As nations mark World Development Information Day (WDID) today, the United Nations (UN) has urged global thinkers and opinion makers to proffer solutions to development problems.
 
The day is observed every October 24, to unite the global community in acknowledging world development problems and designing innovative solutions.
 
“If there is an improvement in the circulation of information, it will raise awareness of global development issues better and faster, especially among young people, consequently, the solutions to these problems can also be found more efficiently,” the UN said in a statement.
 
The UN General Assembly decided that the date should coincide with UN Day, which was also the date of the adoption, in 1970, of the International Development Strategy for the Second UN Development Decade, emphasising the centrality of development in UN activities.
 
Meanwhile, the chairperson of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State chapter, Adeola Ekine, has said the nation does not possess credible statistical data required to underpin development processes.
 
“Modern decision-making, whether done by a government or an international agency, is increasingly impacted using quality and reliable information or data gathered through statistical methods.

“Therefore, making use of reliable data can surmount the problems of inadequate statistics, which has always been a major limitation to studies done about issues bedeviling the development of Nigeria,” she said.
 
Also, Ekine called for improvement in dissemination of information and mobilisation of public opinion, particularly among young people, by highlighting issues of development and emphasising that a permanent global security is achievable once the economic and social well being of every citizen across the globe is guaranteed.

Also, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Films and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB), Bukola Agbaminoja, in commemoration of WDID, said due recognition should be given to impact of the film industry in information dissemination.

She made this known while speaking with The Guardian, noting that filmmakers communicate the needs of society, government policies and reforms, socio-cultural behavioural patterns, and required improvement in varying areas and sectors through their storytelling.