By Abba Dukawa

AREWA AGENDA-A Kano based non governmental organization, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) is working towards using ICT for the community development in the state and the nation at large through it’s CIGIYA app.

This was disclosed by the Centre’s Technical officer Engr. Kamaluddeen Umar during a press conference.

He said that CIGIYA app, is the first of its kind across Nigeria. It is a lost and found application that will facilitate the searching of lost items by people and help transport associations, media houses and other relevant organization to generate a database of lost item.

Engr. Kamaluddeen Umar emphasized that most of the transports association in the state having have a number of unclaimed lost items as a result of uncertainty of where the items are submitted adding that this will enable individuals to use the application to search for found items and the location they were submitted.

Further explaining the app, he said it will contain the name of the item, unique ID, date it was lost, park or location where it was submitted and picture (actual picture may be replaced by sample picture or just the name in case of items with bare identification). It also contains the contact number of the park for further information.

CITAD plans to collaborate with media houses, security outfits and other relevant stakeholders toward the success of the App to reach the target peoples adding the app designed to have simple interface both for data entry and item searching and has already consulted some transport unions which include Tricycle Operators Association of Kano State (TOAKAN) and Tsaya da Kafarka Taxi Association, Kano.

The Centre for information technology and development (CITAD), has launched an Android application called (CIGIYA) to help people search for lost items and the locations they can be found.

This was communicated by the CITAD Technical Officer Engineer Kamaluddeen Umar, at a press conference during the launch of the application at the center’s conference room in Kano.

He said that the purpose of unveiling the application is to help people to easily trace their lost items by just going through and searching the lost items in the application via their phones.
He added that they will engage transport unions, media and security agents in the process and train them on ways to upload lost items in the application.

“The CIGIYA app, which is the first of its kind is a lost and found application that will facilitate the searching of lost items by people and help transport associations, media houses and other relevant organization to generate a database of lost item. This will enable individuals to use the application to search for possible found items and the location they were submitted.

“Most of the transports association having parks have a number of unclaimed lost items as a result of uncertainty of where the items are submitted. The announcement made in the media houses does not reach some people who lost their items as the announcement may happened when they are not on the tune and it is normally within short days.

“With the new CIGIYA app a permanent database of lost items will be available online and people can search it any time by item type, date range or car park or stations. The data base will simply be generated by the representative of agreed park, media house or unions,” he added.

CITAD calls for non-violent resolution of insurgency
He further said that the application will contain name of the item, unique ID, date it was lost, park or location where it was submitted and picture (actual picture may be replaced by sample picture or just the name in case of items with bare identification).

He added that CITAD has already consulted some transport unions which include Tricycle Operators Association of Kano State (TOAKAN) and Tsaya da Kafarka Taxi Association, Kano.

It also has plans to collaborate with the media houses, security outfits and other relevant stakeholders and the application is designed to have simple interface both for data entry and item searching.

“CIGIYA App. will be very effective solution for facilitating and enhancing searching for lost items as well as reducing the occupied space by the lost items in the transport parks, unions offices and media houses,” he added.

Cibiyar Bunƙasa Fasahar Sadarwa Da Cigaban Al’umma CITAD ta ƙaddamar da wata sabuwar Manhaja wacce al’umma za su dinga yin amfani da ita wajen binciko kayan da su ka yar da shi ko kuma ya ɓata.

Manhajar mai suna Cigiya za ta taimakawa matafiyan da kayansu ya É“ata da ko kuma kafafen yaÉ—a labarai wajen saka bayanan kayayyakin da su ka É“ace ko kuma aka daÉ—e ana neman masu kayan amma shiru ba a same su.

Da ya ke jawabi a game da Manhajar Injiniya Kamaluddeen Umar wanda shi ne jagoran Injiniyoyin da su ka samar da Manhajar ya bayyana cewa manhajar za ta taimaka ƙwarai da gaske wajen bincikowa waɗanda kayansu su ka ɓata cikin sauƙi.

Injiniya Kamaluddeen Umar ya ƙara da cewa cibiyar ta CITAD ta yi nazari tare ganin dacewar samar da wannan Manhajar ta Cigiya domin sauƙaƙawa al’umma ganin kayansu da ya ɓace.

Haka kuma Injiniya Kamaluddeen ya ce la’akari da jihar Kano a matsayin cibiyar kasuwanci da kuma yadda ake samun ɓatan kayayyaki a tsakankanin matafiya hakan ne ya sanya cibiyar ta CITAD ta yi haɗin gwiwa da ƙungiyoyin motocin sufuri da na babura masu ƙafa uku wato TOAKAN da ƙungiyar ƴan Tasi ta Tsaya Da Ƙafarka, wajen ganin Manhajar ta yi aikin yadda ya kamata.

Manhajar dai ta Cigiya ita ce irinta ta farko da aka samar kuma tana É—auke da wasu alamomi na musamman. Haka kuma ana iya sabunta a dandalin Manhajoji da ke shafin Intanet wato Play Store.

The centre for information technology and development CITAD has launched Cigiya android application that will easily track lost items using Android phones application in Kano.

Addressing Newsmen the technical officer centre for information technology and development CITAD, Engineer Kamalu Umar CITAD is working towards using ICT for the development of the community in the state and the nation as a whole.

According to Kamalu Umar the new CIGIYA mobile application is available on google play store.

He said the application, which is the first of its kind is a lost and found application that will facilitate the searching of lost items by people and help transport associations, media houses and other relevant organization to generate a database of lost item.

CITAD Tasks FG to Make Nigeria An ICT Producing Country

Engineer Umar said this will enable individuals to use the application to search for possible found items and the location they were submitted.

According to the technical officer most of the announcement being made in the media houses does not reach some people who lost their items as the announcement may happened when they are not on the tune and it is normally within short days.

Therefore the new CIGIYA application is a permanent database of lost items will be available online and people can search it any time by item type, date range or car park or stations.

The data base will simply be generated by the representative of agreed park, media house or unions.

The application will contain name of the item, unique ID, date it was lost, park or location where it was submitted and picture (actual picture may be replaced by sample picture or just the name in case of items with bare identification).

It also contains the contact number of the park for further information. ”said Kamalu Umar

Engineer Kamalu Umar further told newsmen that CITAD has already consulted some transport unions which include Tricycle Operators Association of Kano State (TOAKAN) and Tsaya da Kafarka Taxi Association, Kano.

It also has plans to collaborate with the media houses, security outfits and other relevant stakeholders and The application is designed to have simple interface both for data entry and item searching.

The centre for information technology added that the CIGIYA App. will be very effective solution for facilitating and enhancing searching for lost items as well as reducing the occupied space by the lost items in the transport parks, unions offices and media houses.

TECH DIGEST – There has been a renewed call for strategic collaboration between industry and universities to enable institutions produce the relevant calibre of graduates to fill the skill gap in the ever-changing work place dominated by technology.

The Executive Director, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Dr. Yunusa Z. Yau, who made this call while speaking with TechDigest.ng., lamented that stakeholders in the labour market have continued to neglect the effect of skill shortage due to obsolete curricular.

Dr. Yau said the inability of universities to produce skilled manpower to match the evolving digital technologies is a result of lack of cooperation between industry and institutions of higher learning in the country.

He advised that universities’ curricular must be upgraded with new content to deliver quality manpower required for the industries to function, noting that digitization has exposed the lack of synergy between key stakeholders in higher education.

“Universities are producing skills but not the type that industries require. Research institutes are producing research outputs but not the type of outputs that industry needs. They remain in shelves.

“What is needed is to institute a regular interface and dialogue between industry and training institutions so that institutions can understand better what the industry needs and therefore tailor their training outcomes toward meeting that.

“Take engineering as whole for example, the problem is not just that the content is outdated but that we need to realise what industry need is not a graduate engineer with knowledge and the skills ready- made to work in an industry but about the ability and disposition to learn, relearn and to adapt to changing work environment,’’ he explained.

The CITAD boss urged the government formulate policies that would guide universities to produce graduates equipped with fresh skill, knowledge and capacity for critical thinking in order to fit in the real world of work.

On 9th FEBRUARY, 2021

As part of its commitments to ensure a safer internet for all most especially the vulnerable
people in the society like women and girls who are the prime target of online attacks, the
Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) had on the 9 th of February, 2021
join the global community to organize a twitter chat with theme “Online Wellbeing and Digital
Resilience” in order to highlight the challenges internet users are facing in Nigeria, discuss the
things that can be done to stop server bullying & online harassment, bring out the negative
affect of it and to also discuss the way forward. The discussant at the twitter chat, Engineer
Mary Ahuoiza Kumode who is the ICT Committee Leads of Nigerian Youth Parliament started
the discussion by highlighting how toxic the internet space is most especially to girls and
women “Nigeria internet space, is fast growing with the speed of light, as it also comes with its
prons and cons, I will say it’s safety most especially to girls and women has become a thing of
concern, however we cannot have control over it the best we can do is response positively”
Also highlighting the negative aspect of the online space to women and girls, the discussant
further stated that “women trafficking especially for sexual gratification remains a major social
issue confronting our world today. This is one of the cons of the online space that remains a
threat to women and girls” when asked what are the challenges women are facing online and
how the challenges can be tackled, Engineer Kumode stated that “effective Policing by
regulatory agencies, safety moderation and standards by tech companies, & online wellbeing of
individuals should be considered let them be mindful of things on their platform as youths most
time use such standard to relate to their own lives” also she suggested that “monitoring and
policing of the Internet is a responsibility for all, and not just gender activists. Social media have
major roles to play in making their platforms safe for all, they must act proactively to stop
online abuse, body/slut shaming of women”.
At the end of the chat, Engineer Ahuoiza made it clear that the issue of making Internet safer
for women and girls is a Clarion call for everyone, to encourage and teach online wellbeing
especially to the women and girls, so we can attain a future with Digital Resilient Women.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD, has enumerated was through which local content policy in the Information Communication and Technology, ICT, could accelerate the attainment of the objectives of the digital transformation agenda of the country.

This is contained in a communique signed by the Centre’s Executive Director, Y. Z Yau and made available to ASHENEWS, at the end of a one-day webminar held on Local Content Policy in the ICT Sector, held on Wednesday

According to the communique, participants suggested that, to speed up the process of making Nigeria an ICT producing country that is globally competitive, “government should streamline its tax system to relief small and medium enterprises from the burden of multiple taxation.”

While suggesting that government should “lead in the campaign for the use of made in Nigeria ICT goods and services,” participants also advised “its agencies to patronize young innovators and developers to encourage them to grow and make the country globally competitive

“State governments should ensure that their MDAs are compliant with the Local Content Policy.

“There is need to further sensitize both government MDAs and the wider society about the Local Content Policy in the ICTs

“To ensure the realization of the objectives of National Digital Economy, governments should formulate and implement a National Digital Inclusion Agenda, to ensure that marginalized and vulnerable groups have access to affordable ICT goods and services, including digital skills and training.

“Government should clarify its polices to allow for community networks to take root and flourish in the country as an alternative means for connecting unconnected communities,” the communique reads.

According to the webminar, “establishing a National Software Policy and Strategic Framework and enabling Act, is imperative to promote and secure national digital IP.”

It also recommended that government develops 250,000 capacity of indigenous software engineering capacities annually; create 1,250,000 in five years as well as set up software engineering institutes.

“Governments should create Software Development Clusters to grow employment opportunities for our Youth through the emerging Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Digital Games and Work from Home employment opportunity windows all over the world.

“Create merger and partnership incentives for Software SMEs and Startups to build large capacities for global competitiveness, reduce national Software IP flight and benefit Domestic economy.

“NITDA should develop and execute a Standard Level Agreement (SLA) with all MDAs for performance management.”

Participant commended NITAD for the various initiatives it has put in place and implementing that are impacting positively in the ICT sector in the county.

“These measures have led to increased consumption of local hardware in an unprecedented manner from annual sale of 113,814 in 2015 to 414,510 in 2018 and 364,376 in 2019 as well as facilitated patronage of indigenous software, amounting to over N3 billion through our regulatory local content guidelines and IT clearance,” the communique further reads.

The webminar was attended by more than 70 people from the ICT community in the country, to examine how the local content policy could be used to accelerate the attainment of the objectives of the digital transformation agenda of the country.

It was chaired by Prof. Adenike Osofisan, Provost, Nigeria Computer Society College of Fellows and Chair of the Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN).

While the Director General of NITDA, Mr. Inuwa Abdullah delivered the keynote address on Local Content Policy in ICT Sector as Key to Achieving the Objectives of the Digital Economy in Nigeria, Mr. Will Anyaegbunam, MD/CEO of Beta Computer Limited spoke on Responding to the Hardware Dimensions of the Local Content.

Mr. Chris Uwaje, pioneer president of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria spoke on Meeting the Software Component Challenge of Local Content in the Country, while Prof M. Ajiya, President of Digital Bridge Institute made presentation on Meeting the Skills Challenge for Effective Implementation of Local Content Policy in the ICT Sector.

COMMUNIQUE FOLLOWING A ONE-DAY WEBINAR ON LOCAL CONTENT POLICY IN THE ICT SECTOR

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on Wednesday, 10th February, 2021 held a one-day webinar on Local Content Policy in the ICT Sector.

Attended by more than 70 people from the ICT community in the country, the objective was to examine how the policy could be used to accelerate the attainment of the objectives of the digital transformation agenda of the country.

Chaired by Prof. Adenike Osofisan, Provost, Nigeria Computer Society College of Fellows and Chair of the Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullah delivered the keynote addressed on Local Content Policy in ICT Sector as Key to Achieving the Objectives of the Digital Economy in Nigeria.

Three seasoned and respected ICT professionals made presentations on three key aspects of the policy namely:

1. Mr. Will Anyaegbunam, MD/CEO of Beta Computer Limited on Responding to the Hardware Dimensions of the Local Content

2. Mr. Chris Uwaje pioneer Present of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria on Meeting the Software Component Challenge of Local Content in the Country

3. Prof M. Ajiya, President/CEO of Digital Bridge Institute on Meeting the Skills Challenge for Effective Implementation of Local Content Policy in the ICT Sector .

Observations

Participants noted that:

1. The Local Content Policy in the ICT sector has the potentials to accelerate the attainment of the objectives of the digital economy of the country

2. There is low awareness about the policy within both the ICT business and professional sector as well as within government, especially at state levels

3. There has not been an effective implementation of the policy in spite of the efforts NITDA has been making

4. Insufficient ICT knowledge and support for businesses and enterprises

5. Low patronage of local ICT firms and enterprises

6. Inadequate appreciation and support for local innovation and creativity around ICT

7. Importation of foreign ICT brands contributing to capital drain out of the country Commendations Participant commended NITAD for the various initiatives it has put in place and implementing that are impacting positively in the ICT sector in the county.

Participants in particular note the following positive development:

1. The issuance of Executive Order 003 in May 2017 to support procurement of Local Content Products and Services by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)

2. The issuance of Executive Order 005 was issued in February 2018 to promote Nigerian Content in the Planning, Execution of Projects and Contracts in Science, Engineering and Technology. Furthermore, in August 2019,

3. The updating of the Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in ICT to be line with the both Executive Orders 003 and 005 by NITDA

4. The formulation of the National Digital Economy Policy for Digital Nigeria

5. Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025

6. National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030)

7. Nigeria ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Vision These measures have led to for instance, increased the consumption of local hardware in an unprecedented manner from annual sale of 113,814 in 2015 to 414, 510 in 2018 and 364,376 in 2019 as well as facilitated patronage of indigenous software, amounting to over 3 billion naira through our regulatory local content guidelines and IT clearance.

Recommendations

To further consolidate on these and speed up the process of making Nigeria an ICT producing country that is globally competitive, participants recommend that:

1. Government should streamline its tax system to relief small and media enterprises from the burden of multiple taxation

2. Government should lead in the campaign for the use of made in Nigeria ICT goods and services

3. Government and its agencies should patronize young innovators and developers to encourage them to grow and make the country globally competitive

4.State governments should ensure that their MDAs are compliant with the Local Content Policy

5. There is need to further sensitize both government MDAs and the wider society about the Local Content Policy in the ICTs

6. To ensure the realization of the objectives of National Digital Economy, the governments hould formulate and implement a National Digital Inclusion Agenda to ensure that marginalized and vulnerable groups to have access to affordable ICT goods and services, including digital skills and training.

7. That government should clarify its polices to allow for community networks to take root and flourish in the country as an alternative means for connecting unconnected communities

8. Establishing a National Software Policy and Strategic Framework and enabling Act is imperative to promote and secure national digital IP

9. Ensure to develop 250,000 capacity of indigenous Software engineering capacities annually, to create 1,250,000 in 5 years. Set up Software Engineering Institutes.

10. Create Software Development Clusters to grow employment opportunities for our Youth through the emerging Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Digital Games and Work from Home employment opportunity windows all over the world.

11. Create merger and partnership incentives for Software SMEs and Startups to build large capacities for global competitiveness, reduce national Software IP flight and benefit Domestic economy.

12. Government should Lead Nigerians from the front in the campaign to dispense with the persisting wrong perception that local PCs are inferior to imported foreign brands.

13. Local ICT goods and services produces should note that there should be no Nigerian but international standard computers of very high quality.

14. Government should help to enforce adhere strict protection of all intellectual property rights

15. Must adhere strictly to the standards established by all regulatory bodies especially NITDA.

16. NITDA develop and execute a Standard Level Agreement (SLA) with all MDAs for performance management

Signed

Y. Z. Yaú

Executive Director

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)

Date: February 11, 2021

HELD ON THE 11 TH OF FEBRUARY, 2021

In its effort to promote science and empower women and girls in Northern Nigeria through the
knowledge of science, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) had on
the 11 th of February, 2021 organized a twitter chat to join the international community in
celebrating this important day. The guest at the twitter chat was Nasiba Babale, a Medical
Laboratory Scientist with Department of Chemical Pathology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
and the discussion centred around “Leveraging on the Power of Science to Empower Women
and Girls in Northern Nigeria”
In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and
further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations
General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/70/212 declaring 11 February as the International Day
of Women and Girls in Science.
At present, less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women. According to UNESCO
data (2014 – 2016), only around 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related fields in
higher education. Globally, female students’ enrolment is particularly low in ICT (3 per cent), natural
science, mathematics and statistics (5 per cent) and in engineering, manufacturing and construction
(8 per cent).
Discussions:
Good afternoon everyone,
Join me to welcome @ICTAdvocates's guest, @NaseebaBabale, a Medical Laboratory Scientist
with AKTH who will discuss on How we can Leverage on the power of Science to Empower
Women in Northern Nigeria in celebration of #InternationalDayOfWomenInScience
Hello everyone. It is nice to be hear.
Question:
It's our pleasure having you, Ma. Can we start by telling us how important science is to the life
of women especially in northern Nigeria. @YZYau @fareedear @ICTAdvocates @APC_News
@sagiru_ado @kamalkano @IsaKamilu @teemerh_beekay @nissimase
Answers:
We live in the 21st century where almost everything is somehow connected to science and
technology. As such, it is important to the lives of women, especially in this region where
women are still left behind in some aspects of societal life in which science is at the fore front.

Women also need to pursue careers in science in order to move in line with the demands of the
21st century.
Women need the knowledge of science in every aspect of their lives. They need it to know how
to take care of themselves, how to stay healthy, what to eat, how to preserve food at home,
how to get rid of pests.
Questions:
So let's look at the importance of science from the economic perspective, as an expert in the
area how do you think this area of knowledge will salvage women from this part of the country
from the bandage of poverty? @NaseebaBabale @YZYau @ICTAdvocates @teemerh_beekay
@nissimase
Answers:
There are a lot of careers in science women can pursue in order to get rid of poverty. For those
unable to do that, they can use scientific principles that can be used as basis for entreprenual
purposes. For example, scientific knowledge is used in making perfumes, soaps, etc
For those involved in production, they can use science to boost their level of production and
hence their profits. Science can also help them know ways to conserve energy and maximize
profit.
Question:
Are all these knowledge available and accessible to women in our communities, if not how can
we make them available and accessible?
Answer:
Some of them are available in schools as part of the curriculum in science subjects. It is just left
to women to use that knowledge and apply it to real life scenarios. Some of the knowledge
would have to be disseminated through trainings, workshops and seminars.
Questions:
As an expert in the area, what advice can you offer to these women in order to be tapping from
these opportunities? @YZYau @ICTAdvocates @teemerh_beekay @kamalkano @IsaKamilu
And also what are your recommendations to give in order to invest more in the area?
@NaseebaBabale @teemerh_beekay @YZYau @ICTAdvocates @sagirchedi @kamalkano
@anasadomusa

Answers:
We need more training sessions for women in science. We need to teach science in our local
languages in order to have more understanding, especially for women in the rural areas.
Women wanting to pursue careers in science should be supported by their parents, spouses
and society.
They also need to seek knowledge from those who can help them understand how to apply
them in order to help themselves.
Women in science need to pay attention to what they are being taught in class. A lot of those
are things they can use to their advantage. They need to stop the idea of reading to pass exams
and dumping the knowledge after that.

They also need to seek knowledge from those who can help them understand how to apply
them in order to help themselves.
Here we come to the end of this discussion with @NaseebaBabale, who spent the last 1 hour
discussing on How to Leverage on the Power of Science to Empower Women in Northern Nig. in
celebration of #InternationalDayOfWomenInScience thank you so much for the fruitful
discussion, Ma.
It's my pleasure. I will be glad to participate any time you need me.

No fewer than 60 young people have been trained in Jama’are Local Government by the Job Placement Information Services (JOPIS) unit of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) to become next Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs.  The training took place Tuesday, 9th February, 2021 at CITAD Training Hall, Jama’are Local Government, Bauchi State, and has been tailored to educate youth in order to start or grow their businesses to overcome the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropy dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs, opens applications on its TEFConnect digital platform (www.tefconnect.com) in January 1, 2021. This year’s intervention prioritizes the economic recovery of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and young African entrepreneurs, following the Covid-19 disruption to economic activities. To address the unique challenges arising from the pandemic, lift millions out of poverty and create sustainable employment across the continent, the Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme will empower 1,000 young African entrepreneurs, selected from the 2020 cohort.  The Foundation will also open applications to an additional 2,400 young entrepreneurs in 2021, in collaboration with global partners. Successful applicants receive a world-class business training, mentorship, non-refundable seed capital up to $5,000, and global networking opportunities.  The Programme is open to entrepreneurs across Africa, both new start-ups and existing young businesses, operating in any sector.

Earlier, the secretary Jama’are local government, Alh Abdullahi Danbaba in his opening remarks thanked CITAD and said that it is always good to have organization such as CITAD in our midst for economic well being of our communities. The secretary strongly advised the participants to listen attentively and try their best. He described Tony Elumelu Foundation as good venture to interact with for the fact that the organization is universally accepted as an economic empowerment foundation that facilitated various skills acquisition in Nigeria and abroad. Malam Ibrahim Aboki, a business consultant and an alumnus of TEF urged the participants to endure the TEF processes. He recalled how he spent sleepless nights trying to develop a winning proposal. He said that there are guidelines for applying for TEF grant that will make you win it. First of all, applicant must apply online through tefconnect portal (www.tefconnect.com) and must complete all required information and upload documents and identification materials. According to him, TEF engages the services of Accenture Development Partners to review the applications and make the final selection of 1000 entrepreneurs. To ensure that the selection process follow a robust, rigorous, and transparent selection process developed by TEF. They prioritize four critical factors: project management discipline, evaluation process, quality assurance, interpretation and application of evaluation criteria and the selection and training of the Evaluators.

Malam Sagiru Ado Abubakar, the coordinator JOPIS unit, practically demonstrated the tefconnect portal from registering of personal details, psychometric test and financial knowledge assessment. While Kamal Garba Alhassan made his facilitation on the problems of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Northern Nigeria and the way forward.

Centre for Information Technology (CITAD), has charged the Government on the need to adopt Non-Military or Non-violent Approach and embrace dialogue method in addressing the problem of Insurgency in North East Nigeria.

The Center made the call on Thursday during a public presentation of it’s policy brief on Prospects and Challenges of Non-violent Resolution of Insurgency in North East Nigeria.

The Centre’s Senior Program Officer, Isa Garba said the call became pertinent considering the outcome of a research in the three most affected States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa devastated by the activities of Boko Haram insurgent group with Kano which the Centre consider a learning ground for other state to learn from how it dealt with the Insurgency in its area.

He said, the research was carried out using three methodologies which include; Key Informant Interview (KII), Focus group Discussion as well as Desk review to come up with the inperical reuslt which suggests a better and alternative way of addressing Insurgency and other conflicts in the country.

The Program Officer further stated that results from their findings indicate that major Actors involved in the fight against Insurgency with the exception of a few are also advocates of the Non-Military or violent approach hence, the need for Government to change its tactics in tackling the issue which has lingered on for so long.

That History has shown, no country in the world had successfully resolved its conflict(s) using only military approach without dialogue and discussion and it is ideal that the Nigeria Government begin to give it a trial.

He said it is true you can’t fight violence with violence but that doesn’t mean the Nigeria military and other security agencies are not able to bring to an end the Insurgency using the military might but it is only logical the country consider the outcome of the research by CITAD.

Cibiyar bunƙasa fasahar sadarwa da cigaban al’umma CITAD, ta bayyana cewa yin amfani da shugabannin al’umma zai taka rawa sosai wajen magance rikicin boko haram da ake fama da shi a shiyyar arewa maso gabashin Najeriya.

Cibiyar ta CITAD ta ce ta gano hakan ne bayan da ta gudanar da wani bincike a yankin arewa mso gabashin arewacin ƙasar nan, inda sakamakon binciken ya nuna cewa yin amfani da shugabannin al’umma da na addinai da na matasa da kuma shugabannin ƙungiyoyin mata zai taimaka sosai wajen magance wutar rikicin da ta ke kokarin gagarar Kundila, a maimakon yin amfani da ƙarfin soji.

Babban jami’in gudanar da shirye-shirye na cibiyar ta CITAD Isah Garba ne ya bayyana hakan a lokacin da ya ke gudanar da wata maƙala da aka gabatar mai taken hanyoyin da za bi wajen magance ƙalubalen tsaro a yankin arewa maso gabashin Najeriya.

Isah Garba ya ce amfani da jami’an tsaro na sa ka kai da aka fi sani da Civilian JTF zai taimaka sosai wajen daƙile wutar rikici.

Rikicin Boko Haram dai ya ɗauki tsahon shekaru fiye da goma a yankin jihohin Maiduguri da Yobe da kuma Adamawa, inda aka samu asarar dubban rayukan al’umma da dukiyoyi ta miliyoyin Naira. Tare kuma da dubban ƴan gudun hijira.

Taron dai ya samu halarcin kwamishinan ƴan sanda na jihar Kano, AIG Habu Sani, wanda ya samu wakilcin mataimakin kwamishinan ƴan sanda Uzairu Muhammad, da babban kwamandan rundunar Civil defense da kuma ƙungiyoyin fararen hula daga ciki da wajen jihar Kano.

The Centre for information Technology and development CITAD has unveiled a policy brief on propsects and challenges of non-violent resolution of insurgency in North-east Nigeria.

Unveiling the policy brief at CITAD, the senior programmes officer of the centre Isah Garba said they worked on the police brief using an emprical research.

He said the study worked on three North-eastern states that were seriously affected by insurgency which include Borno,Yobe and Adamawa.

Apart form those states Kano was also used as a learning ground for other states to emulate

He said the study took them not more than three months to conclude even with the advent of covid 19.

He said 95 percent of the respondents and  stakeholders agreed that dialogue should be the best approach to end insurgency.

According to Malam Isah Garba historical evidence has shown that there is no where in the world where military power only ends conflict and warfare.

He said the research conducted dealt wih the actors involved and the objective is using non-military power to end insurgency.

The senior programmes officer said critical stakeholders like the media are supposed to sale the idea to the government so that it can come up with a framework to end the insurgency using non military approach and for dialogue .

In a remark the  Kano state commissioner of police represented by ACP Uzairu Abdullahi said ending conflict using non violent approach is very important noting that the police force have been using it through community policing.

Uzairu Abdullahi said with the community policing being intensified insurgency will definetely come to an end.

By Sani Ibrahim Paki

The Centre for Information and Technology and Development (CITAD) has commended the Kano State government for its initiative in engaging 2,000 marshals to enforce compliance with COVID-19 protocols in the state.

The coordinator of the centre, Ali Sabo, who stated this on Monday during a press conference in Kano, however, lamented poor compliance with the protocols in most state’s secondary schools.

“These marshals will go a long way in enforcing people to comply especially on the use of face masks.

“We have recently conducted a survey in 60 secondary schools in Kano State and we observed that there is little compliance with the COVID-19 protocols.”

CITAD, therefore, called on the state government to provide more structures in the schools to minimise congestion in classrooms and hostels, provide adequate protective equipment, disinfect their premises regularly, and ensure more sensitisation of students and teachers.

Chronicle reports that the state government on Sunday inaugurated 2,000 people including men and women called ‘COVID-19 Marshals’ to sensitise and enforce compliance to the COVID-19 protocols around the state.

This initiative, according to the government, was the first of its kind in the country and it was part of the government’s effort to curtail the spread of the disease as more cases were recorded during the second wave of the pandemic in the state.