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.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Teddy Adegbola, the Commissioner emphasizes the Ministry’s crucial role in disseminating information to the public, raising awareness about government policies and programs, and facilitating feedback to the government.
To effectively carry out these responsibilities in 2024, the Ministry seeks the support and necessary approvals from the Honourable House.
During the presentation before the Honourable House, an analysis of the 2023 budget was provided, along with an examination of the projected income and expenditure for the Ministry of Information and its affiliated entities, Radio Kogi and the Graphic Newspaper.
The Commissioner also highlighted the challenges currently faced by these entities. For instance, Radio Kogi operates for only six hours daily due to its reliance on diesel power, as it is not connected to the national grid.
Furthermore, the Commissioner emphasized the urgent need for additional equipment at both Radio Kogi and the Graphic Newspaper to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in mass production and timely dissemination of information to the general public.
Additionally, the Ministry and its affiliated entities require official vehicles to facilitate their operations.
The Commissioner reiterated that the Ministry of Information and Communications bears the responsibility and duty of publishing all the activities of the Ministries, Departments, Boards, Commissions, and Agencies (MDAs).
In this regard, the Commissioner urged the Honourable House to enforce the patronage of Kogi Printing Press for all printing matters, thereby boosting the state’s revenue generation.
In conclusion, the Commissioner’s defense of the 2024 Budget for the Ministry of Information and Communications underscores the vital role of the Ministry in promoting transparency, public awareness, and effective communication between the government and its citizens.
The Commissioner’s plea for support and necessary approvals from the Honourable House reflects the Ministry’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities in an efficient and impactful manner.
In response to the presentation, the Chairman of the Committee on Information and Communications, Hon. Prince Ogunmola Bode, emphasized that it is the sole responsibility of the house to create laws, but it is not their duty to enforce them.
He stated that the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) should take appropriate steps and actions to ensure that people comply with the laws that are made.
Following the budget presentation, a member, Hon. Usman Ochidi, raised an inquiry regarding the operation of the Ochaja booster station.
In response, the Director-General of Radio Kogi, Alhaji Ojo Oyila, informed the house that the Ochaja booster station had been restored since August 4th, 2023, by His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello (CON).
However, the parastatal is currently facing security challenges as the station lacks security guards. To prevent future incidents of vandalism, appropriate measures need to be taken.
The house meeting was chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Enema Paul, alongside the Chairman of Appropriation, Hon. Olawumi Jacob, and other committee members and house members in attendance.
Hon. Adekolade Dele from MD Graphic Newspaper and all the Directors of the Ministry of Information and Communications were also present.