REMARKS BY THE GOVERNOR OF KADUNA STATE, SEN. UBA SANI AS HOST OF THE 48TH EDITION OF NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING ON INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION HOLDING IN KADUNA FROM DECEMBER 11-13, 2024.
PROTOCOLS
I am honoured and delighted to welcome you all to Kaduna for the 48th Edition of the National Council Meeting on Information and National Orientation. This gathering is historic, as it brings together the highest policy-making council of information for our great nation. Information plays a vital role in a democracy, and its significance in governance, especially in a pluralistic nation like Nigeria, cannot be overstated.
- The theme of this meeting “Enhancing Public Information Management for Inclusive Governance: Renewed Hope in Focus” is apt. It not only reminds us of the critical role that information plays in democratic societies, but is reflective of our commitment to a process – led and participatory approach to governance. Effective public information management is crucial for promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
- The history of Nigeria cannot be written without a prominent mention of information managers or the media. The Nigerian media was in the forefront of the battle against the colonial masters. It collaborated with other progressive forces to wage pitched battles against military authoritarianism. It has remained committed to the promotion and protection of our democracy.
- I am a product of the struggle. I was in the trenches with key media personalities and information managers as we struggled to restore democracy to our country. We therefore have a stake in this democracy and must do all in our power to consolidate and defend it. We have viewed with grave concern how elements whose interests are alien to democracy have been working assiduously to derail our country’s hard won democracy. They have been manipulating our people and creating disunity. They politicize virtually everything. They have been de-marketing our country and giving it a negative image in the international community. We must watch them closely and devise strategic communication strategies to counter their divisive and negative narratives.
- Our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR assumed office at a trying time in the nation’s history. He inherited a near comatose economy. He therefore has the unenviable task of initiating and implementing far-reaching measures to prevent the Nigerian economy from collapse. Because of global economic meltdown and years of mismanagement in Nigeria, fixing our economy requires time and sustained re-engineering. That is why Mr. President has come up with innovative and creative solutions to reinvent the economy and put our nation irreversibly on the path to sustainable growth and development. Although some of the measures have been painful, they are being implemented with good intentions, for the greater good of the Nigerian people. As a Father of the nation, President Tinubu has continued to renew our hope in the possibilities of the Nigerian nation.
- Information Managers have a responsibility to effectively communicate Mr. President’s Reform Agenda to the Nigerian people. We must fashion a robust Communications Strategy to carry out this important task. We must give the people the background to the reforms, what it is all about, and the benefits therein. We must be patient with the people and break things down for them. Messages should be crafted in a way that takes care of the peculiarities of different audiences. We need the buy in of the people in what we do. The people are our pillar of support.
- Here in Kaduna State, we are making significant strides in promoting transparency and accountability. A major pillar of our Governance Agenda is Nurturing Citizens Engagement. We are committed to carrying the people along in decision – making processes, especially on how their resources are allocated and expended. We recognize the important and strategic role of citizens in holding government accountable and accelerating growth and development. Consequently, we have been holding regular meetings with Kaduna State Elders Forum, religious leaders, youth and women to share thoughts on development issues/concerns, current and emerging security issues, and fashion strategies on how to address them. The people are the greatest weapons against enemies of progress and development.
- Additionally, we are implementing innovative solutions to enhance public information management through the Open Government Partnership (OGP) principles. For instance, we involve civil society organizations in budget planning and implementation processes. We also hold regular town hall meetings with the public. Our “Eyes and Ears” citizen feedback app notifies government officials of the status of services in healthcare clinics.
- However, I am aware of the challenges we face in ensuring that public information is accessible, accurate, and timely. The advancement in digital technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and new media, raises concerns about deep fakes. While Artifical Intelligence and the social media can be used for creative and positive purposes, they can also be used to spread misinformation and manipulate people. It is essential to develop policies that promote effective detection and prevention methods to mitigate these risks.
Yet another challenge is the digital divide which limits access to information, particularly for marginalized communities, underscoring the need for inclusive and accessible information dissemination strategies. - In the last three days, you have engaged in robust discussions, shared your expertise, and collaborated to develop innovative solutions to the challenges we face in information management. Let us contine to work together to create a brighter future for our nation, where public information is a powerful tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
- Distinguished delegates, as you return to your various institutions, I urge you to rededicate yourselves to the effective management of public information for inclusive governance. Reaffirm your commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance through effective public information management.
Thank you for listening. Welcome to Kaduna.
