Kogi to spend over N1.7bn on resuscitating ailing broadcast stations

The Kogi government is to expend over N1.7 billion this year on resuscitation of its radio booster stations, printing press and establishment of a state-owned television station.

Alhaji Yabagi Bologi, the state Commissioner for Information said this at the House of Assembly on Wednesday in Lokoja, while defending the ministry's budget for the 2014 fiscal year.

Bologi said that the ministry had paid out over N172.8 million out of the N345.7 million to the contractor handling rehabilitation of Otite, Egbe and Ochaja radio booster stations.

He added that the balance of N172.865 million was expected to be paid to the contractor from this year's budget.

The commissioner told members of the House Committee on Information that plans were at advanced stage to establish a state television station.

He noted that the feasibility study had been carried out and license for the station obtained at a cost of over N12 million.

He also said that work on the printing press started last year would be completed this fiscal year.

Bologi assured the legislators that efforts would be made to ensure that the FM 94 radio station as well as the television station signals covered every part of the state.

Alhaji Saidu Akawu-Salihu, chairman of the House Committee on Information said his committee was prepared to partner government to improve the services of the information sector.

He said the budget defence, provided the platform to appraise performance of the immediate past year with a view to ensuring better performance in the current year.

He commended the government for the bold initiative and pro-active approach to solving the communication gap between the people and government.

He said that the 2014 budget was being scrutinised for quick passage.