• IIM Africa to assist regulatory bodies develop framework on information governance

BY: Justice Godfry

The Premier Information Management Institute in Africa, the Institute of Information Management (IIM) has indicated its readiness to assist regulatory agencies to identify information gaps, information management needs, and develop the required framework for effective data/information governance.

The Institute is also poised to assist the regulatory bodies on setting the parameters for data/information management and usage, creating processes for resolving data/information issues and enabling regulatory bodies and other stakeholders make decisions based on high-quality data and well-managed information assets.

These, according to the President/Chairman, Governing Council, IIM Africa, Dr. Oyedokun A. Oyewole, are part of the bid in promoting data / information management standards and governance across sectors in Nigeria as they plan to host the 2019 IIM Africa Information Management & Literacy Week, with activities lined up at different locations in Lagos.

The Information Management & Literacy week, he said, is aimed at promoting Information Management Literacy across cultures, peoples, educational institutions, organizations, policies, professions, initiatives, and nations.

“These include intergovernmental organizations, education institutions, technological intermediaries, development organizations, associations, NGOs, research groups, educators, media professionals, library, archive and information professionals, policymakers, regulators, and practitioners in the country”, the IIM Africa President said.

The theme for the Information Management and Literacy Week 2019 is “A reformed and renewed society through information literacy”.

This theme, he added, recognises all the ways that information support organsations and institutions in effective governance, providing intelligence and analytics of functions and processes for effective operations, profitability, mitigation of risks, effective and judicious use of resources, knowledge preservation, and ultimately effective decision making.

“The Information Management and Literacy Week is expected to provide several opportunities in: Finding out about the wide range of services that Information Management offer;

“Recognising the vital role which Information Management services play for research and education;

“Recognising the contribution of Information Management professionals and organsations for the work outcomes in corporations, government departments, health care and other institutions;

“Delibrating on the role of regulatory bodies/agencies and determination of their individual information needs, future and their approach to effective execution of their statutory responsibilities to stakeholders in their various sectors;

“Emphasizing the significance of Information Management in the maintenance of our history and culture at community and national levels;

“Recognising the importance of information services as providers of services for people who may otherwise be disadvantaged by their lack of access to information and services and

“Considering the role which Information Management play in our local community, work, and personal life”.

Activities lined up for the 2019 Information Management & Literacy Week include, opening ceremony  / Data & Information Governance Forum / Exhibition / Hosting of regulatory authorities on Tuesday, 7 of May 2019 through Wednesday 8 of May 2019 being the day 2 of the Data & Information Governance Forum / Exhibition.

Sessions at the Data & Information Governance Forum, include Data /Information Governance for National Security, Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019, Data / Information Governance Framework for Regulatory Agencies, Best Practices and the Role of the Press in disseminating sensitive Information to the Public.

The event is expected to commence on the third day with Information Management Session for Schools (Secondary Schools, Polytechnics and Universities) / Exhibition. And the 2nd Edition of the Miss Archives Beauty Pageant on Friday, 10 of May 2019. 

A Novelty Football Match is slated for Saturday 11 of May 2019, as the entire event is expected to come to a close on Sunday 12 of May 2019 with an historic maiden Founder’s Day / Presentation and lastly, Records and Information Management (RIMA) Awards to deserving professionals in the Information Management Industry both home and abroad.

Information Management and Literacy Week

The annual Information Management and Literacy Week formerly Records and Information Management Awareness Workshop, Awards and Exposition (RIMAW) which debut in 2004, featuring conference, exhibition, awards etc The event has been Africa’s premier and all-important event for the Information Management industry.

It also serves as a very important opportunity for stakeholders to review and celebrate the progress achieved towards the process of institutionalizing effective management of data, information, records, contents.

The Information Management Awareness Week also enables connections and sharing of creative projects, the latest research, new ideas, and information across sectors and stakeholders involved in data, information, records, documents, archives and library management.

Government regulatory agencies, Service Chiefs, stakeholders and top players in various sectors, media houses (Newspapers / TV / Radio Stations) will be attending the 2019 edition of the event.