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FG Committed To FOIA Implementation-Malami

Published

3 years ago

February 2, 2022

By Colman Ozonwanji

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has said the Federal Government is committed to the implementation of Fredeem of Information Act.

Malami who was represented by Mr Gowon Ichibor, the Head of Freedom of Information Unit, Federal Ministry of Justice said the Act subjects certain records of Public Institutions as well as some Private Institutions to a disclosure regime in line with the ideals of open and transparent government.

He spoke in Abuja while presenting the keynote address on the occasion of the two days workshop for FOI Desk Officers of Public Institutions .

He said the workshop is the establishment of online engagement Forum|Platform with the aim of facilitating learning experience sharing and best practice application in the implementation of freedom of information Act 2011.

Malami reminded the Officers, about the milestone of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, in our National Legislative Agenda which came into force on the 28th day of may 2011.

“The Act has specifically highlighted the fact that access is meaningful exercise for free expression on matters of public or political interest.

“In essence, the Act provides a legal guarantee for access to information and requires public institutions to productively publish certain classes of information as well as to release information upon request.

” Section 29(1) of the Act establishes in the Attorney General of The Federation , oversight organ for monitoring, promoting and protecting the right to access records and information. It also mandated all public institutions to submit to my office on before 1st February of each year, a report on their compliance status.”

“Therefore, it noteworthy that section 29(4) also requires my office to forward the report from all public institutions to the relevant committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives having oversight in the implementation of the Act on or before April 1st of each calendar year. My Office have performed this function for the past 10years, despite the initial challenges associated with the implementation of a new law,” he said.

He also said that the pursuant to the provisions of the Act , the ministry continuously encourages Public to comply with Proactive Disclosure Obligations under Section 2 of the Act .

“It noteworthy that an increasing number of public Institutions have developed platforms for their Proactive Disclosure requirement under the Act,” he said.

He said he was pleased to state that the workshop for the establishment of the FOI online engagement forum/platform towards facilitating shared learning, experience sharing and best practice application will not only help in ensuring the effective implementation of the Act but also improve desk officers’ compliance to their Proactive Disclosure obligation.

He seized the opportunity to thank International Press Council (IPC), Media Right Agenda (MRA) and funding partner European Union for the Initiative to organize this workshop.

He also appreciated their worthy collaboration and looked forward to further engagements designed to improve implementation of the Act, which is crucial tool in our national development effort .

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Olawande’s 21st Century Skills initiative, A Move Towards Re-fertilization Of Nigerian Youths

Published

18 hours ago

November 6, 2024

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Transforming the Nigeria youths to equip the current and future generations with 21st century skills is important. The Africa and National Youth Day 2024 is therefore a historic moment to put a need 21st century skills at the forefront toward the the growth and development of all.

Nigeria as a nation has made meaningful progress in education over the past 60 years, with more girls in school and more students in Higher education system than ever before.

Reports showed that School completion rates have increased from 2000 to 2022 at all levels.

Still, these gains are insufficient to prepare Nigerians youth for the 21st century and its fast-changing professional landscape. By 2030, roughly 60 million jobs iin Nigeria and 230 million in Africa will demand digital skills. Classroom practices must shift to meet these future employability needs and nurture creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Nigeria recorded the largest population of young people in the continent of Africa that means a 21st century skills is critical to to equip the current and future generations.

Based on this, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande who has been promoter and advocate of digital skiill even before he became Minister has once again initiate digital literacy programmes, technical skills empowerment and leadership insight and urged young people to actively develop and adopt crucial 21st-century skills to effectively combat the rising issue of unemployment.

When he was Minister Youth for State, he introducing the Youth Development Fund to support young entrepreneurs, implementing the Youth Empowerment Program, training over 10,000 young people in vocational skills, establishing the Youth Mentorship Initiative, pairing young people with experienced professionals, and developing the National Youth Policy, providing a framework for youth development.

He also initiated the “One Youth One Ward” initiative to tackle drug abuse, established the Youth Innovation Hub, hosted the National Youth Conference, rolled out the Youth Volunteer Program, fostered partnerships with private sector organizations amongst others.

He has implement innovative programs, foster strategic partnerships, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Now Minister of Youth without doubt has been at the forefront of this journey, demonstrating unwavering dedication to empowering Nigerians youth even from his school days.

Comrade Ayodele Olawande made this appeal today in Abuja during the Africa and National Youth Day Celebration with the theme : ‘ Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century’ and sub-theme: ‘Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth’,

He said such skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and effective communications are essential tools for navigating the increasingly competitive job markets.

Olawande strongly advocated for the youth of Nigeria to prioritize the investment of their time and put efforts in developing a diverse range of essential skills and competencies by actively engaging in the pursuit that can significantly enhance their employability that will make them attractive candidates before their potential employers.

According to the Minister, “acquiring these skills will equip youth to confidently navigate the complexities and demands of an increasingly competitive job market, where adaptability and innovation are crucial. This proactive approach plays a vital role in addressing the rising unemployment crisis that has been affecting many young Nigerians today.”

“Through dedicated skill development, they can not only improve their job prospects but also lay the groundwork for sustainable career growth and success in the long run. In this rapidly evolving economic landscape, embracing continuous learning and professional development is not just beneficial; it is essential for achieving one’s career aspirations,” he explained.

The Minister further explained that the theme, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” serves as a powerful endorsement of the One Youth Two Skills initiative, adding that it will foster practical skills alongside formal education.

Olawande stated : “This initiative aims to empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities. Ultimately, the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to eliminate unemployment and promote economic growth across the continent”.

In his paper presentation, Professor Ahmed Adamu, a lecturer at Nile University, Abuja, stated that by next year, 85 million jobs will be lost due to technological advancements, while 97 million new jobs are expected to be created.

Professor Adamu stressed that the future job market will heavily favour those individuals who proactively seek to acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

Adamu said that for one to go far in whatever they are doing, they must be self-disciplined, duly intelligent and have the consistency in learning.

However, the minister of Youth led the teaming youths on a road walk from the Ministry to BMO Event Centre to Celebrate Africa and National Youth Day.

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