FOIA: Corps Members Take To Ilorin Streets To Raise Public Awareness
The National Youth Service Corps’ Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) Vanguard, Kwara state Chapter ,on Friday, took to the streets of Ilorin, the state capital, to raise public awareness of the Freedom of Information Act.
A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com noted that this had become necessary because most Nigerians ‘are not aware of the existence of such an act and that in the ever-growing democratic climate of Nigeria, they actually have right to information from public institutions, organizations and even private establishments that have direct impact on members of the public’.
It would be recalled that the FOI act was passed by the National Assembly on 24th May 2011 while it earned a presidential assent on 28th May, 2011.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) supersedes the Official Secrets Act (OSA), originally enacted in 1911, which forbade the unauthorized transmission, obtaining, reproduction, or retention of any classified matter.
The Act applies not only to public institutions but also to private organizations providing public services, performing public functions or utilizing public funds.
The underlying philosophy of Freedom of Information was to make it clear that public servants are custodians of a public trust on behalf of a population who have a right to know what they do. In particular, the FOIA promises to remove the aura of mystery and exclusion with which public servants had cloaked the ordinary operations of government and public institutions. It also seeks to change the manner in which public records and information are managed.
‘The corps members, under the Editorial and Publicity CDS and FOIA Vanguard had the opportunity to hold conversations with different people from different social classes and works of life in the state capital.
From observations, it was seen that over 97% of all the individuals, companies, businessmen and women, establishments that were approached, had no knowledge or understanding of the FOI Act.
However, the corps members sensitized those they met with and presented them with the first-hand knowledge of the privilege they enjoy as citizens under the Act.
It has also helped to set the benchmark for further sensitizations to be held on the FOI Act, owing to the fact that most Nigerians are yet to know the advantages that come with this exciting development’ the statement added- Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you
