The Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Mr Edetaen Ojo, has reiterated the need to promote accountability and transparency by training journalists on the Freedom of Information (FoI) Bill.
He stated this in his welcome address at the South West Zone two-day FOI bill training workshop for journalists and Civil Society Organisations in Lagos.
According to him, “Many public institutions continue to operate in secrecy, often in violation of the law, while citizens, journalists and civil society activists are yet to optimally leverage the rights that the Act grants them.’’
According to him, although MRA frequently carry out capacity building activities designed to give people in different sectors the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize the FOI Act.
Ojo said access to information is not simply a technical or legal matter, it is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy.
He said that without access to information, citizens would not meaningfully participate in governance, hold public officials accountable or make informed decisions about issues that affect their lives.
The Executive Director said that the Act provides the legal framework to demand this access.
However, it is through sustained use, vigilance, and advocacy that we can make it work effectively and derive its full benefits.
Ojo said that the workshop is part of MRA continued efforts to strengthen the ability of journalists and CSOs to utilise the FOI Act to promote accountability and transparency. .
The Executive Director said journalists after the workshop utilise the Act as a tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country.
He said that MRA’s goal is not only to enhance participants technical skills but also to build a community of informed and empowered actors among journalists and civil society actors.
According to him, it is hoped that all can work together and support each other to promote openness and accountability in government and in public life.
“By collaborating, sharing experiences, and amplifying each other’s work, we can enhance the effectiveness of the FOI Act and make it a living instrument for democratic governance.”
He said MRA was committed to promoting accountability and transparency in governance and public life through training on the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011.
Ojo said that the workshop is part of MRA continued efforts to strengthen the ability of journalists and CSOs to utilise the FOI Act to promote accountability and transparency.
The Executive Director said journalists after the workshop utilise the Act as a tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country.
He said that MRA’s goal is not only to enhance participants technical skills but also to build a community of informed and empowered actors among journalists and civil society actors.
According to him, it is hoped that all can work together and support each other to promote openness and accountability in government and in public life.
“By collaborating, sharing experiences, and amplifying each other’s work, we can enhance the effectiveness of the FOI Act and make it a living instrument for democratic governance. Nearly 15 years after the passage of the FOI Act, its promise of an open and responsive government is still far from being fully realised.
“Many public institutions continue to operate in secrecy, often in violation of the law, while citizens, journalists and civil society activists are yet to optimally leverage the rights that the Act grants them’’, he said.
Ojo said access to information is not simply a technical or legal matter, it is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy.
He said that without access to information, citizens would not meaningfully participate in governance, hold public officials accountable or make informed decisions about issues that affect their lives.
The Executive Director said that the Act provides the legal framework to demand this access.
However, it is through sustained use, vigilance, and advocacy that we can make it work effectively and derive its full benefits.
“Over the next two days, we will strive to equip all of you with the knowledge and practical skills to navigate the FOI process. From drafting effective requests to challenging denials and using the information obtained in the process for investigative journalism and for advocacy’’.
Ojo, however, called for entries for the Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information Awards 2026 and encouraged to give it a shot.
According to him, with the kind permission of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who signed the FOI Act into Law on May 28, 2011, the awards was named in his honour.
He said that the awards are open to all Nigerian journalists working in print, broadcast, online, and multimedia platforms.
Ojo said that the awards recognise and celebrate journalistic excellence in promoting transparency and accountability through the effective use of the FOI Act.
He said that the awards are in two categories, the first category, for the Most Active User of the FOI Act.
“A journalist who made the highest verifiable number of information requests under the FOI Act between May 28, 2011, and December 31, 2025.”
“The second category is for the most outstanding promoter of the FOI Act,” he said.
He said it would recognise a journalist who has made the most outstanding contributions in promoting the FOI Act since its enactment in 2011.
According to him, the training included raising public awareness about the Act, its provisions, how to use it, its benefits, and the rights it confers on individuals.
“As well as advocating for its effective implementation through news stories, feature articles, opinion pieces, or other media outputs. Winning any of these awards could give a significant boost to your journalistic career,’’ he said.
Ojo, however acknowledged and thank Luminate for supporting the workshop and therefore making it possible to gather and learn from each other.
He appreciated their commitment to strengthening transparency and protecting the public’s right to know.
NAN reports that about 30 journalists and CSOs in south West zone where equipped at the two days workshop on different tools and resources such ‘Leveraging Digital Tools and Platforms for FOI request.
Other resource materials include ‘Using FOI request for Investigative Journalism among others.
(NAN)
