By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Information has commended the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation, OSPPC, publishers of _The Hope Newspaper_ and _The Hope Magazine_, for repositioning the organisation and adopting a more corporate and commercially driven approach.
The commendation was given during an oversight visit to the corporation’s headquarters in Akure on Monday. The visit was aimed at assessing the corporation’s operations, achievements, and areas requiring legislative support.
The delegation was led by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi. Other members present were Hon. Felix Afe, Hon. Temitope Akomolafe, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, and Hon. Nelson Akinsuroju.
Hon. Ifabiyi said the visit was part of the Assembly’s responsibility to understand the operations of OSPPC and identify areas where government and legislative intervention could boost its growth.
He described the recent transition of OSPPC to a corporation as a major milestone that would provide a stronger platform for improved operations, better welfare, and career progression for staff.
The Chairman urged management to build on the gains by developing clear financial and operational projections to guide its new status. He added that the Committee was keen on understanding the corporation’s financial position, revenue sources, and how resources could be better deployed for sustainability.
Committee members lauded management for repositioning _The Hope Newspaper_, especially the launch of its daily online edition, which has expanded the paper’s reach beyond Ondo State.
They encouraged OSPPC to strengthen its internally generated revenue through increased newspaper circulation, advertising, commercial printing, and other viable ventures.
The lawmakers also acknowledged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for approving the corporation status, noting that it will give OSPPC more room to consolidate and grow.
They advised management to maintain close ties with the Assembly and provide regular updates so that legislative support can be offered when needed.
Earlier, the Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of OSPPC, Prince Kayode Fasua, thanked the Committee for the visit and support.
He said since his appointment by Governor Aiyedatiwa in October 2024, management has embarked on several reforms to reposition the corporation.
According to him, the printing machine has been rehabilitated, enabling in-house production and reducing outsourcing costs. _The Hope Newspaper_ has also moved from weekly to two editions weekly, with a daily digital front page published on social media.
Prince Fasua said the long-term goal is to make _The Hope_ a daily newspaper with national reach and a stronger digital presence.
He listed other achievements: rehabilitation of a 100kVA generator, restoration of the staff bus and another vehicle, purchase of computers for the graphics unit, two new printers, and an automatic camera for photojournalists.
He added that distribution has been expanded to Lagos, Ibadan, other South-West states, and beyond. Advertising operations have also been strengthened to boost IGR.
The OSPPC boss said the launch of _The Hope Magazine_, which focuses on entrepreneurship and development in Ondo State, is another avenue to diversify revenue.
He appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa and the House of Assembly for supporting the corporation status, which he said will help address issues around staff progression and post-retirement benefits.
However, Prince Fasua called for modern printing equipment and improved capital funding to expand commercial printing and compete effectively. He also urged stronger patronage of the corporation’s services through quality and competitive products.
He assured the Committee that management will implement its advice and work to improve the corporation’s financial, human resource, technological, and operational capacity.
“We are determined to build a commercially viable OSPPC that generates more revenue, expands operations, and restores the reputation of government-owned publishing,” he said.
He expressed optimism that with continued support from the Governor and the Assembly, OSPPC will emerge as a stronger, competitive, and financially sustainable media and printing outfit.
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