Group Trains 21 on Technology Utilization for FoI Access, Advocacy in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Center for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has trained 21 persons in Anambra state on application of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and hands on Hackathon as a tool for advocacy.

Programme/Communications Manager,
MacDonald Ekemezie disclosed this on Thursday at a one-day training by the group in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Participants in the training, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funded by the European Union through International IDEA included government officials, Civil Society Organizations, Community leaders, media and other sectors.

Ekemezie said the training was a follow-up to the previous trainings on the FOI targeted at developing skills and knowledge on how to deploy technology tools to access FOI easily.

He said, “We’ve had FOI training explaining the essence of the act, access to the information as well as creating awareness.

“Today’s workshop is a build up to help citizens develop their skills on how to use certain tools to access FOI easily.

“One of those tools is the use of technology which today’s training on hackathon is all about.

“It’s also about how technology can be used as advocacy tool to access information and back up requests the citizen needs.

“This is the last training in the series. We’ve trained about 17 persons in North Central zone, FCT to be precise, and Edo respectively, and we’re in Anambra today.

“We’re glad to note that we’ve recorded successes from the skills we’re impacting is being deployed by our trainees.

“One of them, Mrs Gloria Nwafor from the benefits she drew from previous training, used it for persons with Disabilities to access information.

“She has also cascaded the training to the grassroots for further empowerment of her members. Lots of people are keying into what we’re doing.

“What would have been a challenge has been made easier by the judgement by the Supreme court that the act should be implemented across the federation.

“This makes our advocacy easier. What we’re asking for is for full implementation and compliance.

While commending participants for making themselves available for the training, Ekemezie enjoined them to utilize the knowledge and skills learnt to further advocate for full implementation of the Act.

“Today we have about 21 participants and the message for them is to diligently tap into the skills and knowledge being impacted by maximizing it judiciously, especially at the grassroots.

“They should also help us to advocate for the full implementation of the FOI within the sub-national.”