The International Press Centre (IPC) and Media Rights Agenda (MRA) have called for entries from individuals and organizations in Nigeria for their National Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards.
Penpushing reports that, a statement by the organisations added that in similar vein, the entries also meant for a National Freedom of Information(FOI) Essay Competition for mass communication and journalism undergraduates of Nigerian universities.
The statement issued by Executive Director of International Press Centre(IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade, and his Media Right Agenda(MRA) counterpart, Mr. Edetaen Ojo explained that it was part of activities to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of the signing of the Freedom of Information (FOI Bill signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.
Penpushing further reports that, the organizations explained that, the Freedom of Information (FOI) awards are designed to recognize and reward individuals, organizations and public institutions that have made significant contributions towards the advancement of the right to information in Nigeria as well as in ensuring the effective implementation of the Act.
The statement said the essay competition is aimed at encouraging mass communication and journalism undergraduates to examine the impact of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in enhancing participatory democracy under the topic: “Deepening Democracy, the Impact of FOI Act 10 Years After.”
Penpushing reports that organizations explained that the Freedom of Information( FOI) awards will be in four categories, namely: Individual Category, which will honour an individual that has made the highest number of requests for information under the FOI Act to public institutions or private entities to which the Act applies, between May 29, 2015 and October 31, 2021;
*The Organizational Category, which will honour a news organization, any other type of organization, company, association, institution, group, or other types of corporate entity that has made the highest number of requests for information under the FOI Act to public institutions or private entities to which the Act applies, between May 29, 2015 and October 31, 2021;
* A Public Institution FOI Best Practice Recognition, which will be conferred on a public institution adjudged to be most responsive to requests for information from members of the public under the FOI Act and that has adopted innovative and access-friendly practices and procedures to ensure public right of access to information in Nigeria;
*A Special Recognition, to be given to an individual adjudged to have made a substantial and lasting contribution towards advancing the right to information in Nigeria over the last 10 years.
Penpushing further reports that, the organisations said the winners of the awards and essay competition will be announced and honoured at an award ceremony, which will take place in Abuja on this year’s International Human Rights Day, Friday, 10 December, 2021.
The statement added that the awards and essay competition are organized with support from the European Union through component 4b: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Project.
Penpushing reports that, interested participants can contact: Ms Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer, International Press Centre (IPC) E-mail: tayoade@ipcng.org or Mr Idowu Adewale , Communications Officer, Media Rights Agenda (MRA)
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