Effective digital engagement by government
agencies remains a big priority for the Federal Government because of its
immense potential, this was the position of Tolu Ogunlesi, the Head of
Presidency Office of Digital Engagement (PODE). Ogunlesi was speaking at a
stakeholder roundtable on digital rights and digital engagement organised by
Paradigm Initiative, Facebook and PODE.
agencies remains a big priority for the Federal Government because of its
immense potential, this was the position of Tolu Ogunlesi, the Head of
Presidency Office of Digital Engagement (PODE). Ogunlesi was speaking at a
stakeholder roundtable on digital rights and digital engagement organised by
Paradigm Initiative, Facebook and PODE.
The roundtable, which held recently, in
Lagos, brought together stakeholders from government agencies, the private
sector and the civil society. It
provided an engaging atmosphere for a lively debate on issues affecting
internet freedom and digital engagement by government agencies in Nigeria.
Issues discussed at the roundtable include data privacy and protection, law
enforcement, libel, fake news, and digital engagement by the government. The
roundtable followed the first edition held in Abuja last year.
Lagos, brought together stakeholders from government agencies, the private
sector and the civil society. It
provided an engaging atmosphere for a lively debate on issues affecting
internet freedom and digital engagement by government agencies in Nigeria.
Issues discussed at the roundtable include data privacy and protection, law
enforcement, libel, fake news, and digital engagement by the government. The
roundtable followed the first edition held in Abuja last year.
Speaking at the roundtable, was the
Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, ‘Gbenga Sesan who emphasised the
need for continuous conversation between stakeholders in the private sector,
civil society and the government on digital rights issues in Nigeria. He said,
“Digital right issues are far too important to our democracy and it is
crucial that we engage in conversation with security agencies and public
servants on how we can ensure freedom of people online while keeping the nation
and citizens safe.”
Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, ‘Gbenga Sesan who emphasised the
need for continuous conversation between stakeholders in the private sector,
civil society and the government on digital rights issues in Nigeria. He said,
“Digital right issues are far too important to our democracy and it is
crucial that we engage in conversation with security agencies and public
servants on how we can ensure freedom of people online while keeping the nation
and citizens safe.”
In her remarks, Public Policy Manager,
Africa of Facebook, Akua Gyeke said,
“Facebook is an important platform for political conversation in Nigeria,
and we are happy to be a part of this. Facebook is dedicated to keeping people
safe online, foster civility and responsible behaviour and promoting free
expression and sharing.”
Africa of Facebook, Akua Gyeke said,
“Facebook is an important platform for political conversation in Nigeria,
and we are happy to be a part of this. Facebook is dedicated to keeping people
safe online, foster civility and responsible behaviour and promoting free
expression and sharing.”
In addition, Tolu Ogunlesi, who led the conversation on a
proposed Digital Engagement Policy for Federal Government, said that his office
was working hard on creating digital engagement standards that would guide all
government offices in their use of digital tools to ensure effective
communication with the public.
proposed Digital Engagement Policy for Federal Government, said that his office
was working hard on creating digital engagement standards that would guide all
government offices in their use of digital tools to ensure effective
communication with the public.
According to hiM, “There is currently
no social media policy for the Federal Govt. This is understandable as social
media use is relatively new in government circle. But this situation has led to
inconsistency in the way government offices use digital media. We are currently
working on creating a digital engagement policy for the federal government. It
will provide guidelines on platforms to use, accounts administration, logo and
naming standard, editorial policies, archival system, content process and
management, among other things”
no social media policy for the Federal Govt. This is understandable as social
media use is relatively new in government circle. But this situation has led to
inconsistency in the way government offices use digital media. We are currently
working on creating a digital engagement policy for the federal government. It
will provide guidelines on platforms to use, accounts administration, logo and
naming standard, editorial policies, archival system, content process and
management, among other things”
Participants at the roundtable include
Anselm Ozioko of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission representing the
Acting Chairman of the Commission and the Acting Director of Defence
Information Brigadier General John Agim, who provided perspectives from the
national security and law enforcement side. Other participants are Chioma
Okee-Aguguo representing the CEO of National
Information Technology Development Agency, Olufemi Fadare of the National
Identity Management Commission, Olusola Teniola, President, Association Of
Telecommunication Companies Of Nigeria (ATCON), Edet Ojo, Executive Director at
Media Rights Agenda
Anselm Ozioko of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission representing the
Acting Chairman of the Commission and the Acting Director of Defence
Information Brigadier General John Agim, who provided perspectives from the
national security and law enforcement side. Other participants are Chioma
Okee-Aguguo representing the CEO of National
Information Technology Development Agency, Olufemi Fadare of the National
Identity Management Commission, Olusola Teniola, President, Association Of
Telecommunication Companies Of Nigeria (ATCON), Edet Ojo, Executive Director at
Media Rights Agenda
