The Association of Graphic Artists and Signal Writers of Nigeria (ASGAS) Youth Wing, Oyo State Chapter, has sought a stronger partnership with the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA), while commending the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development for facilitating a stakeholder engagement aimed at addressing longstanding concerns within the advertising and signage sector.
Speaking on Tuesday, during a familiarization and advocacy meeting with the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, the President of ASGAS-Youth Wing in Oyo State, Chief Daniel Olusola Bamidele Olaleye, expressed appreciation to the Agency for providing a platform for dialogue between the association and government representatives.
Chief Olaleye noted that the meeting marked the association’s first formal engagement with a government institution on issues affecting its members, describing the development as a positive step toward fostering mutual understanding and strengthening public-private collaboration.
According to him, members of the association’s youth wing had previously considered embarking on a protest over perceived challenges affecting their operations and relationship with relevant government agencies. However, he said the association opted for constructive dialogue and engagement in the interest of peace and development.
“We believe in peaceful engagement and constructive communication. As stakeholders in the creative and advertising industry, we consider ourselves partners in development and contributors to the economic growth of Oyo State. Rather than resorting to protests, we chose to seek dialogue with government institutions,” he said.
The ASGAS-Youth Wing President emphasized that the association possesses the capacity and professional expertise to contribute significantly to the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) drive through improved regulation, monitoring, and compliance within the signage and outdoor advertising industry.
He further appealed for greater inclusion of ASGAS members in policy formulation and implementation processes relating to signage, advertisement, and billboard regulation across the state.
Other members of the association, including Mr. Olumide Sobayo, Mr. Adeleke Ayoade, Mr. Adedayo, Mr. Ojeyemi Adelowo, Mr. Vicente Bamidele, and Pastor Olufemi Oseni, reiterated the need for government agencies to recognize ASGAS as a critical stakeholder in the advertising value chain.
They expressed concerns over issues relating to registration requirements, alleged financial liabilities attributed to members of the association, and what they described as limited engagement with relevant authorities despite several attempts to establish a working relationship.
The stakeholders maintained that closer collaboration between ASGAS-Youth Wing and OYSAA would enhance compliance within the sector, improve revenue generation, and create a more conducive business environment for practitioners.
Responding, Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, commended ASGAS-Youth Wing for embracing dialogue and peaceful engagement in seeking solutions to its concerns.
Falana described His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde is a strong advocate of youth development, inclusive governance, and stakeholder participation, noting that the administration remains committed to listening to citizens and professional groups on matters affecting their interests.
He assured the association that the concerns raised during the meeting would receive due attention and pledged to facilitate engagements with the leadership of the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) and other relevant stakeholders.
According to him, arrangements have been concluded for a comprehensive stakeholders’ meeting involving ASGAS-Youth Wing representatives, OYSAA management, members of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee overseeing signage and advertisement matters, and other government officials to address the issues raised and explore areas of collaboration.
Falana also expressed regret over previous communication gaps between the association and relevant agencies, assuring members that the government remains committed to building stronger partnerships with professional bodies across the state.
“I have listened carefully to your concerns and appeals. The government of Oyo State is committed to dialogue, inclusiveness, and stakeholder engagement. We will ensure that the appropriate channels are activated to facilitate discussions and find lasting solutions to the issues raised,” he said.
The Youth Agency Chairman further assured the association that matters relating to registration fees, alleged financial liabilities, and requests for stakeholder inclusion would be discussed comprehensively during the proposed engagement sessions.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism that sustained dialogue and collaboration would strengthen the relationship between government agencies and industry practitioners, ultimately contributing to economic growth, improved regulatory compliance, and enhanced service delivery in Oyo State.
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