On October 3, 2016, Media Rights Agenda in collaboration with Blackface Radio launched “An Hour with Media Rights Agenda”, an enlightenment programme which broadcasts on the station every Monday.
This programme aims to sensitise and raise awareness on relevant issues such as freedom of expression, internet rights and freedoms, the Open Government Partnership, press and media freedom, freedom of information, amongst other issues.
The programme began with a Freedom of Information Enlightenment episode anchored by Ololade Akinwande who discussed the topic Freedom of Expression with Eseohe Ojo, Communications Officer at Media Rights Agenda. In the course of this edition, the programme highlighted issues relating to Freedom of Information, particularly Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
The edition discussed freedom of information as a right, regional and international instruments backing it, features of a typical FOI law, the scope of its application, how many countries have FOI laws, the benefits and objectives of the FOI law and who is entitled to apply for information, amongst others. A key component of this edition was the importance of effective implementation of the law.
The subsequent edition of the programme which held on October 10, 2016 featured Mr Ayode Longe, Programme Manager, MRA and Mr Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director, MRA discussing “Internet Freedom is your Right and Responsibility”. This edition covered the issue of internet freedom, recent moves made to regulate the internet in Nigeria as well as the position of international law on this issue. This edition encouraged everyone as internet users to engage the process of ensuring that there are regulatory frameworks to guarantee internet freedom.
Later editions of the programme were broadcast on October 17, 24 and 31 touching on Key Features of the FOI Act, Nigeria and the Open Government Partnership and Safety of Journalists.
The programme is broadcast every Monday on Blackface Radio from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and can be accessed through the website http://blackface.com.ng/.
