By Amodu Ojochogu Gloria
The Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KOSSAA) held a one-day sensitization training workshop at the Conference Hall of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Lokoja, on Thursday. This initiative is part of efforts to enhance staff capacity and elevate KOSSAA’s performance and service delivery.
In his opening remarks, the General Manager of KOSSAA, Hon. Osaseyi Richard, explained that the training aims to improve staff performance, particularly among Local Government Area (LGA) Coordinators who represent KOSSAA in their respective LGAs. He described KOSSAA as a mirror of the government and emphasized the importance of teamwork.
Hon. Osaseyi reminded the coordinators that as leaders, they must serve diligently with honesty and respect to strengthen KOSSAA. He urged them to understand taxation thoroughly to make their fieldwork easier and praised the need for peace and unity during duty execution.
The workshop featured three key lectures. Hajiya Hassana Salawu, Director of MDA’s and Other Revenue at KGIRS, Delivered the First Lecture “ Appraising the Effectiveness of Advertisement Revenue Collection in Kogi State” emphasized that “revenue drive is based on knowledge, and knowledge is power.” She explained that effective revenue collection significantly contributes to community development, and tax collectors must be polite, transparent, honest, and disciplined.
Hajiya Salawu stressed the importance of follow-ups, reporting, and reconciliation to ensure accountability and strengthen KOSSAA’s growth.
Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, Consultant to the Kogi State Government on Advertisement Tax, delivered a lecture on “Optimizing Staff Capacity in the Implementation of Administrative Tax.” He elaborated on KOSSAA’s regulatory role in monitoring billboards and outdoor advertisements. Alhaji Aliyu highlighted the importance of communication skills, customer service, and adherence to KOSSAA’s cashless transaction policy to ensure transparency.
Engr. Ogueyi Muftau, Director of MDA’s at KGIRS, spoke on “The Rights of the Taxpayer and Tax Collector.” He underscored taxpayers’ rights to clear information, courteous assistance, and to pay only what is legally due.
Engr. Muftau called on tax collectors to maintain records, report sales accurately, and dress professionally to command respect. He urged KOSSAA staff, especially Coordinators, to uphold the agency’s laws for a harmonious working environment.
Representing the Coordinator for Okene and Ogori/Magongo LGAs, Mr. Ohiare Etudaye expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his unwavering support of KOSSAA’s growth. He thanked General Manager Hon. Osaseyi Richard for the platform to serve and contribute to state development.
Mr. Etudaye affirmed that the training enhanced their understanding of taxation and committed the coordinators to comply strictly with KOSSAA’s laws and regulations.
