Geneva — Speaking at the DSF session held at the on-going World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Tunis, President Obasanjo reiterated the pledge made by Nigeria during the inauguration of DSF in March this year in Geneva.

Obasanjo announced that his country was ready to host the regional office of the DSF.

"I am happy to inform you that Nigeria would provide the DSF with the assistance required for the immediate take-off of the regional office" said Obasanjo who is also is the chairman of the African Union.

The regional office for the DSF in Africa will be based in Nigeria's capital, Abuja. Obasanjo said he had held discussions on the operation of the office with Mr. Guy Olivier Segond, President of the DSF during his visit to Nigeria last week.

The office would mobilize support for the DSF in Africa when it goes operational.

"I am confident that the Digital Solidarity Fund will be a catalyst to help achieve the goals and objectives we have set for ourselves at the Geneva and Tunis phases of the WSIS," said the Nigerian leader.

Obasanjo said support for the DSF had been increasing, adding that there was need for the board of governors to be constituted early. He said more information on the objectives, funding sources, disbursement and management of the DSF, had to be made available to the public.

Delegates at the panel session observed a minute's silence in memory of Chief Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, Nigeria's late first lady who recently passed away.