… Recommends overseas offices for NAN, VON, NTA
From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Following a three-day event of the 48th meeting of the National Council on Information and National Orientation held in Kaduna by 77 delegates from 17 states of the federation, some key recommendations were made to strengthen information services of Nigeria.
The directors of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation and chief executives of its agencies attended the event while the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations and other related professional bodies were adequately represented.
The theme of the meeting was, “Enhancing Public Information Management for Inclusive Governance: The Renewed Hope Agenda in Focus.”
At the end of the deliberations on information management and other related issues, the 10-man drafting committee, presided by Niger State Commissioner, Binta Mamman, issued a communiqué.
Some of the recommendations made by the Council as contained in the communiqué include: “Nigeria Information Service Centres in 13 countries abroad with four regional/zonal headquarters within these centres for the purpose of prompt decision making should be re-opened for reputation management as well as engendering positive image for the country globally. In addition the News Agency of Nigeria, Nigeria Television Authority Voice of Nigeria should also open offices in some selected countries to complement the efforts of the National Inquiry Service Centres (NISCs) to address the challenges associated with deployment protocols, limited carrier progression and resource shortages for Information and Public Relations Officers in MDAs at both state and federal levels.
“To reposition the National Institute of Public Information (NIPI) Kaduna, as a citadel for conduct of training and capacity building for Information and Public Relations practitioners in the country, other cadre of staff in the Public Service and Private Sector. In addition, the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations should consider adopting the Institute as one of its training centres.
“To revitalise the completion of construction of the Federal Government Printing Press (FGP) in Asokoro, Abuja, thereby ensuring its statutory duty of printing and publishing official and confidential documents of Government and its Agencies. In addition, States should consider patronising the FGP for printing of official documents for security and archival purposes.
“To strengthen the Nigeria Press Council for effective print media regulation in the country. Develop and promote strategic public information systems as a tool for inclusivity to address and mitigate political tension in the country.
“To adopt the News Agency of Nigeria’s initiative to expand its content production and dissemination to include indigenous Nigerian languages.”
The Council decried the incessant down grading as well as scrapping of Ministries of Information by some state governments. The Council, through the Ministry of Information and National Orientation called on the state governments where these ministries were severed to as a matter of urgency re-establish, re-equip and train personnel to take up the challenge of disseminating policies, programme of actions and advocacy at all levels of government in line with international best practice.
Council commended the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation for conducting the National Council on Information and National Orientation in just two years in office. Council thanked the Government and people of Kaduna State for their hospitality.
Council also approved Akwa Ibom State as venue of the next National Council on Information and National Orientation Meeting.