KOGI INFORMATION MINISTRY DEFENDS 2026 BUDGET, APPEALS FOR LEGISLATIVE INTERVENTION ON TSA FOR ITS MEDIA OUTFITS

Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Member Representing Ogori-Magongo State Constituency in Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Bode Ogunmola, has reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening the information sector as part of its constitutional mandate.

Prince Bode Ogunmola made the remark on Tuesday at the 2026 budget defence of the Ministry of Information and Communications at the Assembly Complex in Lokoja.

Ogunmola said the 8th Assembly, led by Aliyu Umar Yusuf, will remain committed to approving budgets that addresses the genuine needs and aspirations of the people of Kogi State.

The lawmaker noted that the nation’s current security challenges require stronger information strategies and improved capacity within the state’s information apparatus.

In his words, “As representatives, we are set to look into your proposals, using records of last year’s performance and emerging needs of MDAs to justify your 2026 budget submissions.”

Ogunmola reaffirmed the Committee’s readiness to work in synergy with the Ministry and other stakeholders, including civil society organizations for the advancement of the state’s information management system.

Earlier, the Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications renewed its call for legislative intervention to enhance the performance of state-owned media organisations.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a message to the budget defence, emphasized that Information is key in the running of any administration.

Fanwo who was represented by the Director General of Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Princess Nana Hauwa Yusuff, urged the lawmakers to advocate for the removal of Radio Kogi and The Graphic Newspaper from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), noting that the policy continues to hinder the organization’s operational efficiency.

The Commsioner also appealed for the enforcement of a circular mandating all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Boards, and Commissions to patronize the Kogi State Printing Press.

According to him, full compliance is essential to boosting internally generated revenue within the Information sector.

In his remarks, the Executive Director, INGRA and Chairman of Kogi NGO Network, KONGONET, Hamza Aliyu pointed out that there was need for aggressive actions in the Information sector.

According to Hamza, revenue drive was key and also appealed to the government to give the Information sector greater attention in order to positively project the corporate image of Kogi State.

The Technical Assistant to the Ministry, Mr Ebenezar Adurodija and other management staff of the Ministry as well as those of the Parastatals attended the budget defence exercise.