By Joseph Edegbo :
The Africa Media Development Foundation has joined the world to celebrate this year’s International Day for Universal Access to Information, just as it tasks the media as purveyors of information to do the needful.
This year’s theme: “The Right to Know – Building Back Better with Access to Information” which highlights the role of access to information laws and their implementation to build back strong institutions for the public good and sustainable development, as well as to strengthen the right to information and international cooperation in the field of implementing this human right, is timely as nations strive to rebuild their economies and institutions following the global pandemic.
In a message, the Executive Director of AMDF, Mr. Iliya Kure affirmed that reliable and accurate information remains key as only informed citizens can make informed decisions on their health, education, environment and importantly who governs them.
It is against this background, he said the AMDF on this occasion, calls on the media as purveyors of information to go the length in providing factual information to numerous people who rely on them to make decisions.
“The need for accurate and reliable information cannot be over emphasised, as the pandemic came with so much infodemic that has not just shown the need for access to information but the right to have reliable information that will promote the growth of economies and institutions.
“September 28th, was designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO) which was recognized as ‘’international right to know day’’ since 2002 and was developed by the international civil society advocates in 2012.
”The Day, according to UNESCO has also been designed to mobilize governments, civil society and decision-makers to meet the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development, notably the 16th Goal which calls for the promotion of “just, peaceful and inclusive societies” by mobilizing governments, decision makers and civil society.
“The media plays a role in informing the public about issues of interest but also relies on the ability to seek and receive information which equals the right to freedom of press. AMDF as a media development organization that provides professional support to media, journalists and upholds press freedom in Africa, we are particular about creating support and awareness to the public on the importance of their right to information.
“To this end, all stakeholders must put in concerted efforts to ensure information legislations enhance access to information for all and not such that censor information at the detriment of the citizens, as the rights to information is an important human right”, the message concludes.