The Kogi State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pora Films on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the establishment of its first state-owned Television Station.
The Secretary to the Kogi State Government (SSG), Dr Folashade Ayoade, formally signed the MoU on behalf of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, on Friday in Lokoja.
In her remarks, Ayoade described the feat as “historic moment” that would transform the media landscape of Kogi State.
“The signing of this MoU between the Kogi State Government and Pora Films marks the beginning of a new era; one that will establish the first state-owned TV station in our over 33 years of existence.
“For many years, Kogi remained the only state in Nigeria without its own television station.
“Today, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of Kogi State, that gap is being bridged.
“This project is not just about broadcasting; it is about telling the Kogi story, showcasing our culture, promoting investment opportunities, and giving our state the global visibility it deserves.
“We recognize the critical role of our technical partners, Pora Films, whose expertise will be instrumental in actualizing this ambitious project,” Ayoade said.
The SGS expressed full confidence in the capacity of Pora films to deliver a world-class television station that would place Kogi on the national and international media map.
Ayoade stressed that TV station would not just be for information dissemination but a strategic tool to drive development and investment.
She urged the information ministry to play a pivotal role in coordinating and midwifing the processes leading up to the successful launch of Kogi TV.
The SGS expressed government’s commitment to ensuring that the project was executed with the highest level of professionalism and efficiency for Kogi TV to take its rightful place among leading broadcast platforms.
She, however, implored Pora films to deliver world standard quality job for the people of Kogi, that would attract international organisations to collaborate with the state.
“In Kogi, we believe so much in standard and we like to compete positively to be the best model that others will emulate. On our part, we will not disappoint you,” she said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, commended the governor for his unwavering commitment to the development of the state, and for making the establishment of Kogi TV a reality.
Fanwo expressed confidence that Kogi Television would not only serve as a voice for the people but also as a beacon of progress and innovation.
He promised that the ministry would ensure proper coordination and monitoring to ensure that quality job was delivered according to the best global standard practices
“The future of Kogi’s media space is bright, and with the support of all stakeholders, we are confident that Kogi Television will not only serve as a voice for our people but also as a beacon of progress and innovation,” Fanwo said.
On his part, the Team Lead of Pora Films, Mr Olajide Ofonufi, thanked the state government for the great privilege to partnering with the state.
Ofonufi stressed that the organisation for the past 15 years had been executing such project for DSTV and some other TV stations.
“I assure the Kogi Government that we will do our best to achieve the best required standards in line with the MoU,” he said.
(NAN)
