Aladesoun Guides Corps Mmbers On FOIA Acts

A Senior Staff of Information and Public Relations Unit, NYSC Lagos, Mrs Aladesoun Omolola has guided the 2024 Batch B stream two corps members on the Freedom of Information Act (2011).

In her lecture to the corps members, she explained how the FOIA Act was enacted and signed into law by the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Ebele Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

Aladesoun said the Act was aimed at enabling citizens to gain access to information, records, data and outline of activities of public institutions including private organizations.

She explained key aspects of the Act to include citizens’ right to freely access information, data, records from Government Agencies, Parastals, Federal Civil Service, Private and Public Sectors, with no fee charged.
She however disclosed that there are Exemptions to the Act which may be due to consideration of the public interest, security matters, code of ethics, parliamentary privilege, information provided in confidence, enactment that would constitute contempt of court, amongst others.

She further enlightened the Corps members that the Act was included in the outline of the programmes of the NYSC Community Development Service ( CDS) to create the awareness in their host communities.

Aladesoun also emphasized that the CDS group has been at the forefront creating adequate awareness through outreaches, visit to special homes and community services awareness campaign on the freedom of information Act.

The Session also highlighted the Act’s role in promoting government accountability and fighting corruption. She reiterated the functions of the Freedom of Information Act Community Development Service (CDS) group and encouraged corps members to join the vanguard