As part of the World Bank’s access to information and knowledge decentralisation initiatives, and further to previous book donations done to selected beneficiary academic and research institutions, the World Bank Country office in Abuja is donating over 800 volumes of various titles of books, publications, journals, project documents and other literature covering a range of sectors worth over N2 million, to the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
This is also in recognition of the media as long-time partners in development through consistent information dissemination, education and awareness creation on Development related issues about Nigeria and Africa.
The Bank is known not just as a finance institution but also a pioneer in partnership and knowledge sharing, we hope these materials would go a long way in contributing to the media’s capacity to inform, enlighten and educate the population on the progresses and gaps in the very broad but critical areas to development.
“Bank’s contribution is more than just money or relieving immediate stresses. It is about providing knowledge, practical experience, and longer term investment for the future.”, Says Robert Zoellick.
This quote from President Robert Zoellick no doubt reflects the evolving mandate of the World Bank in Abuja to its 188 member clients and shareholders.
The Nigerian media has been a partner in the social and economic development of Nigeria.
The World Bank said, quoting it Country Director in Nigeria, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly: “We want to put on record the massive support and coverage that the Media has given our activities over the years. We believe that continuous exchange of ideas, experience and knowledge will further enhance the development process in the country thus the donation of these books to the Nigerian Union of Journalists the umbrella organization for all journalists in the country. The media is the best channel to share ideas and knowledge.
“We hope the books will be used to enhance knowledge on economic and development issues as well as professionalism.
“Please be informed that the Bank, through the access to information policy is disclosing and making available to members of the public, including the press, massive information on its activities, through the Bank’s websites and the social media such as Facebook, twitter, YouTube and others. The open data is seen as best practice: http://data.worldbank.org.”