In an effort to enhance the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FoI) law in Imo State, the organization Connected Development has partnered with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to amplify public awareness and compliance. This initiative was highlighted during a recent visit by Connected Development’s Support Officer, Chimezie Obosie, to the NOA’s secretariat in Owerri. Obosie expressed concerns that, despite the FoI Act’s passage in 2011 and its subsequent domestication within the state in 2012, the law has largely remained unutilized. The challenge lies predominantly in the difficulty residents face when attempting to access public documents and information from various government workplaces. According to Obosie, successful activation of the FoI law could significantly improve such access, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
The collaboration between Connected Development and the NOA aims to spearhead intensified campaigns focusing on the full implementation of the FoI law. Through grassroots awareness efforts, it is anticipated that the community will be more informed about their rights under the law. Obosie emphasized that the NOA is ideally positioned for this task due to its mandate to sensitize citizens about government policies and programs. By leveraging the NOA’s existing platforms, the initiative seeks to build momentum for implementing the FoI law, ensuring that the citizens are not only familiar with the law but also empowered to utilize it in demanding access to public information from government agencies.
In response to the initiative, the Imo State Director of the NOA, Damian-Igwe Stella Maris, extended her support and encouraged Connected Development to capitalize on the agency’s resources for wider awareness campaigns. She reiterated the agency’s commitment to maintaining an open-door policy, similar to that of the Federal Government. By working collaboratively, both organizations aim to create a more informed citizenry that can better navigate the processes involved in accessing public information. Damian-Igwe emphasized the significance of both supply (government) and demand (citizens) sides in ensuring the effectiveness of the FoI law.
The need for the effective implementation of the FoI law is urgent in light of existing barriers that hinder access to information. Citizens often encounter obstacles that prevent them from obtaining necessary documents from public offices, which not only curtails transparency but also impedes the citizenry’s ability to hold officials accountable. Activating the FoI law is thus seen as not merely a bureaucratic requirement, but a vital component in fostering a culture of openness and responsiveness within government. Both Connected Development and the NOA recognize that enhancing the accessibility of public information is essential for nurturing an engaged and informed populace that can contribute meaningfully to democratic processes.
Moreover, the impact of successful FoI implementation can lead to greater public trust in government institutions. When citizens can freely access information about government activities, decision-making processes, and public spending, it cultivates an environment of transparency. This, in turn, fosters a stronger relationship between the government and the populace. It provides citizens with the knowledge necessary to advocate for their rights and to participate actively in democratic governance. Therefore, the partnership between Connected Development and the NOA is pivotal in driving the message home that access to information is not just a privilege but a right that every citizen should exercise without hindrance.
Ultimately, the ongoing collaboration between Connected Development and the National Orientation Agency signifies a vital step toward realizing the full potential of the Freedom of Information law in Imo State. By addressing implementation gaps and engaging with the grassroots, this initiative seeks to empower citizens and promote a cultural shift toward transparency and accountability in governance. As both entities mobilize resources and awareness efforts, the hope is to usher in a new era where citizens can confidently demand access to public information, thereby reinforcing the democratic fabric of the state and ensuring that public officials are held to high standards of accountability.
