The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) organized a dialogue with the title: “Critical Skills Gap in Undergraduate Training in Nigerian Universities”, held on Tuesday, 14^th July, 2020.

Panelists at the dialogue are Professor Ali Muhammad Garba of Department of Business Administration, Bayero University, Kano, and Ms. Hilda K. Kragha, Chief Executive Officer of Jobberman, while Professor Pam Sha of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, served as moderator.

The program was organized with support from Rosa Luxemburg Foundation West Africa, with the aim to promote critical thinking among Nigerian students and equip the them with proper knowledge that they can use to excel in labor markets upon graduation.

The seminar which was conducted online focused on the gaps that exist between Nigerian universities’ undergraduate students and the skills needed in the labor market.

The panelists discussed extensively how teaching in Nigerian universities can be improved to compete with those of developed countries.

DATE: 7TH TO 15^TH JULY, 2020

The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the main United Nation platform on sustainable development. It has a central role in the follow up and reviews of implementation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the global level.

All UN Member States as well as representatives from civil society organizations participate in its meetings. The Forum adopts intergovernmental negotiated political declarations at the conclusion of its eight day session.

The High Level Political Forum meets under the auspices of the United Nation Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) annually. In 2020, ECOSOC convened the 2020 session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development from Tuesday, 7 July, to Thursday, 16 July 2020.

The HLPF was revised due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The HLPF took place virtually, and several thematic discussions on the building back better after the pandemic was added to the schedule.

This year’s HLPF Actionaid and CITAD planned for the inclusion of rural communities in FCT to remotely participate in the high level political forum, Leaving No One Behind! Five ICT Centres in FCT communities: Dakwa, Tungan Ashere, Pasepa, Leleyi Gwari and Gaube participated in the forum virtually from 8^th July to 15^th July. Community Facilitators in the ICT Communities facilitated the forum remotely in their respective communities. The aim is to ensure inclusivity and lifelong learning.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing guideline, 7 youths participated in each centre (Male and Female). The idea is for the participants to learn. Ask questions from other region experiences on SDGs engagements and also share our own experience in Country.

The VNR Labs provide an informal platform to share best practices and to reflect on the experience with the VNRs, focusing on cross-cutting themes and country experiences.

It is widely recognized that the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda requires a transformation in our societies that can only be achieved through engaging and leveraging the unique roles and resources of all sectors and stakeholders of society.

 

In continuation of its sensitization program on COVID-19 in Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), held its 26th edition of Twitter Chat in the 7th of July 2020.

The guest was Aliyu Dahiru Aliyu, a Researcher and Editor at Humangle Newspaper. He discussed on the topic “COVID19: Countering Misinformation from Religious Perspective” He started by saying, Misinformation from a religious perspective is a deliberate spread of false statements to achieve particular goal. From religious angle it is the same as “lying” or “hypocrisy. He said there are many misinformation being spread by different religious followers in Nigeria but the most popular ones include that Covid-19 is a bioweapons created to attack Muslims and the one saying that facemask has no medical use. The purveyor said it is political manipulation intended to make a puppet out of Nigerians.

 

In responding to a question on how misinformation change the perception of people toward the disease? He said, explaining the difference between disinformation and misinformation first will help answer the question, he said while the former is intentional spread of false information, the latter is unintentional that may arise due to social trust or lack of digital literacy and critical thinking. Both harm people.

 

He stated that ordinary follower has a role in tackling religious misinformation, according to him the Prophet of Islam commanded that we shouldn’t be sharing whatever we receive without thorough investigation. An individual has to fact-check claims before forwarding to anyone to avoid misinforming people.

 

He was asked to what extent misinformation and disinformation jeopardizes the fight against this deadly virus. He respond by saying that “I think misinformation and disinformation has caused many people stop being serious about the pandemic. Many people have said it’s just a flu and others said government is lying to people. Others avoid social distancing measures and continue joining religious gatherings”

 

In responding to another question which says ‘Islam teaches and promotes truthfulness and even set some rules and regulations before accepting a narration. Who misinform people to achieve certain goals?

He said Islam is a perfect religion, but Muslims are not. Although we all know lying is haram, unless under special condition to protect lives, but it is part of human nature to lie. One can’t escape his innate psychological motives without serious efforts. Muslims too spread lies.

 

In conclusion he advises the government and other concerned institutions on measures they should take in countering disinformation and disinformation.

 

He said both the Government and the clerics should work together in saving lives. For the clerics, they should please allow experts to speak on medical issues. When it comes to spiritual exercises, clerics are in better position to speak. But this is pandemic, they should allow epidemiologists to speak.

 

Also Government should use the clerics in fighting religious misinformation. They are so powerful that no institution can do away with them. Radio jingles and attitudes of the government officials are also influencing people.

 

Engagement:

Good afternoon all, please welcome @Aliyussufiy, editor at @HumAngle_ who will be discussing on countering disinformation from religious perspective on the fight against Covid19. @YZYau @fareedear @ICTAdvocates @Mairo_Ado @HariraWakili @ChiromaHope @sagiru_ado @kamalkano

Replying to

@ChiromaHope

@a_sabo12 and 8 others

Thank you

 

Malam

@Aliyussufiy

We will like to know the kind of misinformation being spread by different religious followers in Nigeria.

 

There are many, but the most popular ones include that Covid-19 is a bioweapon created to attack Muslims and the one saying that face-mask has no medical use. The purveyor said it is political manipulation intended to make a puppet out of Nigerians.

 

Malam

@Aliyussufiy

, do an ordinary follower have any role to in tackling religious misinformation? If yes, how?

Replying to

@ChiromaHope

@a_sabo12 and 9 others

The Prophet of Islam commanded that we shouldn’t be sharing whatever we receive without thorough investigation. An individual has to fact-check claims before forwarding to anyone to avoid misinforming people.

 

 

So what measures do you think government and other concerned institutions should take in countering disinformation and disinformation which is mostly spread by religious leaders looking at how sensitive religion is in the country and the large number of followers they have?

 

The two should work together in saving lives. For the clerics, they should please allow experts to speak on medical issues. When it comes to spiritual exercises, clerics are in better position to speak. But this is pandemic, they should allow epidemiologists to speak. Please

 

Government should use the clerics in fighting religious misinformation. They are so powerful that no institution can do away with them. Radio jingles and attitudes of the government officials are also influencing people.

 

@Aliyussufiy, permit us to take you back a little, can you please explain what disinformation from religious perspective is?

 

Disinformation is a deliberate spread of false statements to achieve particular goal. From religious angle it is the same as “lying” or “hypocrisy”.

 

And how did these misinformation change the prospection of people toward the disease?

 

Let’s explain the difference between disinformation and misinformation first. While the former is intentional spread of false information, the latter is unintentional that may arise due to social trust or lack of digital literacy and critical thinking. Both harm people.

 

In your experience, sir, to what extent does misinformation and disinformation jeopardize the fight against this deadly virus?

 

I think misinformation and disinformation has caused many people stop being serious about the pandemic. Many people have said it’s just a flu and others said government is lying to people. Others avoid social distancing measures and continue joining religious gatherings.

 

 

@ICTAdvocates

@a_sabo12

@Aliyussufiy

Islam teaches and promotes truthfulness and even set some rules and regulations b/4 accepting a narration. Who misinform people to achieve certain goals?

 

Islam is a perfect religion, but Muslims are not. Although we all know lying is haram, unless under special condition to protect lives, but it is part of human nature to lie. One can’t escape his innate psychological motives without serious efforts. Muslims too spread lies.

 

Whoever try to explain it to them they will neither listen nor understand it coz it will against Malams’ opinion. Any approach to eradicate such?

 

I think critical thinking should be taught from secondary school level. This will instill the habit of questioning in the minds of youth. I believe, even though it will disturb some clerics in the first time, it will curtail the habit of consuming nonsense from pseudo clerics.

 

Malam Aliyu

@Aliyussufiy, thank you very much for this insightful discussion, on behalf of

@ICTAdvocates

‘s E.D & its entire staff we appreciate you for being with us at this hour & the educative discussion. Thank you once & have a nice day

@ChiromaHope

@ooomiiiii

@teemerh_beekay

 

 

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), held its 27th Twitter chat in the 9th of July 2020. The guest was, Olanrewaju Oyedeji, Coordinator, Digital Literacy Advocacy Club & Editor, TechMirror Magazine, he discussed on The Role of ICT in the Fight against Covid19. He started by answering the question on the meaning of ICT where he said that ICT is an acronym for Information and Communications Technology; it is the use of computers to store, retrieve and transmit information or data. It has transcended from computer to Digital gadgets/sites, Apps and other Computer networks.

 

According toAyodeji, ICT has now gone on beyond its definition to be a critical part of every global department and sector. So, defining ICT maybe determined on the context we are referring to and the purpose for such definitions. ICT has outgrown the books. On the way ICT can help in the fight against the deadly corona virus. He said, when the Covid-19 came to be, we had many persons who were worried & at the same time thankful that this kind of pandemic happened when the world is inter-connected. When we can say the world is a global village thanks to ICT. It has helped in many ways… For instance, we are talking of awareness created through ICT platforms. We would attest to the fact that Twitter for instance played huge roles in enlightening people on dangers of the virus, how and why to avoid it. We have had use of multimedia visuals spread on whatsapp….

He continue to explain that in the area of accountability and transparency, we have had ICT helping. We have had many persons who would have otherwise ‘died’ due to Covid-19 getting attention after alarm was raised using platforms powered by ICT, I can go on and on. Tweeted the guest. Take Nigeria for instance, we have seen the NCDC using multimedia platforms to reach Nigerians, it is not strange to see many Nigerians waiting on the Twitter handle of NCDC to see the figures for the day. We see news on lockdown shared here. He further stated that, ICT has helped in Nigeria. It has helped in many ways. Economically, socio-economically, reducing the spread, emotionally and psychologically, participatory solution to the pandemic, reducing civil disobedience and ensuring stability in governance. For instance, let us imagine that we do not have social media platforms for national awareness on the virus, the impact would have been colossal. Nigeria has through active citizens & citizenry engagement managed the virus thus far. Although, there are lapses. Oyedeji Emphasized.

 

On how can individuals, organizations & govt can leverage on these positive side of ICT & help in curtailing this virus or at least reduce its spread in our communities. The guest said that, we can use our social media platforms to promote awareness that Covid19 is still existing. The danger we have currently is the discussions we have on some platforms that Covid19 has winded up. We have more Nigerians online now and we must leverage on this.

The government must not just leave NCDC to giving us updates on figures & sending messages to phones, we must have the Orientation agency mobilized to the grassroots. Let me point it clear that if we must stop community transmission, we must harp on safety measures, we must begin to use ICT tools to rebrand the message we are passing. It has now gone beyond using facemasks but people understanding the usage. People may not listen to you talk to them on why they should not use borrowed Face masks but they read messages. I keep saying the govt, we now must begin to look at sending messages on Phones through local languages, and we would not assume that everybody understands English. As Covid19 elongates, we have myths about it spreading & we must stop this now at communities, we must.

 

Corporate organizations have their part to play. Members of staff of corporate organizations who also make up members of communities should be encouraged to be ambassadors of informing people on their whatsapp groups, facebook platforms about need to be proactive @ICTAdvocates

 

On the way digital solutions can aid Nigeria’s Covid-19 fight. He mentioned that, the fight against Covid19 is not just about curtailing the spread of the virus. Let us not forget importantly that the fight also involves economic stability and survival of people. We have had mobile health solutions currently but will dwell on hunger management. Digital solutions should aim at solving problems around Startups survival, solution that should reduce job loss. For instance, we should fashion ways of using Digital solutions to curb shutting down of companies. Solutions in Edutech, Agrotech and crisis management

 

In responding to the question that, World has in the past experienced pandemic deadly more than Covid 19 such as Spanish Fluid, but the fear and afraid of Covid 19 supersede more than any pandemic. Can we say that ICT at one angle contributes to this? He answered with Yes and No.

Yes because we have many fake information flying round on social media & this causes tension. It is same as when it was said that salt &water curbs Ebola. No, because you wouldn’t blame Social media for failure in information management round the country @ICTAdvocates. Lack of adequate test kits had created fear in minds of people that even the country cannot take care of them enough, when isolation centres were the issue, people panicked that they may die, when the country begged for ventilators, many Nigerians felt scared.

What I am saying is this; Spanish Flu would have had more fear if there were social media, it is what we can’t run away from. Failure of the system will enable fear anywhere, whether on social media or off it. So, even if there no SM, we would have fear @ICTAdvocates

Worldwide, in USA, Italy & many others, Social media created a necessary fear. Pandemic comes with fear, which is why every country must be more proactive nowadays because we are dealing with multiple information sources. He explained that Information and communication assisted public with regards to Covid19 pandemic in areas of awareness, creating hope for SMEs, getting verified information on policies from the right sources, creating new job opportunities for survival and many more time won’t permit to mention.

On the ways Nigeria can leverage on ICT in its economic recovery from the damage caused by covid-19. He said, Beyond Covid19, any country that will survive must invest in Digitalization. This is the time for Nigeria to have Digital Literates. Those who will understand how to tap into the market that will be created companies moving online. Education, Agriculture, Health, Manufacturing, Logistics, media, food & Beverages, Deliveries, Fintech will leverage more on ICT, we must build our economic recoveries around preparing our citizens for this change. It is not enough to pump money into the economy.

 

In his recommendations he mentioned:

1) We should use ICT to make our Covid19 easier to understand through local languages.

2) We should prepare for Post-Covid19 understanding that our citizens need to be faster prepared for Digitalization.

More pro-activeness in use of ICT to stop community transmissions.

We should also make messages passed understandable. We should start looking at survival through Digital media by making our citizens Digital literates.

We must manage information better through ICT.

Finally, we must see the reality of Covid19 by not just sending messages on adhering to protocols but ensuring that SMEs are assisted to survive in this time through ICT. We must begin to look at a Digital Nigeria(ns) now& post-Covid, that is our new system. Thanks

 

In another edition of its Twitter Chat Series, the Centre for Information Technology and Development CITAD hosted the CITAD’s Senior Programme Officer, Malam Isah Garba. The discussant started with a welcoming remark from the CITAD handle, @ICTAdvocates where it expressed its pleasure to host another Twitter chat hosting our own Senior Programmes Officer, Malam Isah Garba who will be discussing on “How CSOs Can Mobilize & Sensitize the Public on #COVID19.”

Subsequently, the CITAD began asking the questions while the senior programme officer responded to each of the questions asked.

When asked on how do we reach out to people at rural setting especially the ones with no IT infrastructures since that social gathering are discouraged, the Senior Programme Officer responded that we need to have a basic understanding of the civil society first, the CSOs is not limited of what many people perceived; they are voluntary organizations cut across of all ramifications of human endeavors. Therefore CSOs can be found anywhere no matter how remote the community may, there are many self help group who volunteer to help the people in their communities. So reaching out to people  in rural communities or where there is no IT facilities is simple, CSOs can use their networks within the CBOs and i doubt if there is rural community without cellular phones so that can also be utilized. Another avenue of reaching out to them is through the use of Radio, which in area like northern Nigeria we have more listeners of radio then readers or user of the internet.

Another question was by Aliyu Dahiru Aliyu where he said “What CSOs are doing to ensure that governmental and non-governmental organisations are accountable when it comes to the distribution of palliatives?” Malam Isah responded that “CSOs work is multidimensional while others work in the area of sensitizations, mobilizations, pallitive support, there are many CSOs working in the area of anticorruption and also promotion of accountability, these CSOs are working in different dimension to ensure that. There are organizations working towards tracking of the palliatives and its distributions while others form part of the team distributing the palliatives as observers and they not only report to their organization but also share the information with the public.”

Aliyu Dahiru Aliyu asked again whether CITAD is using any ICT tool, like tracing apps or any other tool, to help curb the pandemic, the programme officer said that currently, CITAD is not directly using any app in doing that, but as an organization with large networks it partners with others.

“Governments cannot work alone in responding to the crisis on behalf of vulnerable communities; How has the CSO`s helped initiate a more effective response to humanitarian crises and natural disasters like Covid 19” was Mubarak and Malam Isah responded that it is important to note that CSOs mostly have the trust of the communities they work, therefore, the community will trust them and agree with all that they may say on the Pandemic more than what the government agencies may say.

Another question was asked by Aliyu Dahiru Aliyu was that “NNPC implements a tracing application in Nigeria despite warnings that there could be breech of privacy while using the app, did you consider reviewing the app as an ICT development organisation?” He responded That CITAD is an organization that promotes internet security and privacy, therefore we cannot support any App that may breach into the privacy of the citizens, and therefore, if the App has that implication we will advocate its review.

Sagiru Ado asked “CSOs found themselves at critical situation at this trying time where Covid 19 restricts interaction and gathering of people. What strategies CITAD sets in places with no IT connection and network to complement its engagement b/4 the pandemic? The programme officer answered that CITAD is using radio stations in reaching out to its targets and it doubt if there is a community without radio.

Ali Sabo also asked the question whether we can know how Civil Society can mobilize people at grassroots to ensure they stay safe looking at how government is easing the lockdown in the country, and Malam Isah said they can reach out through their networks at the grassroots and also through the use of radio stations. This is one of the significances of network formation in the CSOs work; other organizations can help you reach where you can’t.

Mubarak Ekute asked on how Covid-19 affecting Civil Society worldwide? Responding, Malam Isah said CSOs are part of the world community and the effect of this pandemic is like that of war its effects depends on your area, so CSOs suffer in the areas of the economy, operations and even the ways they reach out to their targets as we said earlier.

Lastly, the Programme Officer was asked about the swiftness of CITAD to execute their operations and office work online due to the pandemic and whether it could be possible with government at both state and federal levels. Malam Isah responded that this is possible all they need is to build the capacity of their staff towards that. And we have now witness this since FEC meeting and other important engagements of the government are done online, therefore it is possible.

At the end of the discussion, Ali Sabo thanked Malam Isah for the wonderful one hour engagement and urged everyone to remember to always practice good personal hygiene.

The CITAD senior programme officer thanked all for the opportunity given to him and hopes for a continuous work of sensitizations in our communities.

 

@ICTAdvocates

 

Good afternoon our esteemed audience. It is our pleasure to welcome u once again to another Twitter Chat,today & at this time, we’re hosting our own Senior Programmes Officer, Malam Isah Garba (@isahcitad ) who ‘ll be talking on “How CSOs Can Mobiliz & Sensitize

the Public on #COVID19.

 

@ isahcitad

Gafterno

 

Q 1. @ICTAdvocates

 

Malam Isah Garba (@isahcitad ), it is indeed our pleasure having at this time, we would like to please start by understanding the role civil

society organizations such as @ICTAdvocates and others have played so far in getting the public sensitized on the #COVID19 pandemic

 

Answer

 

Good Afternoon Ali and other esteem audience and welcome to this edition of the chat organized by @ICTAdvocates

 

Q 2. @ChiromaHope

 

Good afternoon Sir and welcome to the the meeting. Now that social gathering are discouraged. How do we reach out to people at rural setting? Especially the ones with no IT infrastructures.

 

Answer

 

@ChiromaHope I think we need to have a basic understanding of the civil society first, the CSOs is not limited of what many ppl percieved they voluntary organizations cut across of ramifications of human endeavurs.

 

Therefore CSOs can be found any where no matter how remote the community may, the may self help group who volunteer to help the ppl in their communities.

 

So reaching out to ppl in rural communities or where ther is no IT facilities is simple, CSOs can use their networks within the CBOs and i doubt if there is rural community without celular phones so that can also be utilized

 

Another avenue of reaching out to them is through the use of Radio, which in area like northrn Nigeria we have more listers of radio then readers or user of the internt

 

Q 3.      @Aliyussufiy

 

What CSOs are doing to ensure that governmental and non-governmental organisations are accountable when it comes to the distribution of palliatives?

 

Answer

 

CSOs work is multidimensional while others work in the area of sensitizations, mobilizations, pallitive support, there are many CSOs working the area of anticorruption and also promotion of accountability, these CSOs are working in diff dimension to ensure

that.

 

 

There are organizations working towards tracking of the palliatives and its distributions while others form part of the team distributing the palliatives as observers and they not only report to their org but

also share the information with the public

 

 

Q 4.     @Aliyussufiy

 

Is @ICTAdvocates using any ICT tool, like tracing apps or any other tool, to help curb the pandemic?

 

Answer

 

currently, @ICTAdvocates is not directly using any app in doing that, but as an organization with large networks we do part with others

 

 

Q 5.        @mukhtars_s

 

@isahcitad . Malam, Governments cannot work alone in responding to the crisis on behalf of vulnerable communities; How has the CSO`s helped initiate a more effective response to humanitarian crises and natural disasters like Covid 19?

 

Answer

 

it is important to note that CSOs motly have the trust of the communities they work, therefore , the community will trust them and agree with all that they may say on the Pandemic morethan what the govt agencies may say.

 

Q 6.       @ Aliyussufiy

 

NNPC implements a tracing application in Nigeria despite warnings that there could be breech of privacy while using the app, did you consider reviewing the app as an ICT development organisation?

 

Answer

 

@ICTAdvocates is an organization that promote internet security and privacy, therefore we can not support any App that may breach into the privacy of the citizens, therefore, if the App has that implications we will advocate its review.

 

7. 7.             @sagiru_ado

 

CSOs found themselves at critical situation at this trying time where Covid 19 restricts interaction and gathering of ppl. What strategies

@ICTAdvocates set in places with no IT connection and network to complement it’s engagement b/4 the pendamic?

 

Answer

 

@ICTAdvocates that is one of the reasons @ICTAdvocates is using

radio stations in reaching out to its targets and i doubt if there is a community without radio

 

Q 8.            @a_sabo12

 

Sir can we know how Civil Society can mobilize people at grassroots to ensure they stay safe looking at how govt is easing the lockdown in the country?

 

Answer

 

As I said earlier they can reach out through their networks at the grassroots and also through the use of radio stations. This is one of the significances of network formation in the CSOs work, another organizations can help you reach where you cant

 

Q 9.     @MubarakEkute

 

@isahcitad How is Covid-19 affecting Civil Society worldwide? How is it Responding?

 

Answer

 

CSOs are part of the world community and the effect of this pandemic is like that of war its effects depends on your area, so CSOs suffer in the areas of the economy, operations and even the ways they reach out to their targets as we said earlier

 

 

 

Q  10.            @sagiru_ado

 

@ICTAdvocates @isahcitad CSOs swift to execute their operations and office work online due to the pendamic, could this be possible

with government at both state and federal levels?

 

Answer

 

This is possible all they need is to build the capacity of their staff towards that. And we have now wtness this since FEC meeting and other important engagements of the government are done online, therefore it is possible

 

Closed

 

@a_sabo12

 

Here we come to the end of this session, on behalf of everyone at @ICTAdvocates we thanks our Senior Program officer, @isahcitad for the wonderful one hour engagement. Remember to always practice good personal hygiene. Stay safe

 

 

@ isahcitad

 

Let me join Ali in thank you for your time and commitments, I do hope we will continue with the work of sensitizations in our communities. STAY SAFE

 

According to world health organization, as at 5^th July, 2020 – the world has recorded over 11.1 million cases of COVID – 19, about 528, 204 deaths and a total of 216 countries were affected by this pandemic and the most alarming part of the report is; 60% of all the cases so far have been reported just in the past month. This is but pointing at the need for all the tenants of this planet to put in more energy and re-strategize in the battle against this deadly virus.

The issue is now beyond just physical distancing, hand washing, face masking and isolating the suspected and confirmed victims but a comprehensive approach to dealing with the pandemic so no window is left open for its further spread. We must leave not even one of these plus others that may sooner or later be discovered; isolation, testing and caring for every case, tracing and quarantining every contact, equipping and training health workers and educating and empowering communities to protect themselves and others.

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) have since swung into action doing all it could exploring all the available avenues though investing most of its energy in ICT related approaches which is a key component of the organization’s mandate and series of twitter chats is one of them.

This week, we hosted Dr. Hussaini Abdu, a medical practitioner who discussed and attended to questions on XXXXXX topic.

 

Below is the extract of the chats as lifted from the Twitter platform:

 

1. Sir, can we know how this pandemic affacet donor agencies especially in Nigeria?

 

Ans.Covid 19 is an important global challenge and a significant shaper of development in the medium term

 

The best contribution you can make to social justice is not giving your life to the struggle, but give the REST of your life – Kumi Naidoo

 

Significant part of Nigeria’s GDP doesn’t pay tax – Emir Sanusi

 

The xter of governance must therefore change if we have to respond to this situation

 

We expect that some of them will like to respond to this crises and therefore divert resources for such purposes

 

Donor resources are drawn from tax payers. Taxes are largely function of the the economy

 

When the economy is good, people are able to pay tax , and when its slows down it effect the revenue profile

 

As COVID 19 slows down the economies of the rich and donor donor countries, we expect donor funds to reduce

 

2. So how are you planning as implementers of the programs to adjust and ensure important interests are not being neglected?

 

Ans.

We also expect donor priorities to change in receiving countries as they concentrate on public health issues

 

And second, is to ensure our development or programme agenda reflects the realities of our people

 

You will agree with the me that our programme approaches must change as physical contacts reduce

 

1. Is define our development agenda and engage donors on the basis of that.

 

We should have 2 responses to this this emerging challenges

 

Like we all know, the pandemic is a major humanitarian crisis. How we respond to the crisis will determine how quick we get out of it and how prepared we are for the post Covid 19 context

 

There are also immediate response to this challenge, which is about repurposing our projects to enable us work safely and respond to the COVID 19 pandemic

 

If we engage our donors without understanding our context, then we will be compelled to follow their understanding of our context

 

We also must be seen supporting the response, particularly the most vulnarable of our communities

 

3. @hussainiabdu is there need for reforms as regards to NGO funding so we can deal with threats like COVID-19? If yes,  what is your suggestion.

 

Ans.

If we engage our donors without understanding our context, then we will be compelled to follow their understanding of our context

 

4. Dr @hussainiabdu, as someone that led many developmental programs & headed many Donor Organizations in Nigeria, apart from health sectors that we already know donors will focus their attention to, which other sectors will also get the attention of donor?

 

Ans.

 

These will remain important, but also depends on how we advance the issues

 

Nigeria is faced with multi dimensional crisis that revolve around our governance capacity and effectiveness

 

Governance and public accountability is still very important and remain so for donors in Nigeria

 

Others include peace building efforts and community resilience

 

Gender and social inclusion is also another area that will remain important

 

5. @hussainiabdu With the spread of the Covid-19, development aid and donor agencies face new challenges, going by the this short time frame, what are these challenges and the way out?

 

Ans.

Governance and public accountability is still very important and remain so for donors in Nigeria

 

Nigeria is faced with multi dimensional crisis that revolve around our governance capacity and effectiveness

 

 

Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA), has revealed that more that half population of female students studying in higher institutions in Kano suffered one form of sexual harassment from male academic and non academic staff.

Executive director of the Centre, Kabiru Saidu Dakata disclosed this during a virtual conferences organized by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on sexual harassment in higher institutions.

The three hours discussion held on zoom dissected issues around “Knowledge Production Dialogue Series Between Knowledge Production and Body Abuse: Debating Sexual Harassment in Knowledge Production Centres Confirmation in Kano”.

Kabiru who raised concern over the soaring rate of sexual abuse, revealed that recent survey conducted by the centre across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Kano, indicated no less than 51.7 percent of female students have suffered some form of assault, abuse or outright rape in the hands of their academic and non-academic staff of their institutions.

According to him, ” Outcome of the survey indicated 45 percent physical touch or kiss by lecturers, 36 percent vocal request for sex from female students, 10 percent actual sex and 6 percent of rape. We also have percentages for cases of mutual resolution, no evidence to validate allegation and those on investigation”.

Although, the CAJA director affirmed circumstances where female students approach their male lectures for assistance, he regretted how lecturers usually take cheap advantage of students weaknesses to offer sexual commodity in exchange.

He also cited lack of effective channel to report case of sexual, inadequate security to protect students and absence of enabling laws to genuinely punish perpetrators of the heinous act as major predicament why rapists would never repent.

” Sexual assault and sometimes rape will continue in our higher institutions especially in Kano where we had our survey, for reasons I will advance. There is no proper and effective communication channel where student can safely report cases of assault.

” In some cases when the school authorities announced that we have set up a committee to look into an open case. You will realised the committee will take several months to ramp up their investigation and at the end of the day, is either the case is resolved amicably without justice or everything is buried.

” Also we find out that security in our schools is not very effective to secure female students. You will also realise that our legal instrument lack the strength to severely met our punishment against rapists, such that will serve as deterrent”.

Communication officer of CITAD, Ali Sabo stressed that the centre is advocating enabling laws to addressing the increasing trend in sexual assault on female students in Kano.

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) is advocating enabling laws to address the increasing trend in sexual assault on female students in Kano State.

The communication officer of CITAD, Ali Sabo, disclosed this during a virtual conference organized by CITAD on sexual harassment in higher institutions, supported by Rosa Luxemburg Foundation West Africa.

At the conference, the Executive Director of Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA) Kabiru Saidu Dakata, has revealed that more than half population of female students studying in higher institutions in Kano state suffered one form of sexual harassment at the institution.

The three hours discussion held on zoom has a theme: ‘Knowledge Production Dialogue Series Between Knowledge Production and Body Abuse: Debating Sexual Harassment in Knowledge Production Centres Confirmation in Kano’.

Dakata who raised concern over the soaring rate of sexual abuse, revealed that recent survey conducted by CAJA across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Kano state, indicated that no less than 51.7 percent of female students have suffered some form of assault, abuse or outright rape in the hands of their academic and non-academic staff of their institutions.

The executive director affirmed circumstances where female students approach their male lectures for assistance, he regretted how lecturers usually take cheap advantage of students’ weaknesses to offer sexual commodity in exchange.

He also cited lack of effective channel to report case of sexual abuse, inadequate security to protect students and absence of enabling laws to genuinely punish perpetrators of the heinous act as major predicament why rapists would never repent.

Cibiyar Wayar da kan Al`umma akan Shugabanci na gari da Tabbatar da Adalci (CAJA), ta bayyana cewa fiye da rabin dalibai mata da su ke karatu a makarantun gaba da sakandire a jihar Kano suna fuskantar cin zarafi ta hanyar lalata daga malaman da su ke koya musu da kuma ma’aikatan makarantun.

Babban daraktan cibiyar Kabiru Saidu Dakata ne ya bayyana haka, a lokacin da ake gudanar da taron ƙarawa juna sani da Gidauniyar Rosa Luxemburg mai kula da Yammacin Afrika ta ɗauki nauyin gudanarwa tare da haɗin gwiwar Cibiyar bunkasa fasahar sadarwa ta zamani da ci gaban al`umma CITAD, wanda aka shirya a shafin Internet, akan cin zarafin da ake yiwa mata a manyan makarantun gaba da sakandire a jihar Kano.

Taron ƙarawa juna sanin wanda ya ɗauki tsahon awanni 3, an yi muhawara akan samar da ilimi da kuma cin zarafi ta hanyar lalata, cin zarafin mata ta hanyar lalata a manyan makarantun da ke jihar Kano.

Kabiru Dakata wanda ya nuna matuƙar takaicinsa a game da yadda ake ƙara samun cin zarafin mata ta hanyar lalata a manyan makarantun da su ke jihar Kano, ya ƙara da cewa wani bincike da su ka gudanar a jami’o’i da kwalejin kimiyya da fasaha da kuma Kwalejin ilimi da su ke jihar Kano, ya bayyana cewa fiye da kaso 51 na ɗalibai mata suna fuskantar zagi, da cin zarafi ta hanyar lalata, a wasu lokutan ma Malamai da ma’aikatan makarantun na yi musu fyaɗe ta hanyar yi musu barazana akan harkokin karatunsu.

”Sakamakon binciken ya nuna cewa kaso 45 na ɗalibai mata sun fuskanci runguma ko kuma sumbatarsu (Kiss) daga Malamansu, yayin da kaso 36 su ka fuskanci kalaman batsa tare da neman buƙatar yin lalata da su daga Malaman na su, sai kuma kaso 10 da Malaman su ka yi lalata da su, ragowar kaso 6 kuma aka yi musu fyaɗe”

Hakazalika babban daraktan na CAJA ya bayyana irin yanayin da ɗalibai mata su kan tsinci kan su a lokacin da su ka buƙaci wani taimako daga Malaman na su, wanda su kuma su kan yi amfani da wannan damar wajen cimma buƙatarsu.

Kabiru Sa’idu Dakata, ya ce rashin wata takaimaimiyar hanya da ɗaliban da aka ci zarafinsu ta hanyar lalata za su kai rahoto, da kuma ƙarancin jami’an tsaron da za su baiwa ɗaliban kariya tare kuma da rashin dokokin da za su hukunta masu wannan mummunar ɗabi’ar, su ne manyan dalilan da ya sa ake yawan samun ƙaruwar lamarin.

”Za a cigaba da samun cin zarafin mata ta hanyar lalata tare da yi musu fyaɗe a manyan makarantu musamman a nan Kano, inda mu ka gudanar da binciken mu. Kuma zamu cigaba da gudanar da binciken, domin babu hanyoyin da daliban za su kai rahoton abin da ya ke faruwa da su.

”A mafi yawan lokuta idan aka samu faruwar irin wannan al’amarin za ka ji makarantun da abin ya faru a ciki sun kafa kwamitoci, wanda kuma a ƙarshe wannan kwamitin ya kan ɗauki watanni kafin ya fitar da sakamakon binciken, ko kuma a ƙarshe a cimma wata matsaya a sirrance ko a ja a rufe batun gaba daya”

”Mun lura cewa akwai ƙarancin jami’an tsaron da su ke manyan makarantun gaba da sakandire da za su lura da ɗalibai mata. Haka kuma dokokin mu ba su da ƙarfin da za su hukunta masu irin wannan mummunar dabi’ar da hakan zai sanya su zama abin misali”

A ƙarshe jami’in yaɗa labarai na Cibiyar bunkasa fasahar sadarwa ta zamani da ci gaban al`umma CITAD, Ali Sabo, ya ce cibiyarsu tana kokarin ganin ta wayar da kan mutane akan samar da dokokin da za su rage cin zarafin dalibai mata ta hanyar lalata a j ihar Kano.

By Abdulyassar Abdulhamid 

The Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA), has revealed that more than half of the population of female students studying in higher institutions in Kano State suffer one form of sexual harassment or another from male academic and non-academic staff. 

Executive Director of the centre, Kabiru Saidu Dakata, disclosed this during a virtual conference organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on sexual harassment in higher institutions, in collaboration with Rosa Luxamburg Foundation, West Africa.

The three-hour conference dissected issues bordering on “Knowledge Production, Dialogue Series between Knowledge Production and Body Abuse: Debating Sexual Harassment in Knowledge Production Centres Confirmation in Kano.”

According to Dakata, a recent survey conducted by the centre across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in the State, indicated no less than 51.7 percent of female students have suffered some form of assault, abuse or outright rape in the hands of academic and non-academic staff of their institutions.

He said:”The outcome of the survey indicated 45 percent physical touch or kiss by lecturers, 36 percent vocal request for sex from female students, 10 percent actual sex and 6 percent of rape. We also have percentages for cases of mutual resolution, no evidence to validate allegation and those on investigation.”

He added that in some circumstances female students approach their male lectures for assistance, regretting how lecturers take advantage of the helpless students’ weaknesses to offer sexual commodity in exchange.

He also cited lack of effective channel to report case of sexual, inadequate security to protect students and absence of enabling laws to genuinely punish perpetrators of the heinous acts as major predicament why rapists would never repent.

He added:”Sexual assault and sometimes rape will continue in our higher institutions especially in Kano where we had our survey, for reasons I will advance. There is no proper and effective communication channel where students can safely report cases of assault.

”In some cases when the school authorities announced that we have set up a committee to look into an open case. You will realise the committee will take several months to ramp up their investigation and at the end of the day, its’ either the case is resolved amicably without justice or everything is buried.

”Also, we found out that security in our schools is not very effective to secure female students. You will also realise that our legal instrument lacks the strength to severely met out punishment against rapists, such that will serve as deterrent.”

In his remarks, the Communication officer of CITAD, Mr Ali Sabo, stressed that the centre is advocating for enabling laws to address the increasing trend in sexual assault on female students in the state.

27^th, June, 2020.

 

Every 27th of June is set aside by the United Nation to celebrate Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises all over the world. This year, like every year, the day was celebrated with much funfair though most of the activities were online due to the coronavirus pandemic that is still ravaging the world. The main reason for celebrating the day is to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. In our part, in celebrating the day, the Centre for Information Technology and Development  (CITAD) organized three different activities; Radio Programs at Vision FM with Zafrullah Abdulaziz, the Author of Entrepreneurship Revolution, CITAD Online Radio with beneficiaries of CITAD Digital Livelihood Program and an online Seminar via Zoom with theme: Supporting Small Businesses through Covid-19 Crisis.

 

The seminar which was moderated by Hajiya Maryam Uwais, a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Investment Programmes had young entrepreneurs and academician as panelists. The panelists were: Muazu Hassan Muazu, a lecturer at Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano and Business Consultant, Alhaji Abdullahi Salisu, a Mandela Washington Fellow, Forbes African 30 under 30, Co-Founder and CEO eTrash2Cash and Mainuna Anka, a Fashion Entrepreneur, Creative Director and Founder of Malaabis-By-Marymz School of Design and Co-Founder, SmeConclave.

In his opening remarks, the Ag. Programmes Coordinator, Malam Isah Garba appreciated the panelists and moderator for accepting the invitation to enlighten the participants about the topic. Emphasizing about the importance of small businesses in the society, Malam Isah Garba stated that small scale entrepreneurs are the backbone of any country’s economy which generates most of country’s GDP. While discussing about the choice of the topic, he stated that the threats COVID 19 pandemic posed to small businesses all over the world is so alarming that there was need to sit down with experts and find a solutions and how they can be helped. Assuring the participants about the readiness of CITAD in helping small businesses, he stated that CITAD is always willing to support young entrepreneurs especially in the area of mentoring, accessing of grants and trainings.

 

The first speaker, Dr. Muazu Hassan Muazu centered his discussion on two perspectives of entrepreneurship that is economic entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs. According to him, economic entrepreneurs are basically profit-making entrepreneurs while the social entrepreneurs are nonprofit entrepreneurs. The speaker stated that entrepreneurs in the society who are always trying to solve societal problems need to be encouraged and supported by individuals and governments, especially at this critical time when most of them have lost their businesses due to lockdown. This will encourage other young individuals to become involved in problem solving businesses in the society.

 

Discussing on how to shift from the conventional way of doing things, Muazu Hassan Muazu stated that for change to happen, people need to think outside the box and leverage on new innovations amidst this pandemic. Applauding the young entrepreneurs in the society, Dr. Muazu said, many of our young people have already started turning the pandemic into fortune, young entrepreneurs are now sewing face marks, producing hand sanitizers and turning their business into online ones, these from his part are what are expected from entrepreneurs; solving societal problems. However, the speaker called on the government and individuals to start providing loans to young people which is interest free. Emphasizing on this, he stated that Bank of Industries needs to step up and provide soft loans to entrepreneurs likewise wealthy individuals in the society. Also on the part of the government, he called on the Ministry of Digital Economy to provide a platform where it will be capturing data of these young people for easy assistance, and also to help these businesses bounce back, he also said there is need for tax waiver to small businesses in the country. While talking about challenges these young businesses are facing, Dr. Muazu said that the major constraints from the government is electricity. Finally, he called for a strong partnership between the government and private sectors in terms of public awareness and creating economic opportunities.

 

In his contribution, Salisu Abdullahi stated that young people can be employers of labour instead of waiting for government and other big companies to hire them. Speaking about his startup which he founded in 2016, Mr. Abdullahi said “it is a social enterprise that helps people to exchange their trash for cash, which they can use to better their lives. All trash gets processed into direct reusable materials, such as trash and shopping bags” while speaking about their achievements, he stated that in 2017 the startup can only reach 3,500 people with $55 profit while in 2019 they were able to reach 13,500 people with profit of $120 and created jobs for hundreds of people both casual and full time jobs The speaker encouraged young people to start thinking outside the box, saying that there are many opportunities outside only that many of the youth lack the knowledge, information, creativity to tap on them or they are too lazy waiting for white color jobs. Speaking about the startup target, Mr. Salisu said they aimed to reach 100,000 people and aim a revenue of $1.5m by 2022. Mr. Abdullahi said the major constraints facing the organization currently are the lack of constant electricity and other alternative of power.

The third speaker, Mrs. Maimuna Abubakar Anka said as a Fashion designer the pandemic has really shocked her and put fear in her mind at the beginning looking at how the lockdown came almost during ‘Eid celebration which is the major market period of fashion designers in Northern Nigeria, but this motivate her to think outside the box which made her to venture into e-business. This according to her has made her to generate profit more than other periods. Mrs. Anka said the profit she is generating at this period is more than when she was engaging in her normal business, similarly the number of students patronizing her fashion academy have doubled compared to when there was no lockdown. On her part, what young entrepreneurs need to excel is creativity, innovation and turning every situation to opportunity.

 

Contributing to the discussion, Nuraddeen Abubakar Zauro who works with Central Bank of Nigeria expressed his dissatisfaction on the way young entrepreneurs in the north are not using and benefiting from the different schemes offered by CBN for entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs in the country. Saying that there are many opportunities in the Bank and encouraged the youth to leverage on them to expand their businesses.

 

While closing the session, the moderator of the seminar, Mrs. Maryam Uwais encouraged youth to be proactive, creative and able to solve problems in the society, mentioned that there are a lot of opportunities in our society that are left untapped and could generate a lot of employments. She thanked CITAD for organizing the seminar looking at the topic which comes at the right time and called on other organizations to be organizing this kind of lectures in order to help the young people in the society.

 

Another program organized by the CITAD to celebrate the world entrepreneurship day was a radio discussion on CITAD’s own online radio station on the topic the effects of COVID 19 on entrepreneurship with three beneficiaries of the Digital Livelihood program, a women entrepreneurship training initiative of CITAD that was supported by the Embassy of the United States of America, Abuja in 2018. The three beneficiaries, Samira Garba Ibrahim, Hafsat Abubakar Sadiq and Aina’u Sarki featured in the online station of CITAD (www.citad.org/radio) and discussed extensively for an hour about their experiences in entrepreneurship with their business companies. In their discussions, Samira said their businesses has been affected by the current COVID 19 pandemic in such a way that many of her customers do not come for purchase as a result of the lockdown. Hafsat explained that she managed to survive her company in this situation through using private mobility, carrying her products to the various sites within the state for her customers who called and requested them.  Aina’u who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Native Essence General Enterprise lamented the way the government failure to support small businesses but collect revenues on monthly basis despite the challenge posed by the COVID 19. She pleaded with the government to be supportive through the Ease of doing business policy for their businesses to flourish and maximize the gains. On asking on the tools they use in marketing their products, all of them responded that the common tool they use is internet through online communications in social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. On asking about the challenges they mostly face; they said the most pressing challenge are insufficient capital and debts but said they consult their mentors regularly to regulate the transactions and balance the situations respectively.  The discussion was live online from 2pm-3pm on Saturday 27^th June, 2020.

 

The third segment of the programs organized by CITAD for the celebration of this day was an interactive Radio programs at conventional media, Vision FM 92.5 in Kano state which hosted Mr. Zafrullah Abdulaziz, Founder and CEO Benz Concept Limited.

The discussion focus solely on how small businesses in the society can cope with issues and threats the covid19 pandemic is posing to their survival which made many businesses to collapsed and left others at verge of collapsing. The guest also discussed the effect of Covid-19 on entrepreneurs and small businesses, and the resourcefulness of companies that thrived during the pandemic. He went further to talk about how the business playing field will change post Covid-19, where there will emerge winners and losers.

Finally, Mr. Zafrullah stated during the one-hour discussion sponsored by CITAD that small businesses are the engines that hold any country’s economy so the need to be supported.

 

Compiled by Ali Sabo, Mubarak Ekute, Sagiru Ado Abubakar and Ibrahim Nuhu

In continuation of its sensitization program on COVID-19 in Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), held its 23rd edition of Twitter chat in the 25th of June, 2020.

 

The guest was Amina Mubarak Ahmad, State Lead, Bridge Connect Africa Initiative

 

She discussed on the topic “Impact of COVID 19 on domestic violence and the preventive measures”

 

She started by clearly saying the outbreak of COVID 19 has affected every-day life whereby the victims of domestic violence spend most considerable days with their abusers which has increased the likelihood of victims abused daily and most frequently.

 

She explained the contributors of domestic violence under the lockdown which are the restrictions of movement which gave birth rise to the frequent abuse and has stop the victims from seeking for help from relevant authorities.

 

In response to the questions addressed to her, she stated the global pandemic has affected the implementation process of ending Gender Base Violence and the need to review strategies in the implementation process. The Fight against Gender Based Violence should not be left in the hands of the Government and the CSOs because they can’t do it alone, people at the grassroots should play a vital role through community awareness campaigns and sensitization, supporting the victims of the Violence and also provide safe and enabling environment for gender based violence survivors without shaming and stigmatization. Social services will greatly have impact on the victims of domestic violence, through providing psychological and emotional support for the victims and also provide them with safe space where their voices will be heard.

 

In conclusion, she gave some recommendations, stating the need for community engagement in Gender Based Violence prevention and response and working closely with the community leaders, religious leaders and community members on ways to prevent the violence.

Engagement:

 

1. Amina Mubarak Ahmad (@aminamahmad), how has domestic violence been affected by #COVID19 pandemic? The outbreak of Covid_19 has affected I can say every sector of our today’s life, it affects domestic violence in such a manner that the victims now spent most considerable times with their abusers to some affected by total lockdown have to stay 24/7 with the abusers As such increases the likelihood of the victims being abuse daily and most frequently and forced to stay with their abusers
2. Welcome @aminamahmad, aside the effort made largely by the gov’t and CSOs in minimizing GBV. Do you think people at grass root have role to play and what could be that role? Fight against GBV is not for only the govt and the CSOs because they can’t do it alone, people at the grassroots can also play a vital role through community awareness campaigns and sensitization, supporting the victims of GBV, supporting the govt and CSOs intervention on GBV And also by providing safe and enabling environment for GBV survivors without shaming and stigmatization
3. Ma’am, What do you think are the contributors of the increased of Domestic Violence this period? The major contributor is the movement restrictions as the result of the pandemic, which forces the victims and the abusers to stay together and increases the chances of frequent abuse.
4. In recent times we have seen rise in domestic violence related cases, has #COVID19 pandemic played any role in the rise and how rampant the incidences become? It really plays a role, aside from the how the movement restrictions contribute to the increase in domestic violence, also lack of access to seek for help from the relevant authorities contribute to the increase of cases we are seeing today
5. reports from every region in Nig indicated that there are increased in Domestic Violence, how do you think this menace can be tackled & ensure justice to the victims? Yes when the necessary intervention measures are put in place which should be easily accessible, where the victims can reach out to and seek for justice despite the movement restrictions.
6. How is the pandemic likely to affect long-term progress toward ending domestic violence? What is the way out? This global pandemic affects almost I can everything, it affects also the implementation processes of already ongoing projects in bringing an end to GBV. The way out is by reviewing the strategies that will fit in with the situation wr have at hand today… Because we can’t say because of the pandemic and the way it affects may be the implementation of the strategy we have at hand we cannot do anything again.
7. do you think the Covid19 pandemic has taken us back in the fight against GBV in Nig. looking at how the numbers r increasing everyday? Yes it does, because now most of  these victims are now spending most of their times with the abusers, and most of the implementation processes for fighting GBV now are being affected by d ongoing pandemic. Because of the movement restrictions victims lack proper access 2 justice
8. Domestic violence was a global pandemic long before the COVID-19 outbreak. But pls, how have COVID-19 influenced rates of domestic violence?
9. Parents, government and people have roles to Respect, Protect and Report on GBV…How can all stakeholders play their role to prune the spread of GBV? Through community engagement in GBV prevention and response. By working closely with the community leaders, religious leaders and community members on how to prevent GBV.
10. what has been the impact on social services for domestic violence victims? Social services greatly impact the victims of domestic violence positively, through providing psychological and emotional support for the victims and also provide them with safe space where they can talk and be heard with out judgment nor justification
11. What can an individual, group or Govt do to protect those at risk of domestic violence amid the pandemic? Providing support and assistance for those at risk of domestic violence on how to protect themselves, when and how to seek for help/assistance.
12. Thank you so much @aminamahmad for being with us at this hour, the engagement is really educative and enlightening. We hope to have you some other time. Thank you so much it is my honor

 

 

In its effort to help in curtailing the spread of covid19 in the Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development have been organizing different enlightening programs to educate the general public on the danger of the virus and call on the attention of government in order to take the appropriate actions in controlling the virus. This week the chat centered on how fake news and misinformation are being spread by individuals, media houses, organizations and even sometimes by some governments is twitting the fight of the disease and misleading the general public. The guest for the chat was Salma Abdulwaheed who is a Communication expert and Head of the Centre for Information Technology and Development Office in Abuja. Mrs. Salma took her time to explain what the two terms means i.e. fake news and misinformation and how they affect the lives of the targeted individuals in general before delving into how powerful forces in the society are using them at this critical time for either fun, profit or to cause harm in the society.

Her response when asked how one can identify a fake news, she said “Take time to verify it. This can be done by checking how recently an account has been created, keeping a close eye on information from your local authorizes, or searching key word to find another source. And also engaging different verification tools online like google which can tell what you need to know about information you come across. Again, there is need to engage Metadata (a tool) it will tell you where and when an image or video was captured to avoid confusion in the case of fake”.

She went further to lament that Misinformation and Fake News could cause mental health and stigma of health service.

Advising government about the growing menace of fake news and misinformation in the society, Mrs. Abdulwaheed said government have the opportunities to gain public trust by displaying effective leadership to safe guard their people from the information epidemic via news media and statements. She also added that governments have an important role in promoting facts and scientific approaches.

Engagement:

	Comment and question	Reply
	Ø  Who is the head office Abuja will be speaking on fake news and misinformation is thwarting the fight against COVID-19. Ø  @a_sabo12 As expert stated , misinformation most of the time do damage than  the situation at hand (war, plague, pandemic e.t.c) why do you think agents of misinformation are investing so much on it.   Ø  @Mubarak Social media influences are using their social media platforms and fringe web site 2 proliferate misinformation, propagate conspiracy theory and promote denial of COVID-19 simply to growth.             Ø  @mubarak Fake news in Nigeria amids COVID-19 period is undermining medical advice, proffering fake cures, inciting panic and being used for political points scoring. As a communication expert what is your advice to the government.   Ø  @mukhtars_s Fake news and misinformation have created numerous hurdles for government federal and state, in their fight against the pandemic. What are its effects on public health?   Ø  @mubarak False information is spreading around the world to such an extent that some commentators are referring to the new avalanche of misinformation that’s accomin  COVID-19 as ‘disnfodemic’.  One identifies the real source from fake news. Ø  @Ali Mrs Salma, how can we control or stop misinformation & fake news when big people in power are also promoting it? For example US president, has been caught several times misleading people with his so call “cue” during this pandemic?   Ø  @mubarak Accurate science communication is key in fight against COVID-19, what can you say about accurate science communication in Nigeria’s fight against the pandemic?   Ø  @ Mubarak What role can civil society play in leveraging with govt bodies like the National Orientation Agency to ensure that correct information is shared widely in the public domin and that false news is quickly countred? Ø  Mrs, do you think it’s right or appropriate for big tech companies like to be taking down any news or information they think is misleading to the public? Ø  @chiroma Do you think government and media bodies are enough to tackle the separate of fake news especially in this critical time.	Ø  What makes it rampant is due some people want to generate revenue via web traffic or discrediting the virus or the government.         Ø  Because the science of the virus is not known. There is a confusion of causes, symptoms and even medication. as a result many people come up with all kind of ideas. Secondly the lockdown provides so much time for people to speculate. Ø  Government have the opportunities to gain public trust by displaying effective leadership to safe guard their people from the information epidemic via news media and statement. Ø  Verification of an online rumor will bring an end to fake news. This can be done by checking how recently an account has been created, keeping a close eye on information from your local authorities, or searching key words to find another source. Ø  I am glad to be a part of this discussion. Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I look forward to a successful chat. Ø   Engaging different verification tools online like google which can tell what you need to know about information you come across. Again, there is need to engage Metadata (a tool) it will tell you where and when an image or video was captured to avoid confusion in the case of fake. Ø  Governments have an important role in promoting facts and scientific approaches. they should provide public with information and analysis, and in countering rumors and distortion. Ø  @Ali Yes, we can panelize social media influencers, but what about those in authority that also promoting same course.   Ø  Let me start by saying misinformation runs rampant during time of unrest, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Ø  Effort should also be made to reach out to the community level to curb the spread of fake news. Ø  Take time to verify it. This can be done by checking how recently an account has been created, keeping a close eye on information from your local authorizes, or searching key word to find another source. Ø  Yes such as internet in creating problem as I mentioned and of course some are paid as I said. Ø  Misinformation and fake news could cause mental health and stigma of health service. Ø  Some deliberately want to create problems. Some are paid to engage. However, there may be some driven by faith or those are ignorant. Ø  CSOs and government agencies should support and empower media development to fight misinformation and fake news. Ø  Here we come to the end of this educative chat with who is a Journalist and Head of office Abuja, on behalf of our E.D & all of us at #CITAD we thank you so much for this educative engagement. Have a nice day. Ø  @ali But, apart from these thing you have mentioned, a lot of educated people and sometimes those in power are also part of the purveyors of fake news and misinformation in the society, don’t you think there is a profit these people are getting from it? Ø  Disseminating correct medical and professional messages is very critical. WHO has partnered with social media platforms to ensure that right information is shared via platforms. Ø  For example Facebook is removing content with claims and conspiracy theories that have been debunked by the world health organization or other credible health experts. Ø  It’s also the responsibility of the big tech companies to debunk any misinformation on their platforms which has no credibility. Ø  Social media platforms should be more committed to amplify factual content and combat disinformation particularly those that are proactively removing harmful material.   Ø  Thank you everyone for your participation Ø  Journalists and media of all kinds are crucial to helping us make informed decision. In a pandemic, those decisions can save lives. Now more than ever, we need the media to document what is happening; to differentiate between fact and fiction and hold leader accountable.

 

 

 

16^th of June 2020

 

She started by responding to a question on the category of patients that can go to the hospital at this difficult time? She stated that as we know in this trying times, the health care system worldwide had received a major blow. Its weaknesses has been exposed, hospital capacity overwhelmed, and health care workers are falling ill from the current pandemic virus, COVID 19.

This simply tells us that not everyone can be treated now. It is important to note that in a pandemic certain, the standard rules of medicine does not apply anymore.

Therefore in response to the other question as well as the above, she said, health care system has created a rationing system. A.k.a triage system.

Though a bit flawed, this help us choose who gets priority in treatment. So people with emergency conditions such as asthma, heart attack, acute abdomen (eg appendicitis), women in labor, road traffic accidents etc get priority over others.

She further stated that not everyone can be treated now. It is important to note that in a pandemic certain, the standard rules of medicine does not apply anymore.

She also advise people to stay away from hospitals especially when going to treat certain (less threatening) ailments.

You see we developing countries are at a loss. The first world countries and other have already incorporated the telemedicine consulting scheme into their healthcare system. This telemedicine ranges from robots being the first line to charts and video consultations with doctors. This helps curb the load of patients in the hospital as well as reduces the risk for otherwise healthy patient with just minor ailments.

 

On the issue of neglecting or rejecting patient by health workers when they visited hospitals with other diseases.

The simple answer is lack of awareness. People don’t understand the burden that pandemics and disasters put on the hospitals as well as the healthcare workers. And it is not their faults.

In creating this awareness, there must be collaboration between the Ministry of health, education, information.

 

She stated dialogue has been long existing even before the immergence of the Ebola virus. The dialogue has included increase in manpower, equipment PPEs, to aid the smooth delivery of health services to patients.

To some extent success have been recorded.

 

Discussing on plans for what happens if the number of coronavirus patients exceeds the available space in intensive care units whether we have such plans in Nigeria do we have such plans.

Well I’m sure those countries you’re referring to are the first world countries. We cannot compare with them because their medicine has by far surpass ours.

But yes, plans are being made on how to create more ICUs.

It’s a good thing our numbers are not rising as fast as that of Italy. Although that does not mean we should relax

 

In her recommendations to Government, private sector and general public.

Recommendations to the government includes.

 

1. Government should learn from this pandemic and adjust to fully investing in the healthcare systems. We have seen them do it being their immediate action in creating isolation center

 

2. The infrastructure of the hospitals should be amended.
3. Health workers and other staffs working at the forefront should be fully equipped with the necessary equipment

 

4. Increase manpower.
5. Community awareness is also keys.

As for the private sectors, i would strongly recommend they also invest in our health system.

As for the general public, they should empathize with us doctors. We are also humans with families. And for every day we see a patient we put not just our lives but that of our loved ones at risk. That does not mean that we do not regard our patients of high importance.

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12:

Good afternoon all, please welcome Doctor Fatima Zango, @ZaRaXaNg who will be speaking on how do Hospitals decide who gets treatment at this difficult time at @ICTAdvocates twitter chat

@YZYau

@ChiromaHope

@UsmanRx

@nissimase

@teemerh_beekay

@IsaKamilu

@kamalkano

@macfound

10

Retweets

2

Likes

 

 

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg:

Jun 16

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@ICTAdvocates

and 8 others

Good afternoon everyone. It’s a pleasure to be invited to partake in this discussion on this platform

@ICTAdvocates

 

 

kamal garba

@kamalkano:

 

Dr. @ZaRaXaNg, People want to know the category of patients that can go to the hospital at this difficult time?

@a_sabo12

@YZYau

@nissimase

@Mairo_Ado

@IsaKamilu

@ICTAdvocates

@HariraWakili

10

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4

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Zahra

@ZaRaXaNg:

Replying to

@kamalkano

@a_sabo12

and 6 others

Well as we know in this trying time, the health care system world-wide had received a major blow. Its weaknesses has been exposed, hospital capacity overwhelmed, and health care workers are falling ill from the current pandemic virus, COVID 19.

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Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12:

So who do you ensure people with other disease being treated at this difficult time?

@YZYau

@ChiromaHope

@MubarakEkute

@kamalkano

@HariraWakili

@Mairo_Ado

@teemerh_beekay

@nissimase

Welcome Dr.

@ZaRaXaNg. Pls. Who gets priority to treatment at this difficult time?

@ICTAdvocates

 

 

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

 

Replying to

@ZaRaXaNg

@kamalkano:

and 6 others

So who do you ensure people with other disease being treated at this difficult time?

@YZYau

@ChiromaHope

@MubarakEkute

@kamalkano

@HariraWakili

@Mairo_Ado

@teemerh_beekay

@nissimase

MUKHTY4

@mukhtars_s:

Okay Dr. @ZaRaXaNg,

What happens to children? Are there intensive care unit resources specifically for children in Nigeria? Bebause, a report shows that, in USA children have become critically ill with Covid-19.

@ICTAdvocates

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Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg:

 

Replying to

@mukhtars_s

and

@ICTAdvocates

Well owing to this pandemic we have seen that our health care system was indeed in shambles , but with the little the government officials has done in creating isolation centres, they are equipped with icu for children

elmubarak bin ekute

@MubarakEkute

@ZaRaXaNg

By ethics and code of practice, are hospitals in better position to decide who they attend to?

@Mairo_Ado

@ICTAdvocates

@a_sabo12

@abdullahi_ari

@YZYau

@ooomiiiii

@nissimase

7

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Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

Replying to

@MubarakEkute

@Mairo_Ado

and 6 others

Yes. They are. Each hospital is governed by a functioning body who sit with health care worker, technicians, public health workers and various core staff to design a pandemic/disaster triage scheme.

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

 

Doctor

@ZaRaXaNg

Many people are complaining about how they or their loved ones are being neglected or rejected by health workers when they visited hospitals with other diseases, what do you think is leading to this & what do u think can be done to solve the issue

@ICTAdvocates

 

 

4

Likes

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@ICTAdvocates

and 10 others

The simple answer is lack of awareness. People don’t understand the burden that pandemics and disasters put on the hospitals as well as the healthcare workers. And it is not their faults

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3

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

Who is responsible of creating this awareness, doctor?

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Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

It is a collaboration between the Ministry of health , education, information.

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

Doctor, as we are coming to the end of this educative one hour engagement, what recommendations you have for gov’t, private sector and general public on situation like this, @ZaRaXaNg?

@YZYau

@MubarakEkute

@ChiromaHope

@ICTAdvocates

@kamalkano

@IsaKamilu

@Ashshaza1

@macfound

10

Retweets

4

Likes

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@YZYau

and 7 others

I have already stated in my previous tweets what is demanded form the government. As for the private sectors, i would strongly recommend they also invest in our health system.

5

2Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@YZYau

and 7 others

As for the general public, they should empathize with us doctors. We are also humans with families. And for every day we see a patient we put not just our lives but that of our loved ones at risk. That does not mean that we do not regard our patients

1

6

2

 

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

Of high importance.

MUKHTY4

@mukhtars_s

 

Dr.

@ZaRaXaNg. In some countries, hospitals and public health officials are working on plans for what happens if the numbe of coronavirus patients exceeds the available space in intensive care units. Pls, In Nigeria do we have such plans?

@ICTAdvocates, @YZYau, @MubarakEkute

9

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1

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Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

Replying to

@mukhtars_s

@ICTAdvocates

and 2 others

Well I’m sure those countries you’re referring to are the first world countries. We cannot compare with them because their medicine has by far surpassed ours. But yes, plans are being made on how to create more ICUs.

1

4

2

 

 

Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

It’s a good thing our numbers are not rising as fast as that of Italy. Although that does not mean we should relax

 

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

As we come to the end of today’s twitter chat, on behalf of our E.D  @YZYau & the entire @ICTAdvocates staff we extend our appreciation to our guest, Dr Fatima-Zarah Zango @ZaRaXaNg for the educative engagement, thank you so much doc.

@ChiromaHope

@IsaKamilu

@kamalkano

@nissimase

elmubarak bin ekute and 4 others

10

Retweets

5

Likes

 

 

Zahra 

 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@YZYau

and 10 others

Thank you so much for having me. I look forward to partaking in more discussions, that if you will have me.

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Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

 

Of course, it will be our honour, doc.

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Zahra 

@ZaRaXaNg

 

That would be great. Thank you once more.