In a bid to foster collaboration for citizen inclusive governance, Non Governmental Organization, ResearcherNG on behalf of Digital Rights and Information Partnership (DRIP) has organized a stakeholders meeting for participants in the Edo State Freedom of Information (FOI) initiative.
The participants were drawn from various sectors, including Government Ministries, departments, and agencies from the federal and state governments, media organizations, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
The meeting aimed to explore avenues for promoting good governance, democracy, and citizen participation in Edo State.
Setting the tone for the engaging session, a representative of Digital Rights and Information Partnership, Edozie Chukwuma said Nigeria, as Africa's most populous nation and a key player in the continent's political landscape, has faced challenges related to corruption, bureaucratic opacity, and limited citizen involvement in governance.
According to him, it was in a bid to address these issues, that the National Assembly passed the Freedom of Information Act on the 28th of May, 2011. The Act marked a departure from the era of secrecy and laid the foundation for a more open and accountable government.
Chukwuma noted that the stakeholders are expected to deepen the conversation on the Freedom of Information Act and make commitment to ensuring that it is domesticated in Edo State.
In a keynote address, Barrister Imonite Omokhodion, representing the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (ROLAC) NGO, underscored the pivotal role the FOI Act can play in promoting transparency and accountability within the state. He asserted that the Act serves as a mechanism for citizens to access information, thus fostering their participation in governance processes. Urging stakeholders to prioritize the domestication of the FOI Bill in Edo State, Barrister Omokhodion emphasized that this step is crucial for enhancing public awareness and upholding democratic principles.
The second speaker, Andy Egbon, the Secretary to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Chapter, took the stage to discuss "The Power of Embracing Proactive Disclosure for a Greater Edo." Egbon emphasized the significance of proactive disclosure in ensuring that citizens are well-informed about government policies and initiatives. He argued that proactive disclosure minimizes speculation, enabling a more informed public discourse on governance matters.
H therefore called on government agencies to adopt a proactive approach in disseminating information to the public, thereby fostering trust and understanding between the government and the citizens. He highlighted the role of media organizations in amplifying the importance of proactive disclosure for a more transparent and accountable government.
The third speaker, Blessing Eromon from the CLEEN Foundation, addressed the audience on "Building Effective Partnerships for the Domestication of FOI in Edo State." Eromon underscored the need for collaborative efforts between government institutions, media organizations, and civil society to facilitate the domestication of the FOI Act in Edo State. She emphasized that effective partnerships are essential for advocacy initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the FOI Act and garnering support for its domestication. She urged stakeholders to work collectively towards this goal, as it aligns with the broader objective of promoting an inclusive and transparent governance framework in Edo State.
Some stakeholders including the Edo State NOA Director, Osahon Bamidele-Womire, representative of the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Esosa Osula and a Director of Communication, Ministry of Communication and Orientation, Odion Daniel, agreed that I was in the interest of Edo people that the FOI Act is domesticated. They therefore urged all stakeholders to collaborate in engaging governments for its implementation.
The Policy and Governance Advocacy Officer, ResearcherNG, Modupe Akinwale explained that the organization intends to write to the Edo State Governor after the meeting to seek his commitment to the domestication of the FOI Act in Edo State.