News
Don advocates for the establishment of Digital Preservation Centre in Nigeria
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
PROFESSOR of Information Science, Prof. Ezra Shiloba Gbaje has call for the establishment of Nigerian National Centre for Digital Preservation (NNCDP) for monitoring and conduct of researches on digital preservation in Nigeria.
Prof. Gbaje made the call in his Inaugural Lecture titled: “Beyond Digitization: Access and Preservation” which he presented as the 13th in the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) Inaugural Lecture series on Wednesday in Lokoja.
He held that there is also the need for a “unified National digital preservation policy and implementation strategies” that would address identified lapses.
The policy, he added was expected to provide a well-articulated roadmap for digital preservation activities for the National Information Centres and other related efforts in digital preservation in the country.
The Information Science Specialist suggested in his Policy Principle Statement, that the Centre, which is expected to function as a parastatal, would have the mandate and commitment to digital objects preservation.
The Center, he added, would ensure that digital objects created and preserved at the Nigerian National Information Centres are available accessible for re-use in the short and long-term
Prof. Gbaje also called for the modification and re-designing of the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) reference model for the preservation of digital objects using appropriate computer hardware and Dspace Open Source Softwares.
He hinted that the Federal Government of Nigeria over the past two decades had evolved and promoted many initiatives and policies that encourage the use of digital technology in almost every facet of human endeavours.
The aim, according to him, is to ensure that Information Technology resources are readily available to promote efficient national development and provide enabling environment for data protection and data utility.
“I wish to state that to date, no digital preservation policy has been put in place to ensure that the growing digital objects created as a result of a shift to digital information systems are preserved for long-term accessibility and re-use”, Prof. Gbaje observed.
“There must be active intervention to make sure that the digital objects stored in storage media can be located accessed and used over a long term period.
“Digital preservation policies and strategies are crucial parts of managing risks associated with rapid computer hardware and software obsolescences”, he said.
He added that Fake News was now rampant because of improper information preservation procedures saying that when put in proper perspective, systems would begin to reject fake news on their own. Fake News have peculiar features.
Speaking earlier, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi described the title of the lecture: “Beyond Digitization: Access and Preservation” as thought-provoking.
He noted that the occasion held special significance for the institution “as we gather here to celebrate knowledge, academic excellence, and the remarkable achievements of one of our esteemed academics, Professor Ezra Shiloba Gbaje.
According to him, the title speaks volumes about the ever evolving landscape of digital technology and the challenges it poses to us as custodians of knowledge.”
He said that Prof. Gbaje’s selection as the distinguished lecturer for the prestigious event was a testament to his unwavering commitment to research, teaching, and the pursuit of academic excellence.
Prof. Akinwumi described the 13th Inaugural Lecture as a testament to the institution’s unwavering dedication to the dissemination of knowledge and the pursuit of intellectual growth and provided platform to foster meaningful discussions, exchange ideas and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. (Ends)
News
Information Ministry takes Economic Enlightenment Campaign to Jigawa
To educate citizens on the economic interventions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has commenced a public awareness campaign in Jigawa State.
The ministry urged the public, especially the youth, to take advantage of the opportunities for self-reliance, with the initiative highlighting various job creation and poverty alleviation programs.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, represented by Mala Bashir Dahiru Galadanci, Head of the Federal Information Center in Dutse, highlighted the government’s “Renewed Hope” initiatives.
He emphasized that the interventions were designed to change the narratives in the economic wellbeing of Nigerians and provide job and skill opportunities, particularly for the youth, to encourage self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
According to Mr. Galadanci, the administration is committed to addressing poverty and unemployment by introducing accessible programs that benefit citizens at the federal, state, and local levels. He called on the people of Jigawa State to explore these opportunities and support government efforts in transforming the country’s economy.
Jigawa State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Ahmad Tijjani, also called for public support of the government’s policies. He acknowledged that while some recent policy changes have impacted citizens’ living standards, these new interventions are a proactive step toward alleviating poverty and economic hardship.
In a presentation, Professor Ali Siro of the Sociology Department at the Federal University Dutse detailed various federal interventions, including the Student Loan Program, Consumer Credit Corporation, Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, National Youth Talent Export Program, National Housing Initiative, and several small business loan schemes.
He explained the eligibility criteria, repayment terms, and benefits of the initiatives to encourage public participation.
In his goodwill message, the Emir of Dutse, Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, commended the federal government for introducing multiple economic interventions to cushion the impact of new policies.
Represented by Senior Counsellor Alhaji Mustapha Aminu, the Emir suggested a review of civil service rules, urging the government to adjust workers’ salaries and make loan terms more flexible to prevent financial strain on the workforce.
This campaign marked the beginning of a nationwide effort to educate citizens on government interventions aimed at creating socio-economic opportunities and improving the overall welfare of Nigerians.
News
EFCC declares that Bello is not in its custody, amidst speculation of his arrest by the agency
***Bello leaves EFCC without interogation
The Economic ane Financial ctimes Commisaion has discredited reports that the immediate past Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello is in its custody .
Head, Media and Publicity of the anti graft agency, Dele Oyewale in a terse statement on Wednesday indicated that Media reports earlier in the day that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. “The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody. Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.
Bello’s media team had sent out a statement earlier indicating that the former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello had turned himself in to
honor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invitation, following allegations of corruption and fraudulent activities during his tenure.
Their statement confirmed that the former Governor appeared before the EFCC after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies.
In another twist, indications emerged that Bello, who had initially claimed to have voluntarily honoured the commission’s invitation, was trailed and arrested by EFCC operatives in Lokoja at midnight.
In yet another twist, Bello’s Director of Media, Ohiare Michael said, “Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former Governor of Kogi State, HE Alh. Yahaya Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office to honour the Commission’s invitation.
“In the statement, we reiterated the former Governor’s great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, and stressed that, all the while, he only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave. We don’t know what this means yet. As we write, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“Recall that the case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. The former Governor decided to honour the invitation to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear. “
News
At last, Yahaya Bello honors EFCC invitation
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has honored the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invitation, following allegations of corruption and fraudulent activities during his tenure.
Bello’s media team in a statement confirmed that he appeared before the EFCC after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies.
The former governor had been declared wanted by the EFCC over alleged money laundering and corrupt enrichment amounting to N80.2 billion.
The statement reads: “The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.
“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.
“He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.
“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.”
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