the Managing Director of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Yusuf Itopa, the Director-General, Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Princess Nana Hauwa Yusuff and the Chairman of Kogi State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalist, Alhaji Ademu Saidu.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Ebenezer Adurodija, he used the forum to amplify the Ministry’s crucial role in disseminating information to the public and raising awareness about government policies and programs.
In view of this, the commissioner sought for special consideration for media agencies,Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation and The Graphics Newspaper in the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to ensure they successfully deliver their mandates.
Hon Fanwo further explained that the ministry is tasked with disseminating information to the public, with the aim of raising awareness about government policies and programs, as well as gathering feedback from the public.
He emphasised the critical role the state media plays in any thriving democracy, noting that adequate funding and support would go a long way in bridging the information gap between government and various communities at the grassroots.
The commissioner listed some of the ministry’s challenges to include lack of equipments, operational vehicles among others.
Fanwo also appealed to the Lawmakers to help the Ministry in the implementation of the Enforcement of the circular directing all the Ministries, Department, Board, Commissions and Agencies to patronize the Printing Press on all the printing matters.
On his part, The Managing Director of the Graphic Newspaper, Mr Yusuf Itopa disclosed that the corporation’s operation and readership target was hampered by limited Just as he made an appeal for operational vehicles to boost circulation within and outside the state.
Responding, the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Communications, Prince Bode Ogunmola, said the budget defense was not to witch hunt any Ministry, hence the need for cooperation for a smooth process.
He charged both media agencies to put in more effort in the dissemination of information which he described as key to the public and transformation agenda of the state.
On his part, the member pepresenting Ajaokuta State Constituency, Hon Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin appreciated Kogi Radio and The Graphic for playing major roles in ensuring communities are kept informed about the government’s initiatives and achievements.
He equally tasked the relevant authorities on the need for sustained capacity building programmes and training for personnel of State Printing Press, State Radio and The Graphic Newspaper which he stressed were currently under staffed.
