LITT 2014 Opening
The Information and Technology (IT) Section of Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has over the years proven to be the most proactive and pragmatic section of the body. Nothing less than this should be expected from the section that prides in the ‘gurus’ of modern day technologies. ICT is earnestly yearned for because of its numerous positive effects on information provision and service delivery by librarians and information professionals through their various library and information centres.
The National Workshop for this year is the 8th in that series with the theme: Creating Real Impact Using Innovative Technologies. The Opening Ceremony which held at the MTN Virtual Library, University of Benin, Benin City had on its roll call the principal officers of the university led by the CEO and Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor O.G. Oshodin JP ably represented by the Dean of Students and Overseer of Ekenwa Campus, Prof. V. Omozua.
In his opening address, the Chairman of IT Section, Mr Ayo Alonge emphasized the importance of this annual workshop as a platform for Nigerian library and information professionals to keep themselves abreast of the dynamic progression of ICT in the area of their professional calling. Dr.(Mrs) Evelyn Omoluabi Idiodi, the University Librarian, in her opening speech also stressed the need for librarians to be happy with their job and never to see themselves as practitioners by accident but by choice. She advised the participants to relax and enjoy the warm hospitality of the city reputed with immense cultural heritage.
The Vice Chancellor of the University through the Dean of Students welcomed the participants to the great citadel of learning. He appreciates the IT Section of NLA for choosing UNIBEN for this year’s workshop. He reiterated his support and promised to ensure that enabling environment is provided for the successful hosting of this workshop. He also emphasized the role of librarians in the academic community as the hub around which the activities of the university revolves.
The fantastic performance of the students of Library and Information Science Department of UNIBEN added colour to the opening ceremony. They treated the audience to a powerfully scripted playlet on Ebola Virus Disease with the concluding monologue that only the librarians can supply the most accurate information to their clients in whatever area of their information need. They theatrically encouraged the scientific training in LIS. The students further proved that they are true librarians in training and being moulded to become ‘jacks’ as the true librarians are, when they came out with scintillating choreographic performance. Members of the audience were so thrilled that some were compelled to drop some Naira notes at the feet of these students. The anchor of the programme, Adeyoyin noted that the students from choreography department of any university could not have done better.
