The 44th National Council on Information (NCI) continued in Osogbo, Osun State, Thursday with the consideration of memoranda presented by States, the Federal Ministry of Information and its agencies.
Today's session which is being chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information, Dr. FolasadeYemi-Esan.In her opening address, the Permanent Secretary had expressed the hope that far reaching decisions would be taken, on the use of Social Media to facilitate national development, as it is critical to the success of government.
Furthermore, she stressed that this new publicity strategy should be better utilized in view of the fact that the world was now driven by digital technologies.
Osun State'sCommissioner for Information, Hon. Sunday Akerealso expressed the hope that this year's NCI would come up with resolutions for a more focussed approach towards technological development, a friendlier working environment for information and communication workers, as well as ensure the sustenance ofthe nation's unity.
Some of the memoranda tabled before the Council for consideration include the need for the establishment of a virile/world class institute of journalism for training and retraining of journalists in the south-westproposed workshop on curriculum guidelines for improved journalism education in Nigeria; and using social media to disseminate sectoral achievements of government with active involvement and participation of states and even local governments.
Also presented to Council are memoranda on digitalizationof AbubakarRimi Television (ARTV) and radio, Kano (AM/FM); need to revitalize Government printing presses and accord them their statutory right of printing classified Government documents; need for the establishment of community information centers in local government areas across the federation
Others are the need to establish farmers' radio to promote agricultural activities and production through dissemination of agricultural information, knowledge and skills; street naming, house numbering and issuance of state identification cards to boost security; memorandum seeking adoption in the establishment of local government ward development project committees: a tool for grassroots mobilization by the 36 states of the federation and FCT Abuja
Also presented at the NCI meeting are memoranda on national media literacy campaigns; national campaign against unwholesome movies; establishment of citizens centers by state governments as feedback mechanism to promote accountability and good governance; update on the establishment of a collective management organization for the audio-visual Industry in Nigeria; and Nigerian film industry stakeholders interactive forum.
Meanwhile, Council received updateson memoranda on the Draft National Information Policy; the need for functional Official Websites with key activities for states, local governments and Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a reflection of same on National Information Portal-www.nigeria.gov.ng.
Council was also notified on the restructuring of broadcast licensing regime and challenges of copyright commission in States.
Also of key interest during the presentation was a memo on the Need to Monitor Internet Content To Encourage Accountable Use of The Net
The Purpose of the memorandum is to highlight the urgent need to make internet users accountable and responsible for what they post on the internet. Unregulated internet use has accelerated illegal drug production, terrorist activities, national insecurity, fraud etc.
Council is therefore invited to consider the need to commence a process of monitoring internet use in the country.
Source: 44th NCI: 35 memos presented to council, internet content monitoring, others considered (http://www.nigeria.gov.ng/2012-10-29-11-09-25/news/563-44th-nci-35-memos-presented-to-council-internet-content-monitoring-others-considered)