UN, World Bank launch Information Center
By Chinwe Unachukwu
The United Nations Information centre and the World Bank has launched an Information centre in Lagos to provide a special, accessible and dedicated public space for development communication in the state.
The project was launched to provide the public with free access to information on development to encourage knowledge sharing and dialogue among stakeholders. The idea to bring it to fruition had first been in 2006 , when UNIC opened discussion with the World Bank to jointly set up an Information Centre on Development in Lagos.
The centre will offer to stakeholders access to on -line databases, relevant information on development, access to development experts, and to events such as roundtables, seminars, film screening, policy dialogue sessions etc.
According to Mr. Charles Nosa Osazuwa, officer in charge of UNIC “We have had several challenges and changes along the way. I am really very glad that this project has come on stream as planned. I must thank the Country Director of the World Bank , Mr. Onno Ruhl, for his commitment and support to see the project through its conception and implementation”.
UNIC and the World Bank have agreed to promote and provide the services of the centre to the local user community and other cities in Nigeria ,including government agencies, academia, professional community, development institutions and organizations, the media, private sector, civil society, and the general public.
According to reports, the project is committed to ensuring the achievement of the millennium development goal in Nigeria and is working strategically to expand its partnership and collaboration.
The World Bank and UNIC states it seeks to engage other official development agencies and organization working in Nigeria in the activities of the Center with the aim of improving the its knowledge base , and expanding its services and outreach.. Mr Osazuwa said “We therefore invite you and your partners to assist DIC with resources.”
