The Premier Information Management Institute in Africa, the Institute of Information Management (IIM), recently held her maiden Induction/Investiture ceremony at Crowne Plaza, Battersea, London.
In his welcome address, Amb. (Dr) Oyedokun Ayodeji Oyewole, President and Chairman of the Council dwelled on the importance of technology as the most powerful tool when combined with knowledge and information.
In addition, he said the dream of the Institute is to help both public and private organizations in Africa develop the required frameworks, tools and culture needed to build capability and capacity by improving professionalism in the field of Information Management.
The theme of this phenomenal event was “Institutionalizing Information Management in Africa” a paper delivered by Mr. Neil Mc Callum, Partner, Eunoia Limited, UK. In his keynote address, Mr Mc Callum addressed the need to re-model the way public sector information management systems work from the legislative framework, controlling information management to the structure/staffing of the organisations that implements/executes legislation. According to him, “it is imperative for people, both decision makers and citizens to change their mind set on how they see and perceive information itself”. He said that for this to happen, there are two problems which, on the face of it would seem unlikely to occur simultaneously: An excessive concern about form and structure over content; and a failure to see information as an organisational resource.
“Information management has been neglected for decades. The insurgency of the social interactive media technology has totally changed the way we view, collect, disperse, archive, and retrieve information, as well as the entire information management process from back in the days. We are therefore here today, to sensitise the populace on the need for a proper management and protection of records and information”.
Two Sub theme papers were delivered by Scott Sammons, Chairman, Information and Records Management Society (IRMS) UK and Mr. Femi Ogunremi on Data Protection Imperatives for Africa and Information Governance in Africa – The Role of health care practitioners respectively.
The high point of the event was the presentation of the Information & Records Management Society (IRMS) Fellowship Certificate to Amb. (Dr) Oyedokun Ayodeji Oyewole by Scott Sammons, Chairman, IRMS UK. A remarkable achievement by the IIM President being the first and only African to be inducted into the UK Information & Records Management Society (IRMS).
The ceremony which attracted dignitaries and professionals both from Nigeria and Diaspora cuts across board spanning, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications, Hospitality and Tourism, Administration, Health Care, Government Parastatals.
IIM also recorded another feat by bringing together all that matters in the Diaspora to attend this monumental event with the aim of inducting and recognising those personalities who have excelled in their various fields and made substantial contributions to the development of Information Management & Technology profession both in Nigeria and in Africa.
New members were inducted into different membership grades. Amongst dignitaries present at this great event include: President / Chairman of Governing Council, IIM-Africa, Amb. (Dr) Oyedokun Ayodeji Oyewole, Mr. Neil Mc Callum, Partner, Eunoia Limited UK (Keynote speaker); Scott Sammons, Chairman, Information & Records Management Society,(IRMS) UK who was one of the keynote speakers; Mr. Femi Ogunremi, CEO and Founder Monitor Health Care Ltd. UK; Amb. Toye Okanlawon, Dr. Oseni, Director LASRAB, HRH Prince Tade Olusile, Mrs Aisha Dania Ogieriakhi, the UK Coordinator for IIM Africa and a Business Support Administrator with UK Power Networks, one of the largest , distribution network operator for electricity covering South East England, the East of England and London. Mr Tai Oderinde Abeleshindogba, Dr Dayo Olomu (Anchor person); Chief Bimbo Roberts Folayan, HRH, The special guest of the occasion, The Royal father, His Royal Highness, Oba Makama – Olowu of Kuta was however unavoidably absent.