As part of the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day, CITAD organized a public hearing on the State of maternal Health in Jigawa State on 11^th March 2009 at the State Library, Dutse. The event was chaired by Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, the State Permanent Secretary for Rural Infrastructure Development while the Royal Father of the Day was the Emir of Dutse who was represented by Sarkin Gabas and Hakimin Shuwarin, Alhaji Mustafa Abubakar. Guest Speaker at the occasion was Dr. Tajudeen AbdulRaheem, the Deputy Director, UN Millennium Campaign, Nairobi, Kenya. Presentations were made by state agencies, civil society organizations and development partners. Over 100 people attended the event. The pictures below capture some of the moments of the occasion

On Monday, 15^th September 2008, Scott Reed, an intern from the Global Information Internship Program (GIIP), University of California, Santa Cruz, USA, who had been serving with CITAD completed his period and left for the USA. During his stay with CITAD Mr. Reed conducted IT training rounds for staff of CITAD, Mambayya House and the Development Research and Project Centre (dRPc). He also helped to set up new websites for CITAD (www.citad.org and www.trainin.citad.org) as well as trained the staff of CITAD to maintain the sites. In appreciation of his stay with CITAD Mr. Reed donated his laptop to the staff of the organization. Making the presentation of the laptop, Mr. Reed said that he will continue to remember and cherish his stay with CITAD and pleaded to continue to assist the organization. While receiving the donation on behalf of CITAD, the Director of the organization said that they were happy to host Mr. Reed who would now become the Ambassador of the organization in the USA. Mr. Scott Reed came to Nigeria on 22^nd July and stayed for a period of almost three month. His posting to CITAD was part of a partnership between CITAD and GIIP aimed at promoting technology skill exchange and development in the area of ICT.

By abdu75ng@yahoo.com

Computer Aid International (CAI) has donated a Compaq Laptop to Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on 6th May 2008. The donation was made during the CAI official visit to CITAD. Ms Gladys Muhinyo, the Africa Programme Manager for CAI and Ms. Ann Musyoki, the West African Programme Officer for CAI, represented CAI and hav–e a discussion session with the Executive Director, CITAD, in his office.

Issues discussed were the employability programme now in progress and the delay encountered for the Computers CITAD has ordered. Y.Z. Ya’u expressed his dissatisfaction over the difficulties and delays always entered during the clearing processes especially at the port, before the containers of the Computers finally reach its destination.

But in this direction, Miss Ann assured CITAD to expect effective delivery from now on, explaining that some of the reason behind the difficulties and delays experienced were as the result of some unauthorized persons claiming to be clearing agents and extort money from individual clients. Ann Musyoki provided CITAD with phone number and e-mail address for an authorized and Confide clearing agent who would ensure CITAD Computers have safely and timely reach its destination.

CAI expressed its satisfaction over the well organized Computer Training CITAD conducts, especially the on going Youth Employability Programme. Gladys and Ann went round CITAD’s various units, computer training class and recommended the organization for its job well done.

Miss Oge Okeye, the National Endowment for Democracy, (NED)’s Assistance Program Officer for Africa, paid an official visit to Centre for Information Technology and Development, (CITAD), on 3rd- April-2008. Miss. Oge had a meeting with the Executive Director, CITAD, Y.Z. Ya’u as and other officers of the centre.

Issues discussed at the meeting involved; CITAD activities in promoting political awareness especially in Jigawa State, women participation in politics, CITAD’s contribution to the development political participation, it’s execution of NED program, accountability among others.

With regard to promoting political participation, the Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u unveiled that CITAD has formed a political sensitization team, which actively participated in creating political awareness through holding comprehensive discussions and lectures with the mass populace of Jigawa State. “Through activities like these,” according to Y.Z. Ya’u, “there has been a large turn out of voters in Jigawa State especially in contrast to with previous elections.” Further, the Director informed Miss Oge that due to the positive impact of CITAD’s team in eradicating political apathy in Jigawa State, the government in the plan to replicate the same so as to reinforce CITAD’s effort and create a democratically advantaged populace in Jigawa State.

On the gender issue and women political participation, Mrs. Fatima informed the NED’s Assistant Program Officer for Africa that in Jigawa State there is still the problem of inadequate political participation of women in politics. She added that CITAD has been trying very hard to ensure that women come out and cast their votes. Says Mrs. Fatima:

“We have been going to every nock and corner in Jigawa State, reaching out to women, educating and sensitizing them on the dividends of democracy and the important role they can play especially with their large population. Culture in this part of Nigeria does not promote women mixing freely with men, but with more sensitizations, people are now understanding the responsibilities tied around their neck, and so in the recent time there is improvement in the number of women who come out to cast their vote. The effort of CBO’s like CITAD contributed a lot.”

Miss Oge Okeye, went around the various CITAD’s units and saw their activities with satisfaction.