Segun Atanda/
In a groundbreaking effort to strengthen the national identity infrastructure and combat misinformation, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has commenced a two-day roundtable with publishers of online newspapers at Amber Residence, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event, which runs from June 21st to 22nd, brings together key players in Nigeria’s digital media landscape to foster a collaborative approach to accurate information dissemination.
Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director General and CEO of NIMC, emphasized the critical role of online media in shaping public opinion and ensuring the success of the national identity registration.
“As we gather here today, we are united by a common goal: to build formidable bridges between NIMC and the influential voices of the online media landscape,” Coker-Odusote said in her opening remarks. She highlighted the dual role of online publishers as both partners in disseminating accurate information and potential sources of misinformation, underscoring the need for a strategic partnership to address these challenges.
Compèred by Dr. Walter Duru, the event also featured remarks from Tito Ejenavi, Coordinator of the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, who highlighted the project’s mission to create an inclusive, robust identity system funded by the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency.
“Our mission is rooted in the principle of inclusion,” Ejenavi said, noting the historical marginalization of certain groups and the project’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to identity services for all Nigerians.
Over the course of the roundtable, participants will delve into NIMC’s operations, strategies, and future plans, with a focus on enhancing public trust and preventing the spread of misinformation. Both Coker-Odusote and Ejenavi called for the continued support of online publishers in spreading accurate information and encouraging nationwide participation in the identity registration process.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which aims to provide a legal identity for all by 2030, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind.
Among the facilitators on the opening day was Carolyn Folami, the Director, Business Development and Commercial Services at NIMC, the Technical Lead and Security Architect · Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Chinenye Chizea, NIMC Head Of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, and Festus Esangbedo,, the Head, Legal, Regulatory and Compliance at NIMC who fielded several questions after making a presentation on NIMC’s mandate and the Commission’s strategic priorities.
As the roundtable progresses, NIMC and the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project hope to establish lasting partnerships with digital media to foster a more informed and inclusive national identity system.
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