CANADA TASKS FG ON FOI ACT

BY HENRY UMORU & INALEGWU SHAIBU
ABUJA - Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Chris Cooter, has urged the Federal Government to implement the Freedom of Information Act to foster democracy and economic development in the country.

Cooter, who gave the charge while meeting with the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, assured that the government of Canada would partner with Nigeria in the implementation of the Act.

He urged the Federal Government to take the lead in the implementation process through granting of access to information to Nigerians.

He said: 'We are happy with the passage of this legislation which is key to responsible democracy and economic growth.

'Leadership is key in the implementation of the Act. If leadership wanes, implementation process will wane.  We expect leadership by example in terms of proactive disclosure.

'The Freedom of Information Act is one of the most important legislation in the world and having had this in place in Canada in the last 30 years, we will stand beside you in the implementation of the

….As Momoh speaks on FOI Act
Freedom of Information Act will be in focus on Saturday July 23 at the Installation of Rotn John Senaya, as the 27th President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi, District 9110, in Lagos. Senaya takes over from the Immediate Past President, Rotn Nike Maiyaki.

The ceremony, which comes up at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos, will have veteran broadcaster and CEO of Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh, as guest speaker on the topic, 'Freedom of Information Act: How Relevant to our Social Economic Development'.

A statement by the Club Secretary said the event to be chaired by Nigeria's Ambassador to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, will also feature awards to media houses and personalities who have contributed to the growth and development of the media industry and  society.