JUMADA-AWWAL 6, 1429 A.H.
MONDAY, MAY 12 2008
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Information managers tasked on MDGs, FG’s 7-point agenda
From ABDULLAHI D. ABDULLAHI, Abuja
INFORMATION managers in Nigeria have been advised to evolve an effective information management system in publicizing government policies and programmes in line with the 7-point agenda of the federal government and the Millennium Deve-lopment Goals (MDGs).
This is part of a communiqué issued at the end of a three-day national retreat organised for information managers by the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) held at National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja last weekend.
The communique signed by chairman of the communiqué committee, Mr. Azariah Akula and other members stated that for Nigeria to attain the MDG on health for all by 2015, government should intensify efforts to provide an avenue for information managers to enable them sensitize the public on the availability of such facilities.
‘’Government at all levels should involve information managers in all policy formulation as this will enable them relate more effectively with all committees and other stakeholders in issues of information dissemination,’’ the communiqué said.
It further added that for effective information dissemination at the grassroots, government should consider the setting up of functional information and communication technology (ICT) centres in all the 774 local government areas in the country.
Participants at the retreat observed with dismay the ugly situation whereby information officers in some organizations were subsumed under other departments and called for the establishment of independent information department at such organizations, just as they advise information officers against sensational reporting in their profession.
While appreciating the efforts of government in ensuring transparency in its dealing, the participants called for legal framework that will ensure free flow of information to the grassroots. They also called for quick passage of Freedom of Information Bill (FOI).
Also, the participants urged the federal government to put more effort in tackling food shortage and its high cost by encouraging local production of food crops and provision of preservation facilities as well as sensitizing local farmers on modern farming methods and techniques through information managers.
Other resolutions of the retreat include urging the government to encourage private sector participation in power industry, intensify fight against crime, and create more job opportunities by establishing more skills acquisition centres to cater for the country’s teeming unemployed.
‘’For good governance to be entrenched in the Nigerian policy, leaders should be exemplary by upholding the spirit of servant leadership and Nigerians in leadership position to be more responsible in handling of public trust,’’ the communiqué concluded.
Participants from across the country attended the retreat.
