The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the National Assembly to fast-track the process of establishing the Outdoor Advertisement and Signage as an agency to institutionalize its mode of operation.
The vice president of NANS, Mr. Victor Ezanagu, who made the call at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, said that the establishment of the agency by the National Assembly would free its operation from external interference.
Ezanagu dismissed the call for the disbandment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS), as such would return the FCT to the days of an unkempt environment.
He said that DOAS served as a platform for engaging young people who are fresh graduates and unemployed knowing fully well that the majority of the activities of the department revolve intellectual contributions and abilities of young people.
“NANS has taken it union herself to embark on a fact-finding mission to dissect the activities of the FCTA Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage thereby aiding our understanding of misconceptions and grievances from different quarters beyond what is reported on social media,” he said.
He also called on mischievous people who are causing unrest within the FCT to put an end to their ugly acts, since the issue is presently before the National Assembly for thorough action, thereby calling for a speedy process for the betterment of Nigerian society.
“It has come to our notice issues revolving FCTA Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage and this has attracted the attention of every discerning Nigerian of which the students’ populace is not excluded.
“It is on record that the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) is saddled with the responsibility to control, curb indecent activities and poor procedures and regulate adverts and signage practices in Abuja and its six area councils.
“Aside from the professional practices of DOAS, it is pivotal to state that this initiative has helped in generating meaningful revenue in FCT since its establishment and this has made the body a key source of generating funds for the government in the whole of Abuja,” he said.
The student leader, therefore, appealed to every warring party to sheath swords and embrace peace in the interest of a greater Nigeria and the betterment of all and sundry.
Ezanagu said that NANS had reliably gathered that all signage and billboard payments are made to the TSA through the REMITA platform, DOAS does not collect cash from clients.
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