PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

U.S. Mission Partners with Nigeria Union of Journalists to Bridge the Digital Divide and Promote Free Access to Information

Date: November 25, 2008
Venue: Abuja

CPAO Atim George addressing the NUJ leadership, including the President, Mr. Ndagene Akwu (in black attire) | Full size

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria donated an eGranary Digital Library unit to the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs, Ms. Atim Eneida George, presented the digital library to Mr. Ndagene Akwu, NUJ President, on Tuesday, November 25, 2008.  The U.S. Mission delegation also included Mr. David Renz, Ms. Nyree Tripptree, Mr. Sani Mohammed and Mr. Samuel Eyitayo. 

Ms. George noted that “Investing in People” as well as “Governing Justly and Democratically” are key pillars of the U.S. Mission’s framework partnership with Nigeria, and the American people have provided the eGranary Digital Library as a research and educational tool to the NUJ, to strengthen the Fourth Estate.  She said that the U.S. Mission to Nigeria will continue to engage and collaborate with the NUJ to enhance professional journalism.

“Information, when properly used, is power, we hope the eGranary will empower the NUJ and deepen our relationship,” Ms. George stated.  She informed the NUJ national leadership that the eGranary Digital Library concept was developed in 2001 by Mr. Cliff Missen, an American Fulbright Scholar assigned to the University of Jos.  “We have placed the eGranary Digital Library in each of our American Corners across the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The eGranary Digital Library will provide free and easy access to information resources to members of the NUJ and journalism students without Internet connection or bandwidth costs.

NUJ President, Ndagene Akwu, and Zonal Vice President, Gbenga Onayiga, described the digital library equipment as “essential” and “timely” for research; they promised to make it accessible to all NUJ members.