Edo - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Wed, 2025

Stakeholders advocate FoI law in Edo, demand transparency

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By Usman Aliyu

Civil society groups, legal experts, and media stakeholders have urged the Edo Government to domesticate the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to enhance transparency and accountability.

The stakeholders made the submission during a town hall meeting on FOIA application, organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) on Wednesday in Benin.

They highlighted the Act’s importance in empowering citizens to demand accountability.

In her opening address, CTA’s Executive Director, Faith Nwadishi, described corruption as a major threat to governance and development.

She emphasised the need for proactive FOIA implementation to track budgets and expose misconduct.

“We are not victims of corruption but powerful change agents. FOIA should be a tool for transparency, yet many citizens face barriers when trying to access vital information,” Nwadishi said.

She urged the Edo government to domesticate FOIA, noting that bureaucratic bottlenecks and deliberate denial of information hindered its effectiveness.

Representing the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, the Head of the FOI Unit in the Ministry of Justice, Garba Sunday, reaffirmed the Act’s role in governance.

He encouraged public institutions to proactively disclose information.

“FOIA guarantees citizens access to government records without requiring justification. Public institutions must ensure transparency by keeping records accessible,” he said.

He acknowledged that Edo had yet to enact a law regulating access to government records and urged the state to align with the federal FOIA to strengthen accountability.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funded by the European Union through International IDEA.

The forum provided stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss leveraging FOIA

Participants pledged to intensify advocacy for FOIA domestication in Edo, emphasizing that access to information is crucial for democratic governance and social justice.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Abdulaziz
Dec, Sat, 2024

Health

RoLAC, Edo mark 16 days of activism, commit to ending GBV

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By Aisha Gambo

Edo has joined the global community in commemorating the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a series of impactful activities aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the eradication of sexual and GBV (SGBV).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign was themed “UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls”.

It was spearheaded by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme in collaboration with the State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues (MSDGI).

The highlight of the event was the attendance of the sister to Gov. Monday Okpenholor, Ms Okpenholor, who reaffirmed the Governor’s commitment to the fight against SGBV.

In her address, she emphasised the importance of collective action in creating a society free of violence against women and girls.

“This administration stands firmly against all forms of gender-based violence.

“Together, we will strengthen our efforts to ensure that survivors are supported, perpetrators are held accountable, and future generations can live in safety and dignity,” Okpenholor said.

The RoLAC team spotlighted the detrimental impact of retrogressive cultural practices that have hindered SGBV campaigns in Nigeria for years.

The State Coordinator, RoLAC, Ms Uche Nwokedi, urged survivors to break the silence and come forward.

She said, “We must challenge harmful traditions that perpetuate violence and discourage survivors from speaking out.

” Ending SGBV requires not only strong laws but also a societal shift that empowers survivors to share their stories without fear of stigma.”

A range of activities marked the campaign in Edo State, including social media campaigns, road walks, community sensitisation, and a high-level conference.

These initiatives were designed to galvanize public attention, engage stakeholders, and spark meaningful discussions around SGBV prevention and response.

The campaign also highlighted gaps in the implementation of existing laws and policies.

Stakeholders called for stronger enforcement mechanisms and urged policymakers to prioritise SGBV prevention within government agendas.

“Laws alone are not be enough; we need consistent implementation and community-driven solutions to ensure their impact,” a participant remarked during a press briefing.

The state government commitment and RoLAC’s call for survivor empowerment set a hopeful tone for the campaign, underscoring the urgency of united action against SGBV.

As the 16 Days of Activism draw to a close, Edo remains steadfast in its pledge to protect the rights and dignity of women and girls, ensuring a safer future for all. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani