General News
Growing Crime Due To Lack of Central Database – Oyebo
Yemisi Grace Oyebo (Mrs) is head, Document Management, First Bank of Nigeria Plc.
She is also a member of various Associations in the records and information management profession, within and outside Nigeria and has held such positions as senior librarian, records, archives and information management, analyst/consultant.
With 20 years experience in Information Management, and over 24 years experience as a seasoned Historian, she is passionate about the evolving industry in Nigeria.
Oyebo spoke to peter ugwu on the imperatives of delivering proper information management to businesses, government, financial, and private sectors in the country.
Rating Information Management Industry in Nigeria
The industry is an evolving one; not only in Nigeria, but it is a global trend.
Why it has not been well recognized before now is because the awareness on the business or keeping records was very low.
Meanwhile, everybody has records, right from the day we were born. At birth certificate is issued to the baby, even at death, people still ‘receive’ death certificate. So, in one’s life cycle, documents are generated.
While in school, all the admission letter, examination papers, results, certificates, etc are documented.
When you get to work, again the advert for your job should be documented; the interview materials, etc. if you don’t document them, of course there will be no evidence for you in future.
Therefore, in the time past the people failed to realize that such information and records ought to be documented for reference purpose.
Many have lost court cases; it has caused them a lot of stress for failure to keep records.
Thus, at time people started reasoning alongside record keeping, particularly the legal profession which pioneered the records and information documentation.
When the lawyers need evidence to support their litigations they need documents. So, it was in the mid-1950s that the profession started evolving.
And in Nigeria today, people don’t really know how to go about it, that is the reason why few of us who exposed to the intricacies involved in the profession and out of dedication to the course; we are willing to share the knowledge with whoever cares.
Your Passion Suggests You Would Like the National Assembly Legislate on Information Management?
Exactly, there should be legislation on this matter.
It serves as the same thing as having guiding rules, policies and principles and having consequent-management.
That is, there should be sanctions if things are not done right; and in a situation where things are working well you give reward.
Like the adage that say: where there is no law there is no sin; the same thing applies to the issue at stake, if there is no Bill to support the profession, people will not take it serious.
Businesses should also consciously make it part and parcel of their operating guidelines, right from take-off. It should be such that you consider your certificate of registration, how do you keep it; the advert for positions, the interviews as you proceed in your endeavours, etc.
So, upcoming businesses should not make the same mistakes that multi-nationals have made, which they are finding it difficult to leave with.
Some of us are only interested in accumulating documents, no meaningful means of labeling them; neither do they have retrieval method.
Where Does Record and Information Management Comes in Data Security; Especially in the Banking Sector cum Cashless Policy?
If we are looking at cashless economy we should be also considering a paperless economy. But even in cashless economy, there are still elements of paper document flow or control which demands strict adherence to laid down procedure to maintain data security.
Even the online transactions there are records that must be kept. All the ATM transactions, we keep the records.
There is no transaction that does not require record keeping. And it is becoming easier with cashless economy policy.
The same success expected from this economy is accruable from paperless economy if we embrace it.
Paperless documentation is very credible aspect of proper information record. Both the paperless documentation and cashless policy share the agenda of ensuring security of information or data.
So, the enablers to communicate or transact business within the contest of cashless economy are the ICT gadgets, and they are ridden with data or information captured during our transmission from paperless to electronic documentation.
Even the text messages, financial transaction alerts, facebook comments, tweets, etc are information shared and they are recorded somewhere via ICT tools.
The only difference is that ICT is a tool that requires a professional handling. And the people to do that are the records and information managers. We are the real information content managers.
First Bank had bagged Information Security Management Systems Certification, How Was the Bank Able to achieve the Feat?
It started with the management’s decision that First Bank must pursue excellence in information and document management.
The actualization of this certification was a proof of the management’s foresight. I give kudos to them, because they are willing and committed to the course.
This was a solid foundation for the department to operate better.
First of all, they believed in us that work in that department. They provided the fund for and mandated the relevant departments to provide us with necessary documents and supports.
The bank has been apt since it adopted and complied with the highest known management standards, not only in document management, but in information security, IT governance and business continuity.
What Are your Advices to Banks and Corporations yet to Embrace this Important Administrative Approach?
My advice to them is to know that it is not late. They should just include proper information management in their processes and redo all their backlogs while the new once are handled professionally.
As An Evolving Profession, What Are The Career Opportunities Available?
There are so many career opportunities available in the discipline. Looking at the lifecycle of information; starting with the creation, companies need us, (RIM managers) to guide them on various policies they need to put in place.
We need to inform them on how to enforce the policies, how to generate the documents, etc. even when they want to classify and filling, they need information managers. When it comes to storage, forget about it, that one is endless.
You can go into ranking system, document management for the e-information, etc. Currently, ICT experts are doing our job.
For instance, all those selling certain information management software are doing our job, because the sector has not brazen up.
They may not get the actual solution until the professional give them the appropriate information on what to build.
When it comes to archiving, it is still us that will do that, and determine who should have access to what.
So, there is a huge potential in this profession.
Unfortunately, people don’t really know. That’s why I am happy with what Records and Information Awareness (RIMA) Foundation is doing.
We have seen people develop passion for the field just for the fact they have come to understand potentials in this field.
They were exposed to what others are doing through this platform; most of them were overwhelmed.
Information, Document and Archives managers in the Country had at Different Public Fora Decried the State of the National Archives, What Do You Think is the Problem?
We all know that whenever something is within the purview of the government as a parastatal, the situation is not always encouraging.
It’s really unfortunate because I can’t start analyzing our public sector is going through. My colleagues at the national archives are frustrated, because there is no commitment from people at the top echelon, no fund, no support and they don’t buy into programmes that will rejig the institution.
Notwithstanding the challenges, we are coming together to attack the monster of improper information management in Nigeria.
It’s an evolving sector actually, but I want to say that it is paying. It will evolve and get sustained.
Our focus should be to have legacies for the coming generations. Other countries have central database, we don’t have that in Nigeria.
The national information managers are supposed to have collection of certain documents. Over there you can’t forge birth certificate; because they have your data even thumb prints of the citizens, etc.
This sector has capacity to help business grow. Government should provide a platform to enable this happen.
As A RIMA Ambassador, What are your Plans for the Industry?
RIMA ambassador is like an ambassador of a country; you are that country. So, I stand for what Rima is to the society.
It is expected of me to create awareness. Even as a member of the advisory board I have to do more than that.
Although it is going to be a challenging task, but I have accepted it, because we must get thing right and working in our country.
We have that gap that must be closed. For instance, Records management is studied under management Science in University of Ibadan; in other words, it is not even a full-fledged course. How do we address that if we don’t create awareness?
Thus, it is done on us, already practicing to even increase our knowledge. Personally, I have visited warehouses, vaults, libraries, archives, resource centers; wherever information is stored, I do visit them while on tour abroad. We need to sacrifice for others coming up to have where to stand to grow.
Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos has declared the N60 billion fine imposed by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) on Facebook Nigeria Operations Limited Illegal.
Justice Bogoro stated that ARCON regulator exceeded its legal authority and breached the company’s constitutional right to a fair hearing.
He, who made the declaration while delivering judgment in Suit marked, FHC/L/CS/2205/2024, declared ARCON’s Notice of Violation/Demand for Compliance dated 21 October 2024, unconstitutional, unlawful, null, and void, and barred the agency from taking further steps to enforce it.
The judge also held that ARCON lacked the statutory power to impose fines for alleged criminal violations under the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act, 2022, without first obtaining a conviction from a court or other competent tribunal.
The dispute arose from ARCON’s claim that Facebook Nigeria displayed advertisements on Facebook and Instagram to Nigerian audiences without prior approval from the Advertising Standards Panel, contrary to provisions of the ARCON Act and the Nigerian Code of Advertising.
Following these alleged breaches, the regulator ordered the company to cease displaying the advertisements and imposed an N60 billion penalty.
Apparently dissatisfied with the development, Facebook Nigeria, through Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo (SAN), its lawyer, challenged the action, arguing that ARCON lacked the legal authority to determine criminal liability or impose punitive sanctions via an administrative notice without allowing the company to defend itself.
The company also argued that it does not own or operate Facebook or Instagram, claiming both platforms are owned and controlled by Meta Platforms Inc., a separate foreign entity.
But ARCON, represented by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), contended that Facebook Nigeria acts as Meta’s operation in Nigeria and should therefore be held responsible for regulatory violations related to advertisements on the platforms.
The regulator further argued that the notice was simply a compliance directive, allowing the company the option to comply, pay the specified violation fee, or face prosecution.
However, Justice Bogoro dismissed the regulator’s arguments.
The judge stated that Facebook Nigeria is a distinct legal entity from Meta Platforms Inc. and that ARCON failed to present credible evidence showing that the Nigerian company owns, operates, or controls Facebook or Instagram.
The court maintained that the argument that Facebook Nigeria represents Meta’s interests in Nigeria was insufficient to establish liability for the alleged advertising infractions.
Regarding fair hearing, the court ruled that ARCON violated Section 36 of the Constitution by accusing the company of misconduct and imposing a N60 billion fine without first hearing its defence.
Justice Bogoro also held that Section 57(4) of the ARCON Act explicitly requires the regulator to provide a fair hearing before imposing any penalty.
The court further found that the alleged violations were criminal because Section 34 of the ARCON Act designates the unlawful exposure of advertisements as an offence.
The judge also held that, since the Act stated that punishment can only be imposed “upon conviction,” ARCON had no authority to impose the N60 billion fine through an administrative process.
He insisted that, regardless of what ARCON called it, the demand was a fine that could only be imposed by a court following proper judicial procedures.
As a result, the court invalidated the Notice of Violation/Demand for Compliance.
It declared ARCON lacked authority to impose fines for breaches of Sections 34(3), 54, or other criminal provisions of the ARCON Act.
Justice Bogoro also issued a perpetual injunction preventing ARCON, its officers, agents, and associates from enforcing the October 21, 2024 notice against Facebook Nigeria.
Abia State has inaugurated of the country’s first Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).
Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, minister of Education and Governor Alex Chioma Otti at the event
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in efforts to promote innovation, research commercialisation, and industrial development.
The landmark facility, established through a partnership between the federal government of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Abia State Government under the National Innovation and Digital Transformation Partnership Programme (NIDTPP), is designed to transform academic research into commercially viable products, foster entrepreneurship, promote industrial competitiveness and create sustainable jobs.
Representing Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, minister of Education, described the project as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, saying it reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning higher education as a catalyst for innovation, research commercialisation, entrepreneurship and job creation.
He stressed that Nigerian universities must evolve beyond conventional teaching and research to become centres for enterprise development, technology transfer and industrial competitiveness.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, declared that Abia is entering a new era where science, innovation and enterprise will power economic prosperity and position the state as Nigeria’s leading hub for manufacturing and technological advancement.
Delivering his keynote address titled “Science Meets Enterprise,” Governor Otti described the UniPod as a transformational investment that bridges the gap between academia and industry, noting that development flourishes through purposeful partnerships.
He said the decision of the Federal Government and the UNDP to site Nigeria’s first Manu-Tech UniPod in Abia reflects the confidence they have in the state’s enormous economic potential.
“The siting of the Manu-Tech UniPod in Abia speaks eloquently to the institutional faith the UNDP and the Federal Government of Nigeria have reposed in our dear State and the potential it holds as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region,” the Governor stated.
Governor Otti explained that the innovation facility will accelerate product development, industrial-scale manufacturing, renewable energy integration and entrepreneurship while equipping more than 500,000 students and researchers with technological and innovation skills over the coming years.
He expressed optimism that the project would unlock unprecedented opportunities for Aba’s renowned manufacturing ecosystem by improving product quality, branding, competitiveness and access to regional and global markets.
According to him, the UniPod will redirect research in tertiary institutions from theoretical publications to practical solutions capable of addressing everyday challenges in agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and other productive sectors.
“The expectation is that research efforts henceforth will be directed at answering questions with practical, everyday applications,”
Governor Otti said, adding that improved research outcomes would reduce the mortality rate of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), strengthen investor confidence and stimulate sustainable economic growth across Abia and the South-East.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to innovation-driven development, stating that government fully supported the project because it aligns perfectly with its economic transformation agenda built on quality infrastructure, security, skilled manpower and strategic partnerships.
He also announced that the operationalisation of the UniPod would accelerate the implementation of other joint initiatives with the UNDP, including the expansion of the Jubilee Fellows Programme, the Aba Export Growth Lab, energy investment initiatives, industrial competitiveness programmes and the establishment of community innovation centres across the state.
Highlighting the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Governor Otti noted that businesses in Abia now have access to a market of over 1.4 billion consumers across Africa.
“The hour of big dreams and great ambitions has arrived. If we fully harness the potential of this Manu-Tech University Innovation Pod, our challenge will no longer be finding markets but building the capacity to serve customers across Africa and the world,” he declared.
In her remarks, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, United Nations assistant secretary-general and UNDP regional director for Africa, commenced her official mission to Nigeria with the inauguration of the facility, underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships in driving inclusive and sustainable development.
Also speaking, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP resident representative in Nigeria, described the UniPod as part of a broader national innovation ecosystem designed to connect education, research, enterprise and manufacturing while enabling universities to become drivers of economic growth and global competitiveness.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund and the Abia State Government for their commitment to innovation-led development, while particularly praising Governor Otti for his vision of transforming Abia into Nigeria’s foremost manufacturing and industrial innovation hub.
Earlier, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, vice-chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, described the inauguration as a defining moment in the institution’s history, saying the project fulfils the University’s mandate of deploying science, technology and innovation to advance agriculture, manufacturing and enterprise.
She expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, UNDP, TETFund and the Abia State Government for selecting MOUAU to host Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod.
The inauguration attracted top government officials, development partners, academia and industry stakeholders, including: Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, secretary to the State Government; Pastor Caleb Ajagba, chief of Staff to the Governor, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
The Manu-Tech UniPod is expected to provide students, researchers and entrepreneurs with access to advanced manufacturing technologies, prototyping facilities, business incubation support and industry mentorship, enabling innovative ideas to be transformed into market-ready products and positioning Abia at the forefront of Nigeria’s industrial revolution.
General News
KPMG Urges Africa’s Most Innovative Tech Entrepreneurs to Enter the Global Tech Innovator 2026 Competition
KPMG Private Enterprise is inviting Africa’s most promising technology companies to apply for the KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator 2026 competition. This competition offers innovators the opportunity to represent the continent on the global stage in Lisbon, Portugal.
Now in its sixth year, the competition brings together some of the brightest minds in technology innovation. If you are ready to demonstrate how your technology can make a difference in the world, this could be your moment to challenge the status quo, introduce transformative solutions through your unique lens, and help shape the future.
Eligible businesses from the 13 One Africa member firm countries across Southern Africa, East Africa, and West Africa are encouraged to submit their applications before Sunday, 2 August 2026.
Participants will compete through national and regional rounds, with winners advancing to the global stage where they will pitch alongside some of the world’s most innovative technology companies. Applications will be assessed on innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, growth potential, customer focus, and risk awareness by a panel of industry experts from within and outside KPMG.
Sandeep Main, Partner, Tax & Regulatory Services and Africa Head of Private Enterprise, said, “Africa continues to produce remarkable entrepreneurs who are solving complex challenges through innovation and technology.
“The Global Tech Innovator competition provides these businesses with a unique opportunity to showcase their solutions, build valuable connections, and gain exposure to investors, industry leaders, and potential partners on a global stage.
“We encourage eligible startups and scaleups from across Africa to enter and demonstrate the incredible innovation emerging from our continent.”
Beyond the competition itself, finalists will gain valuable exposure to business leaders, investors, industry experts, and fellow innovators from around the world. The overall winner will earn the title of KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator 2026.
Applications are now open and close on 2 August 2026. To learn more about the competition, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, visit the KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition webpage.
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