Ayomikun Inawole Oluwatimileyin
On the 17th Day of November 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to raise awareness of the importance of universal access to information, declared 28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information.
This important day celebrates access to information as a fundamental human right, empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions and engage actively in society with “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector,” being the theme for the year 2024; emphasizing the crucial role of transparency and involvement in government.
In memorializing the Day, I interacted with the General Manager (GM), Diamond 88.7FM, Ilorin- Mr. Michael Abiodun Olanrewaju and the Deputy Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA) Kwara State Mr. Tayo Inawole.
The GM on his part said the government has a key role to play in ensuring that information gets to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.
“The Government can solve the Problem of marginalized communities by making the networks of telephones able to reach the grassroots and Rural Areas. If the network is deep into the Rural Areas you will find that the majority of people who are marginalized in this areas can reach the anchor of different programs on radio that affects the society at large” the GM added.
He added that the theme for this year highlights and explains how technology helps in improving access to information and facilitating public participation through the use of social media tools like: Facebook, YouTube Twitter X, etc. as a critical technological tool that helps to facilitate public involvement enabling them to relate directly with whatever is happening.
Mr. Inawole, while speaking on the matter, harped on the place of legislation to enhance universal access to information, expressing displeasure over the spread of fake news.
“The Freedom of Legislation (FOI) Act is a legislation that backs freedom of information is Power information is wealth, there is nobody that can do anything without information, be you Engineer, Lawyer or Journalist.
The problem is that we might not know the good one, real one or fake news.” he added
Mr. Tayo emphasised on the importance of filtering or gatekeeping the news we receive and circulate as the easier information get accessible the greater the probability for spread of fake news.
In line with Sustainable Development Goal 16, over 140 Countries and territories have adopted access to information laws, but how well are these countries fairing today for a more informed, engaged and resilient society in which transparency, accountability and access to information thrives?
By choosing to mainstream access to information in the public sector, we’ll be enhancing civic engagement, empowering citizens, fostering innovation, building strong institutions for peace, justice and economic growth.
Ayomikun Inawole Oluwatimileyin is a 400 Level Mass Communication Student of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.
Edited by Joseph EMERIBE