Utomi Identifies Self-Regulations As Critical In Internet Governance

Professor Pat Utomi, founder, Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), has described self-regulations as imperative in online/internet governance.

Utomi who was the chairman at the official launching and maiden media briefing of the Pan African Association of Online Technology Publishers (PATECH), in Lagos on Thursday, said that, legitimacy of online publishing is critical for effectiveness and efficiency among the practitioners.

He stressed that today’s bloggers must overcome the temptation to plagiarise others’ intellectual work, adding that he is desirous to see Nigerians maintain the tempo in the online presence, without the abuse of others’ rights and privileges. 

Also speaking, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), vice president PATCH, said that the need for the platform was spurred by cravings to overcome digital colonialism by reinvigorating professionalism among practitioners in the online publishing space in the country.

Agbata also said, “The need for PATCH became more evident when the Federal Government confiscated some newspaper publication and the President of Newspaper Proprietors Association issued a statement in defense of her members, that publication I must say was also instructive in going ahead with this vision.

“Looking ahead, PATCH sincerely hopes to serve as a link across various organizations in Africa as a whole and we believe that our membership will spread fast across the length and breadth of the Continent. Today, we have members in Europe, Middle East and of course Nigeria. We are currently reaching out to more tech bloggers and community supporters which help make this association truly Pan-African”.

He expressed confidence that the PATCH will serve as a reference point for local and international organizations seeking to make key business decisions in the technology eco-system such as when intending to invest in a startup or trying to understand what is happening in any of our local markets.

“PATCH will remain a welcoming, encouraging environment for technology related businesses and even ideas. We hope to achieve these and many more for the progress for ICT in Africa,” he added.

Also, Engineer Umar Buba Binder, director general, National Office for technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) represented by Idy Imiyoho, a deputy director, said that they were proud of the moves by PATCH.

He advised the Association members to show integrity and competence in the online domain, adding that NOTAP identifies with measures that will being technological development in the country.