…opine FOI Act would stimulate Industry growth
Pearl Ngwama
Agencies and stakeholders in the Maritime Industry have been urged by media experts to be transparent in their release of information to the media and public as this will curb corruption and stimulate development and growth in the Sector.
The call was made at a recent lecture organised by Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to honour the newly appointed Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),Lagos State Council Chairman, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi.
Delivering the lecture, entitled, “National Development: The Challenges and Prospects for the Proper Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act in Nigeria’s Maritime Industry,” erudite journalist Mr. Emeka Okoroanyanwu, admonished operators in the Industry to make information available to the public.
According to him, the ‘Freedom of Information (FOI) Act’ is an Act of government to make public records and information more freely available and provide for public access to public records and information.
He said that utilising the Act would ensure transparency in the running of public institutions and enable citizens to hold government accountable in the case of breach of trust or failure to deliver public services.
“The FOI Act provides free flow of credible information about how government in the Country is being run. This will enable the citizens to make informed decisions and choices.
“It makes possible credible evaluation of government policies and overall performance of government, engenders transparency and accountability in governance and helps to eliminate corruption, underdevelopment and political instability,” he said.
Okoroanyanwu argued that lack of transparency breeds and engenders corruption and the only way to eliminate corruption and other untoward tendencies in the Maritime is for government agencies and parastatals to remain transparent, while the media is allowed to perform its constitutional duties unfettered.
He said: “The provision of information is a key element in mobilising a strong citizenship for development. Citizens need detailed and accurate data and information on the activities of the government to help them contribute meaningfully to the debate on appropriate strategies for socioeconomic planning, growth and development.
“People cannot play their full part in society without access to information. They cannot exercise their rights and claim their entitlements without information, nor can they participate fully in democratic processes.”
Okoroanyanwu posited that information is the life wire of the society, stating that without information flow, the human society will brood in the dark and be in jeopardy.
“A society without freedom of information is akin to a ship without a compass. That society will head to the rocks,” he opined.
The celebrant of the day, Ajayi, while addressing stakeholders and journalists at the event tagged; ‘Grand Reception for Leye,’ encouraged them, especially the media to utilise the FOI Act as a tool to spur development of the Nation’s Shipping Sector.
Ajayi, who was also a former President of MARAN, stressed that the FOI Act enacted few years ago was set up to promote, enhance and develop the Nation’s democracy.
His words: “The Act was signed into law on 28th May, 2011 by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The debate lasted for over 12 years, but the law was passed to enable the public access government information in order to ensure transparency and accountability.”
According to him, the challenges to the Act demand consistency, perseverance and right attitude from advocacy groups, citizens, and public officials.
“If the consistency at which human rights advocacy are using the Act to demand for government information continues, and the sensitisation at grassroots increases, the law will before long be able to achieve its aim to promote public transparency and accountability and deepen democracy in the Country.”
“Maritime stakeholders should note that the Freedom of Information law is a very powerful tool that should be implemented effectively for the growth of the Industry,” he said.
He, however, expressed delight that the availability of five maritime media associations has not hampered the rapport between various groups, even as he proposed a uniform umbrella to regulate the Sector’s media practitioners.
Corroborating Ajayi, Mr. Sesan Onileimo, a former President of MARAN, in his goodwill message, said that when the maritime association was one body, it was well respected and dignifying, and therefore called for uniformity.
Mr. Valentino Buoro, also a former President, called for training and retraining of members and the need to have an inward reflection of what the Association should be.
Also contributing, Mr. Ray Ugochukwu,equally a former President of MARAN, described Ajayi as a straightforward person and a ‘go-getter,’ saying he deserved the reception.
Also speaking at the event, a former President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, who was the Chairman of the occasion, commended Ajayi on his emergence as NUJ Lagos Chairman, describing the veteran journalist as humble and diligent.
Responding, Ajayi said that he felt happy with the reception accorded him, saying he put in more than 10 years in the Maritime Industry as a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reporter, editor and controller.
“It is good to be committed and determined when one is placed on a bit and to put in his or her best.
“I am happy that MARAN is honouring me, there are so many people to be honoured, but I have been singled out for this great privilege.
“This is not just for me having become the NUJ Chairman, but also for my great achievements in MARAN.
“My message is for the President to put more effort in training members for them to be better in future and be able to get even foreign jobs,” he said.
The event was attended by a wide array of veteran maritime journalists and some Industry bigwigs like the President, Shippers Association Lagos State (SALS), Rev. Jonathan Nicol, former General Manager, Public Affairs, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu, among others.
Photo caption:
L-R: Mr. Okey Ibeke, Mr Anya Njoku, MARAN President, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman Lagos NUJ and Mr. Ray Ugochukwu at the event.
