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FG Provides Guidelines For FOI Implementation
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Sali, said the government had provided operational guidelines for the effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Act ( FoI) to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
He said this in Abuja last Thursday at a sensitisation workshop for directorate cadre officers on the implementation of the FOI Act.
Sali, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Mr Charles Bonad, said that the guidelines were released through the Ministry of Justice.
He added that the guidelines were to be carefully studied and institutionalised in all MDAs.
The head of service noted that a reporting format had been developed and distributed to all MDAs to ensure uniformity
and standardisation in the reporting process.
“It is pertinent to mention that I have directed all MDAs to establish in-house committees on the FoI Act.
“In due course, the focal desk officer of the in-house committees in the MDAs will be sensitised and trained on all aspects of records management and documents for effective implementation of the Act.”
Bello also called for collaboration among the MDAs in the fight against poor service delivery and urged the management of MDAs to internalise the contents of the Act for effective service delivery.
The Chairman, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof . Chidi Odinkalu, warned that “the nation’s security is breached each time official business is transmitted via public domains such as yahoo and Gmail.
“This is because the proprietors of those services are in the U.S.”
Odinkalu described as ironic, a situation where government tagged all information as secret to its citizens but exposed itself via the public domains to the international community.
He called for urgent steps to end official communications on such domains.
The NHRC boss, who presented a paper entitled “Principles for Successful Implementation of FoI Act in Public Service: Lessons Learnt from other Countries”, said continuous use of such domains would expose the country to more dangers.
“The FoI Act should be taken seriously because of the current national crisis and this era of terrorism.”
He also expressed concern about the fact that several government establishments’ website were not integrated into a common portal.
Odinkalu said some of the websites were not usually updated, portraying the country as not serious and backward “in this age of information technology.”
He also called for a national security policy that would articulate short, medium and long term ways to address national issues, saying the last security policy review was done 25 years ago.
“With the new trend in crime and terrorism, Nigeria needs a new policy to address it,” he added.
In a goodwill message, the Special Assistant to Attorney-General of the Federation, Prof . Peter Akpe, said “the FoI Act entrusts to the office of AGF the responsibility of ensuring compliance by MDAs.
“It requires public institutions to submit to the AGF, annual dispositions made by them on the Act in the preceding year.
“I have encouraged compliance and in January, I issued a memorandum advising that all public institutions should submit their reports before the end of February as stipulated by the Act.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol