The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has been working assiduously to create enabling environment for businesses in Ekiti State to prosper.
This was disclosed today in an exclusive interview i with our team by Mr. Olasunkanmi Onipede, Director General of Ekiti State signage and Advertisement Agency (EKSAA) in his office, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Narrating the birth of the agency, Onipede who was appointed the Director General in 2019 stated they had to do an indepth evaluation of its operation while evolving methodology, systemic operation and effortless, executable and achievable billing.
He said, in the process, they found out that the consultants engaged to handle the activities of the agency was not meeting the revenue target and the relationship between the agency and the consultants was not healthy, hence the consultant had to be relieved of the responsibility, and a cluster of of professionals was put in place.
He disclosed that they started with the rebranding and full automation of the agency. ‘We received a huge support from the resourceful Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and during the first year we were able to post about #40Million. The second year we made well above that. For this year, 2021 our revenue target is #200 Million.
“We outlined and profiled all our signage fee payers and started a mass awareness campaign within and beyond Ekiti State, particularly with our mobile Advertisements. In no time, we were able to establish a smooth and harmonious relationship of mutual benefits. One of the things that has rubbed on the image of the agency for good is the automated system, in which case a signage fee payer makes online payments from any where in the world, including the comfort of their homes and immediately confirm payment as well access electronic receipt. Interestingly, even without any print-out, once a signage payer shows payment, it is easy to ascertain the truth. He said he could monitor the activities of the agency from wherever he was with the automation.
Onipede said emphatically that signage fee payers make payment and still pray for them, because according to him, they understand that we were not just out to make money from them but also concerned with their plight and cared about the wellbeing of their businesses. “We also pray for them on the grounds, that, it is only when signage fee payers’ businesses improves that they will be able to pay. This is also the reason will do “Thanks You” visit” to signage fee payers.
The DG said, in addition to that, the agency also allowed for payment by instalments which had made it easy for their patrons to meet their contractual commitment.
Reacting to the question whether party politics had a place in the operation of the agency, Mr. Onipede disclosed that they run it professionally without any bias political consideration, saying that the Governor steer clear of the day to day operation of the agency.
He added that before and during electioneering campaign, Dr. Fayemi was the candidate and flag bearer of APC, but as soon as he was elected, he became the governor of Ekiti State and by extension, that of the people: Amazingly, the people know this, hence they buy into the activities of the agency. “Yes! I’m a party man, a member of APC but the job I’m doing is for Ekiti State which is inclusive of PDP, APC and the rest. ‘ will give kudos to Dr. Fayemi, he operates by the rules guiding each agencies.
“The operation of the agency is not politicised. This, explains why we have never had any problems with any of the other political parties or the people. Take for instance APC has been paying for its own signage. PDP, that is hanging its signage has also paid. Aribisala has paid for his own billboard. Only recently the former Governor of the state, Engr. Segun Oni paid for his signage when he launched his campaign”.
“Dr. Fayemi is a thorough breed and a highly cerebral professional, and I have keyed into his ideology having acquired a robust experience in the private sector. want to ask people to pray for our Governor and key into his vision.
I can boldly tell you that signage and allied businesses have greatly improved in Ekiti State. I must let you know that between April last year and today we have over #40 Million on billboards and LED board valued over #60Million”.