MRS OTEMUYIWA ENLIGHTENS CORPS MEMBERS ON FOIA

 

The Desk Officer for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), NYSC Osun State, Mrs Catherine Otemuyiwa has enlightened the 2021 Batch A stream 1 corps members on FOIA and the FOIA Vanguard. 

While addressing corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede on Thursday, she explained that the Freedom of Information Act 2011 is the act that grants access to public information and records, and has over the years made information more available to the people.

 The Freedom of Information Act, she said, was signed into law 28th May 2011 by the former president of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

She stated that the objectives of FOIA include: granting the public access to public records, encouraging openness, transparency and accountability in governance, amongst others.

However she highlighted that despite the fact that the Act grants access to records, it equally has exemptions that protects the rights of individuals and public institutions in consonance with public interest.

She also stated that the scope of FOIA covers all aspect and the three tiers of government. She said that giving the public the access to information and knowledge about their rights and freedom to gain information is a form of arming the public with the power to demand good governance. She added that private institutions that render public service or expend public funds are equally captured under FOIA.

To conclude, she emphasized on the need for corps members to enlighten the people in their various places of primary assignment on FOIA and also on the importance of record keeping and proactive disclosure. She stressed that keeping records of serving corps members should not be the sole responsiblity of NYSC but that all corps employers should be enlightened on the need to keep up to date records of corps members serving in their organisations for future reference.