The emergence of online newspapers has been described as a new window that can support national development if properly harnessed by public and private institutions.
Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Mr. Abraham Nwankwo, made the assertion on Friday during a one-day workshop organized by DMO for Online Publishers in Lagos.
The participants were drawn mainly from members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) led by its President, Mr. Malachy Agbo.
The DMO Boss noted that online publishing as become a force to reckon with worldwide, saying Nigeria should also take advantage of
the new window to ensure timely dissemination of information.
Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Mr. Abraham Nwankwo, charged Online Publishers who are all GOCOP members to see themselves as “very valuable partner in the development of our country”.
While calling for strong partnership between Online Publishers and DMO, Mr. Nwankwo stressed further, “Online Publishers must not
undervalue or devalue their roles in national development”.
The DG said the workshop was organized as part of DMO’s enlightenment programme, saying Online Publishers as critical stakeholders should assist his
office to further enlighten the public on the activities of DMO.
Opening paper presentation, Director (Market Development), Ms. Patience Oniha, focused on all about borrowing especially from the
International Capital Market (ICM) while Mr. Dele Afolabi (Head of Portfolio Management),
spoke on processes and procedures for borrowing either from bilateral or
multi-lateral sources.
The third paper presented by Mrs. Hannatu Suleiman, Director (Debt Recording and Settlement) dwelt on debt settlement, stakeholders involved and control measures.
On her part, Mrs. Asmau Mohammed, Director (Strategic Progrmmes), spoke about functions and activities of DMO since inception.
In his brief remarks, GOCOP President, Mr. Malachy Agbo, thanked the DMO Boss, Mr. Nwankwo and his management team for deeming it fit to partner with Online Publishers.
Established by Debt Management Act 2003, DMO is responsible for maintaining reliable database of all loans taken or guaranteed by the Federal, State or any other agencies; prepare and submit to the FG a forecast
of loan service obligations for each financial year among others.
