CITAD Castigates Fake Picture Of Murder Of Nigerian Soldiers On Social Media

By Uzoma Okafor.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), an NGO, has condemned the fake picture of the killing of some Nigerian Soldiers on the social media platform.

The CTAD Hate Speech Project Coordinator, Alhaji Hamza Ibrahim, made this condemnation in a statement on Wednesday in Bauchi. ‎

“The picture, which has gone viral on the social media, shows two gentlemen in a Nigerian military uniform; one is dead while the other is crying loudly.

‎”Those circulating the image claimed it was a scene during the recent attack on the Nigerian troops under the 157 Task Force Battalion at Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno on Nov. 18,” he said.

According to him, the organisation observes that the picture is receiving the attention of Nigerians on the social media with the impression that it originates from the Metele attack on the Nigerian troops.

“We want to emphasise here that the picture is fake, and it is not in any way connected with Metele incident.

“Unlike what those circulating the pictures claimed, the picture originated from a Hausa Movie called ”Abu Hassan”, where two friends “Adam Zango and Zahraddin Sani”, were involved in a gunfight with their antagonists.

“Zango had in the movie died, having been shot several times and Sani, being a friend and a colleague, was madly screaming in sympathy with him.

“The movie produced by Zahraddin Sani and directed by Alfazazi (a Kaduna-based film maker), was released in 2016.

“They are using that scene to mislead people into believing that it was a reality during Metele incident; that is absolutely false’’.

Ibrahim, however, said the alleged picture was fake in totality, urging those sharing it to desist from such act, on whatever medium.

“Disseminating fake news in whatever form is injurious to the peace and development of the country, and as such, people should desist from such act.

“We equally want to caution people against sharing fake news particularly at this time of electioneering campaign. Before sharing any information, people should question its authenticity,” he said.

17th Kano Annual ICT Quiz Organized By (CITAD) At School Of Technology, Kano

By Sagiru Ado.

As part of its effort to encourage talent and promote Information and Communication Technology  (ICT) knowledge among secondary school students, the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has on Thursday 22nd November, 2018 conducted 17th Kano Annual ICT Quiz competition.  ICT Quiz Competition is an initiative of the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) since 2001 and has been conducted annually and also served as a platform to raise IT awareness among secondary school students, enlighten students on career prospects in the IT profession, encourage the study of computer education in secondary schools, popularize the need for the introduction of the computer education in schools and provide an avenue for encouragement and incentives to teachers of computer education in schools by recognizing and rewarding their efforts through the quiz competition.

This year’s ICT quiz took place at Kano State Polytechnic (School of Technology) conference hall and attended by 29 public secondary schools across Kano State. The schools were as follows:

  • GSCS Airport Road
  • First Lady College
  • GGSS Liman Idi Mai Kalwa
  • H&M Girls Science College
  • GGSS Dakata
  • GGC Kano
  • GGSS Sharada
  • Mairo Tijjani GSTC Kano
  • Tech College Ungogo
  • Bello Hayatu GSTC Gwarzo
  • Day Science College, Kano
  • Dawakin Kudu Sci. College
  • Rumfa College
  • Kano Capital
  • GGSS Giginyu
  • Girls Sec. Sch. Kabo
  • Girls Sec. Sch. Hotoro South
  • GGSS Shekara
  • GSS Tarauni
  • GGSASS Yankaba
  • SAS Kano
  • Maitama Sule Sci. College Gaya
  • Kano Capital Boys Sec. School
  • GGSS Fatima Mohd Gyadi Gyadi
  • Maryam Abacha GGSS
  • GSS Minjibir
  • Govt Girls Arabic College G/Dutse
  • GSS Gunduwawa
  • Tech College Kano

In his opening remarks, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai who represented the Executive Director of the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) Engr. YZ Ya’u, briefed the gathering about the history of the ICT quiz competition since its inception in 2001 and highlighted some of the activities of the organization in education sector. He then listed the prizes to be won during this year’s ICT quiz competition. The prizes were as follows:

  • 1st Place Position – Desktop Computer & Projector
  • 2nd Place Position – Laptop
  • 3rd Place Position – Printer
  • Best Teacher – Plasma TV
  • Teachers of Winning Schools – Wall Clock
  • Students of the Wining Schools – 5 Yds of Shadda each
  • Participating Schools – 10 Exercise Books and Certificates

First round of the quiz featured 15 schools on the first come first serve basis. The schools were: GSCS Airport Road, First Lady College, GGSS Liman Idi Mai Kalwa, H&M Girls Science College, GGSS Dakata, GGC Kano, GGSS Sharada, Mairo Tijjani GSTC Kano, Govt. Tech College Ungogo, Sen. Bello Hayatu, GSTC Gwarzo, Day Science College, Kano, Dawakin Kudu Sci. College, Rumfa College, Kano, Kano Capital and GGSS Giginyu. Each school was asked to answer 3 questions and each question carries 2 marks. GGSS Liman Idi Mai Kalwa, H&M Girls Science Collage, GGSS Sharada, GSTC Sen. Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, Dawakin Kudu Science Collage and GGSS Giginyu answered only 1 question and scored 2 marks each. GSCS Airport Road, First Lady Collage, GGSS Dakata, Day Science Collage and Kano Capital answered only 2 questions and scored 4 marks each. GGC Kano, GSTC Mairo Tijjani, GTC Ungogo and Rumfa Collage, Kano answered all the questions and scored 6 marks each.

In view of this, Alhaji Sagir Muhammad, Managing Director Intersystem Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) who served as the Chief Judge of the quiz competition announced that there is a tally. He then requested the quiz master to allow the four schools with 6 marks each to go for additional round with intention of having 3 schools that go for the final round. GGC Kano, GSTC Mairo Tijjani and GTC Kano answered their question and secured a place in the final round.

The second round featured GGSS Hotoro, South, GGSS Shekara, GSS Tarauni, GGSASS Yankaba, SAS Kano, Maitama Sule Sci. College Gaya, Kano Capital Boys Sec. School, GGSS Fatima Mohd Gyadi Gyadi, Maryam Abacha GGSS, GSS Minjibir, Govt Girls Arabic College G/Dutse, GSS Gunduwawa and Govt. Tech College Kano. GGSS Kabo, GGSS Hotoro, South and Maitama Sule Science Collage, Gaya couldn’t answered any question and got nil. GGSS Shekara, GGSASS Yankaba, SAS, Kano, Kano Capital Boys Secondary School, GGSS Fatima Muhammad, GGSS  Maryam Abacha and GSS Minjibir answered 2 questions and scored 4 marks each. GSS Gunduwawa and GTC Kano answered all 3 questions and scored 6 marks each. After analyzing the result, the Chief Judge of the quiz competition said that, the two schools with 6 marks each already secured a place in the final round and asked the Quiz Master to give out the 7 schools with 4 marks each with addition round in order to get one school that join GSS Gunduwawa and GTC Kano in the final round. Only GGSS Shekara was able to answer its question and scored 2 marks in the additional round.

The final round of the quiz competition featured the following schools: Government Girls College, Kano, GSTC Mairo Tijjani, Govt. Tech. College, Ungogo, Govt. Girls Sec. School Shekara, Govt. Sec. Sch. Gunduwawa and Govt. Technical College, Kano. Govt. Technical College, Kano won first place position, Govt. Sec. Sch. Gunduwawa won second place position and GSTC Mairo Tijjani emerged third place position.

After presentation of the prizes, the Chief Judge of the competition, Alh. Sagir Muhammad, Managing Director of Inter-system Institute of Information Technology awarded a slot of Diploma Certificate in his institute to all teachers of the participating schools and one student
from each winning school.

During the general comment, Mrs. Kudrat Abinbola from Commercial Secondary School, Kano appealed to state government and members of the Higher Table to support secondary schools with computers. Saying that computer is more on practice and we cannot be able to disseminate the IT knowledge unless we have the systems. Malam Ado Shehu made the vote of thank at the end of the quiz competition.  He thanked the following for supporting 2018 ICT quiz competition with the following prizes: Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Desktop Computer and the Projector, Bayero University, Kano, Laptop, Intersystem Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Printer, Alh. Ahmad Isa (Retired Permanent Secretary), Plasma TV, Alh. Murtala Bala Maisallah, 30yds of Shadda, Hajiya Maryam Haruna (CITAD M&E Officer) 3 pieces of Wall Clocks, CEFSAN, a Wall Clock, Prof. Bashir Shehu Galadanchi (BUK), a printer and lastly he thanked the management of the School of Technology for providing the quiz competition with venue annually.

NGO Trains Women On ICT, Entrepreneurship Skills In Bauchi

An NGO, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has begun the training of young women in Bauchi on Information, Communications Technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship skills.
‎The Programme Officer of CITAD in Bauchi, Mallam Mohammed Chiroma, made this disclosure at the opening ceremony of the training in Bauchi on Tuesday.

According to him, the training which is tagged: “Digital Livelihood for Young Women and Girls”, will run for one month and at the end of the training, the participants will be issued certificates.

“Prior to this training session, 20 out of the 120 participants who applied were selected.

Chiroma said that the training was designed to ensure that the young women acquire competence to use ICT tools for business growth and entrepreneurial skills.

“The objective of the training is to avail the participants with the basic knowledge of ICT, working on computers and smart phones connected to broadband.

“Also, the training will introduce the participants to the design and sharing of mobile applications through the various platforms frequently used.

” They will also learn basic techniques of designing and sharing mobile applications and effective web applications.

“There will be optimal use of common applications for job searches, information sharing, the development of solidarity among women in ICTs and research of promising sectors for the empowerment of young girls”.

The programme officer said that at the end of the training, participants would understand how to use ICT to promote, build their business and develop more capabilities, as well as link up with other partners globally.

In her remarks, the Vice Principal of Government Girls College Bauchi, Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim, urged the participants to be attentive during the training session.

“The training will move you to where you ought to be and diversify your business empire,” she added.

She lauded the NGO for raising a group of young women entrepreneurs, who would  have their businesses sustained in the future,” she said.

 

CITAD: Trained Staff Of Rural Access And Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) On ICT Knowledge

By Ali Sabo.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Jigawa office had from the 5th to 9th November, 2018 trained 13 staff of Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) of Kano state Ministry of Rural and Community Development under the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU). The training which took place at CITAD office, Dutse aimed at building the capacity of the participants and both sensitize the staff on the benefits of the use of ICT for administration and to expose them to know how they can plan to deploy, use and manage ICT effectively in their fields.

RAAMP is a project that aimed to provide a year –round accessibility in the rural areas through the construction/rehabilitation of rural roads and water crossing hydraulic structures in order to ensure easy access to farms, markets, educational and health facilities etc. It would further ensure better agricultural processing and marketing through the provision of Agro – logistics hubs aimed at reducing post harvest losses.

The project will be supported by the World Bank and French Development Agency with contribution from Federal and State Governments. Under this arrangement 13 states are presently participating, Kano State inclusive.

The project developmental objectives is focused to improve rural access and agricultural marketing in selected participating states while strengthening the financial and institutional base for sustainable management of rural and state roads network.

The project would be executed over the period of five years.

In his welcome remarks, CITAD Executive Director, Engineer Y.Z Ya’u who was ably represented by the Project coordinator, CITAD, Malam Isyaku Garba appreciated the ministry for collaborating with CITAD in this gigantic project. He continue to mentioned that it is accepted globally that ICTs are major tools for development processes; where students can use them to enhance their learning activities, teachers can use them to aid their teaching, while administrators can also use them for day to day running and management of their institutions. The E.D added that considering the need to ICTs for administration and the volumes of documents and communications which administrators are handling, computer skills have become necessary for them, yet such staff and officers have no time to learn the computer in a conventional computer school considering their commitments.  He went further to mention that CITAD has developed a fast track module which requires minimum time on the part of the participants, which is well tested module given to a number of similar clients in Bauchi, Edo, Katsina, Jigawa and FCT. CITAD sees it as an opportunity to organize ICTs Capacity Building for administrators, it is thus imperative that officers in the MDAs, especially the administrate staff are conversant with the use of ICT infrastructure in their offices for the benefit of the staff, government and other partners.

While in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural and Community Development, Kano state, Alhaji Kuliyo A. Zubair, mentioned that the important of ICT cannot be overemphasize as it cut across all human endeavors i.e. E-governance. He reminded the participants that the use of ICT is very important to the success of the project and most importantly it is part of the work plan of the project. He also stated that in the near future there will be no offices; people will only be interacting online, so the need to embrace ICT if you don’t want be left behind in the future even if not for the sake of the project. The P.S continue to state that even revenue are now been paid online, things are purchase online and vital documents can also be shared online, thus if you want remain relevant you must embrace ICT.  Alhaji Kuliyo also extended the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Rural and Community Development, Musa Ilyasu Kwankwaso appreciation to CITAD and prayed that the collaboration will be sustained.

In the first day of the training Malam Isyaku Garba took the participants Fundamentals of Computer while Sagir Ado Abubakar discussed MS Word. In the following day Sagir Abubakar continued with MS Word and Malam Ibrahim Nuhu taught the participants MS Excel. In the third day of the training the participants were been taught MS Excel and MS power Point by Malam Ibrahim Nuhu and Abdul’aziz Yunusa Ya’u respectively. In the fourth day of the training Engineer Kamal Umar continued with online tools while in the final day of the training Evaluation and certificate presentation were conducted by Maryam Haruna.

In his vote of thanks, Engineer Sunusi Saleh Suleiman, state program officer, RAAMP, appreciate CITAD for accepting to collaborate and conducted the training, he went further to state that they all came to the training with different perception of ICT and hoping to learn basic ICT knowledge in order to improve their work and daily activities which according to him has been achieved.

CITAD Hosts Prof. Aisha Ismail as Guest Speaker of the October ILERIS

By Sageer Ado.

The Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series (ILERIS) of the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has today featured Prof. Aisha Abdul Isma’il, the director center for Gender Studies, Bayero University, Kano as the Guest Speaker of the month. Every month CITAD invites people who have skills, experiences and achievements to interact with staff, interns, friends and associates of the organization with view of motivating them. In his opening remark, the Executive Director of the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) who was represented by the Training Coordinator, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai condoled with the family of Prof. Aisha Isma’il over the death of her daughter. He said that CITAD planned to host Prof. Aisha since last month, but unfortunately on that very day the center received the news of the passing away of the Aisha’s daughter. He then prayed that May Almighty Allah (SWT) in his infinite mercy forgive her and grant her a place in jannatul Firdaus.

Prof. Aisha Isma’il started her presentation with giving her personal circumstances and experiences that shaped her life. She said that she started her primary education at the age of nine years at Shekara boarding primary school; from there she proceeded to Saint Luis secondary school. Prof said that she had science background but was given a political science at the university. As she wants to study medicine, at the beginning she rejected, but later on was advised and convinced to read the political science. Prof Aisha said that she was offered a job while she was doing her master degree.

Prof. Aisha encouraged the participants that they should not to be discouraged in life. Saying that life is not street line, you cannot get what you have planned for yourself directly. As a teacher, Prof told that there were lots of experiences to share. Students almost want teachers to assist, and the worrisome part of it when you assist they will not go on that direction, they will deviate. As a Level Coordinator, there were difficult and hot times. I used to guide students not only academically but in all life endeavors. For the ladies, Prof. Aisha cautioned them to understand that whatever you have as qualification you still be a wife. As a director, center for gender studies, Bayero University, Kano my perception on gender issues differs from many people. In gender issues, you find the good, the bad and the ugly. At the center for gender studies, Bayero University, Kano, we have concentrated on family issues to strengthen them. At beginning of our operation, we invited all the stakeholders for gender setting. She then worried about political participation of women in politics in Kano State. Saying that here in Kano it could be a war for women to be legislatures. But the society must understand that having a woman as a legislature is very important.

In her response when asked on her role as a commissioner Ministry for Higher Education, Kano State, Prof said that she cried when given the appointment.  She cried as she doesn’t like the position because of the habit of most of politicians. But Allah in his Mercy with the consistence guidance of the Permanent Secretary then she succeeded the appointment.  Lastly, the Prof. emphasized that she likes obstacles in life. Explaining that obstacles strengthen people, they made people to think wider.

Centre Moves To Bridge Gap In Internet Access

A Kano Based Non-Governmental Organization, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has called for National Gender Digital Inclusion to end and bridge gender digital divide in Nigeria. This was contained in a press release singed by the group program Assistant, Gender and Internet Advocacy, Maryam Ado Haruna and made available to news men in Kano on Monday shortly after their National conference in Abuja. According to Maryam, Gender digital exclusion has been a cross-cutting factor affecting development in Nigeria as women especially in the rural communities are digitally marginalized. She said, “there is a huge gap and inequality in access, distribution and use of information, communication and technologies between men and women as well as boys and girls in Nigeria” That Participation and representation of women in events around internet policies is equally low in the country as this could be clearly noted from ratio of the previous male to female in Nigeria Internet Governance Forum which was almost 90:10. Haruna noted that, access to the Internet is extremely important for women to be able to gain information which may not be readily available to them elsewhere but unfortunately, women and girls in Nigeria are left out. According to Maryam, to address the lingering problem, CITAD with support from Association for Progressive Communications (APC), organized the First Women Internet Governance Forum (Women-IGF) in Nigeria which brought together over 50 female journalists, female CSOs, women in the digital industries, academia, government agencies and private companies from various part of the country who sat together and identified women digital challenges and proffer solutions to some of the identified challenges. Furthermore, that the National Conference aimed to Enhance public understanding of the importance of internet to women, increase the number of women who access and use the internet effectively in Nigeria as well as, Contribute to the gender digital inclusion of women in the country. Research has indicated that, more men use the internet than women. Similarly, more men participate in forums, events and activities that shape internet policies than their women counterpart. CITAD identified some factors that hindered the participation and use of internet by women in the Country to include; Lack of Internet Access, Lack of policies supporting Internet and gender in the society, Gender Based Challenges online and Socio-cultural and religious factors. They called on the Nigeria Communication Commission NCC, to monitor all significant matters relating to the performance of all licensed telecoms service providers in Ensure technological empowerment to people with disability or special need in order to close technological barriers and digital gap, Support Initiative that will promote awareness and skills building for women and also Encourage service providers to Provide affordable internet for the society to make their recommendations and contribution towards global warming. And last but not the least, ensure that there are adequate and appropriate policies to deal with gender based violence online as well as harmful content.

Women Propose National Gender Digital Inclusion Agenda

By Tijjani Ibrahim.

The Women in Internet Governance Forum (Women-IGF) has proposed a national gender inclusion agenda aimed at ending gender digital divide in the country.

This was disclosed by the Programme Assistant, Gender and Internet Advocacy, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Maryam Ado Haruna, during a press briefing on Tuesday in Kano.

“The goal of the agenda is to promote the digital inclusion of women in Nigeria especially in rural communities where lack of infrastructure, education and poverty created conditions that made use of internet difficult for women,” she said

She added that the vision of the agenda was to provide universal access to a free, safe, affordable and secure internet to the women.

Miss Haruna said the proposal was the outcome of a meeting held in Abuja on the 18th and 19th of September, 2018, organized by CITAD with support from Association for Progressive Communication, in which over 50 women journalist, CSOs and other professionals came together to identify women digital challenges.

She added that the forum has identified actors that have major roles to play in achieving the aim of the agenda, and these actors include NCC, NITDA, NOA, CSOs, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), federal and states ministries of women affairs and education, media, religious and traditional institutions among others.

Increasing Rate of Hate Speeches Online Worries CITAD

An NGO, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has expressed concern over the increasing rate of hate speeches on the social media platforms.

Malam Hamza Ibrahim, the Coordinator, Curbing hate and dangerous speech in Nigeria Project of the centre, raised the concern on Wednesday at a Press conference in Kano.

He said that a study conducted in August and September indicated that 80 per cent of the speeches were made by young males and cut across the six geo-political zones of the country.

“In September 2018, 174 were captured with 94 appearing from websites of online and conventional Newspapers, so we have noticed a decline in hate and dangerous speeches relating to gender.”

It also appealed to online media and websites to monitor conversations taking place on their platforms in order to reduce the menace.

CITAD further appealed to group administrators on social media, to strengthen their gate-keeping skills to curb the menace.

The project is being sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation to facilitate activities of the centre in fighting hate and dangerous speeches on the Internet.

CITAD Organized Debate to Secondary School Students In Jigawa State

By Ali Sabo.

As the level of education is deteriorating and going backward in Nigeria especially in the northern part of the country due to lack or inadequate investment in the sector, while experts and concerned citizens are every day looking for a way to bring back and salvage the already dying institution in the country. It is in this regards that the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with support from MacArthur Foundation has been organizing series of debates to secondary school students yearly across the country in order to revive the reading culture among our young ones. In July and September of this year the Centre (CITAD) had organized similar event in Jama’amare Local Government of Bauchi State and Kano state respectively. The debate which is tagged as Youth Speak for Peace Creativity Fiesta and Competition consists of four categories: Story Telling, Pick and Talk, Quiz and Poetry.

In Jigawa state five schools participated at the debate namely: Dutse Model International School, Government Senior Secondary School Shuwarin, Commercial Secondary School Dutse, Academy for the Gifted and Talented Bamaina and Government Girls Senior Secondary School Marabusawa.

The event which started at 11am had 140 participants, special quests among the participants were the Honorable Commissioner of Education, Jigawa state who was ably represented by the Deputy Director Special Duties, Malam Kamilu Ibrahim, Malam Isa Surajo, State Team Leader, Engage Citizens Pillar (ECP), FOMWAN representative, Director Dutse Model International School and Chairman Jigawa Civil Society Forum, comrade Musbahu Basirka.

 

In her opening remarks, the Honorable commissioner of education who was ably represented by Deputy Director Special Duties stated that she is very happy and commended CITAD for coming up with this laudable initiative, she went further to mentioned that event like this will ginger the students to pay more attention to learning and also boost their English Language. She also remarked that this an encouraging starts and urged CITAD to keep up the good work as she knew CITAD is a partner in progress not only in Jigawa but in the whole country. She promised to help in any way possible to make sure that the event is been conducted in the state yearly. While in his remarks, the Director Dutse Model International School appreciate CITAD for organizing this event and most importantly for the given his school the honor to host the event. He went further to state that students in this part of the country really need this kind of event because it is the only way that can stimulate and encourage them to do more in their academic activities. The State Team Leader, Engage Citizens Pillar, Malam Isa Surajo while giving his remarks said this activity reminded him of when he was in secondary school some 20 years back, he went further to urge the students to continue with debate even after they left here among their colleagues in their schools as it is the only way they can groom themselves to become good public speakers.

After the debate the following schools emerged as First, Second and third positions in the different categories of the debate conducted. Bamaina Academy for the Gifted emerged first position at the Pick and Talk with 87 point followed by Dutse Model International School in the second position with 83.8 points then Commercial Secondary school Takur Emerged as the third position with 66.9 points while for the Quiz also Bamaina Academy for the Gifted emerged first with 8 marks followed by Commercial Secondary School Takur with 7 marks and GDSS Shuwarin in the third position with 6 marks. In the Story Telling Dutse Model emerged first with 80.5% followed by Bamaina Academy for the Gifted as second with77.6 and Commercial Secondary School in the third position with70.6 points while in the poetry Reading Dutse Model took the first position with 74.6, GDSS Shuwarin took the second position with71.3 and GGSS Marabusawa emerged third with 71 point. Prizes such as Bicycles, Plasma Televisions, Handsets, School bags and Books were been given to the winners.

In his vote of thanks, the Executive Director of Centre for Information Technology and Development who was ably represented by the Centre’s Program officer Peace, Malam Hamza Ibrahim thanked all the participating schools and especially Dutse Model for agreeing to host the event. He went further to state that today’s event is not about winner or loser as there is no victor nor vanquish as the main idea of organizing the event is just to revive the reading culture and unveil the different talents of our young ones and put them on the track.

 

CITAD Expresses Concern Over Increasing Rate Of Hate Speeches Online

An NGO, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has expressed concern over the increasing rate of hate speeches on the social media platforms.

Malam Hamza Ibrahim, the Coordinator, Curbing hate and dangerous speech in Nigeria Project of the centre, raised the concern on Wednesday at a Press conference in Kano.

He said that a study conducted in August and September indicated that 80 per cent of the speeches were made by young males and cut across the six geo-political zones of the country.

According to him, “In August specifically, we documented 263 hate speeches and 132 of them were ethnic based, 94 were religious based, 18 were Biafra – agitated related, three were access to resources related and two were farmer /harder related.”

“In September 2018, 174 were captured with 94 appearing from websites of online and conventional Newspapers, so we have noticed a decline in hate and dangerous speeches relating to gender.”

The centre, however, recommended that all Political parties should caution their members against use of dangerous and hate speeches.

It also appealed to online media and websites to monitor conversations taking place on their platforms in order to reduce the menace.

CITAD further appealed to group administrators on social media, to strengthen their gate keeping skills to curb the menace.

The project is being sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation to facilitate activities of the centre in fighting hate and dangerous speeches on the Internet.

Less Than 5 In 100 Kano Public Girls Schools Have Access To Internet

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has decried the low level of internet access and online participation of the female gender in Kano.

That, according to the centre, constituted a major impediment to the educational and other facets of development of the women folk.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the centre on “Women in Governance Forum (Women-IGF) and Gender Digital Inclusion”, the CITAD Programme Assistant on Gender and Internet Advocacy, Maryam Ado Haruna, said internet was not only the tool for access to information but also means to access good governance.

“This means that if women are not online, their right to participation in governance has been shortchanged. Our research has shown that less than five per cent of the public girls secondary schools in Kano have access to internet. We must say no to this situation. Like men, women also have the right to access and utilize internet,” she stated.

We Introduced Women-IGF To Ensure Digital Inclusion

By Bashir Muhammad Kano.

Assistant Programme Officer, Gender and Internet Advocacy of the Centre for Information Technology and Development, Hajiya Maryam Haruna has said the centre had purposefully introduced Internet Governance Forum (IGF) as a way of ensuring women inclusion in the internet business.
Speaking at a press conference on gender-based online research carried out by CITAD held in Kano yesterday, Haruna stated that the Internet Governance Forum is a multi-stakeholder forum for policy dialogue on issues of internet governance that brought together stakeholders in the internet governance to debate on an equal basis and through an open and inclusive process.


According to her, access to internet was extremely important for women to be able to gain information which may not be available to them, adding that the Nigerian women’s participation on the internet was very low, especially in the North and that their participation and representation in the IGF, as the ratio of male to female at the global IGF was nearly 50:50.

She said gender-based internet challenges such as gender violence online and gender digital divide just like in the case of women’s physical challenges, required specific approaches in addressing them and wondered how women’s voices could be heard when they were not in the picture of events that shape internet policies in the state.

She pointed out that the key objectives of first Internet Governance Forum were to provide a platform for women to strategize on how to increase Women participation in the IGF process and to aggregate Women issues and concerns that they would want see tabled at the global IGF holding in November 2018 in Paris, France.

 

CITAD: Polishing Young Rural Digital Entrepreneurs

About 210 young rural entrepreneurs from 14 communities of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, participated in CITAD’s two–day Business Facilitation Clinic on entrepreneurship, leadership and personal development held at Kuje, Abuja between August 14 and 15.
ADAM ALQALI writes
The Business Facilitation Clinic themed “Creating Space for the Development of Young Entrepreneur” which was organized by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and Action Aid Nigeria was aimed at supporting young rural entrepreneurs from the FCT.
The event brought together almost 250 participants from across 14 rural communities of the FCT, representatives of relevant government agencies, social entrepreneurs and startup specialists from an array of sectors who have made an impact in their various societies.
According to the CITAD Executive Director, Y.Z.Ya’u “Every year the 12th of August sees the commemoration of International Youth Day (IYD).
The theme for International Youth Day 2018 is “Safe Spaces for Youth”.
This year’s event will facilitate a dialogue on safe spaces between governments, civil society, and -most importantlyyouth groups, with the goal of offering practical solutions to the challenges of creating youth-friendly spaces”.
Yau added that Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) In Partnership with Action Aid Nigeria deliberately made the Business Facilitation Clinic to coincide with International Youth Day 2018.
“This is because the world’s young people could set the world on course towards a more sustainable future.
Young people are traditionally cutting-edge and today’s young people are more informed than those of the previous generation.
Digital inclusion is a tool for enhancing socioeconomic and political development, technology is driving innovations,” said Yau.
Yau who was represented by Ahmad Muhammad Danyaro, CITAD Head of Abuja Office/ Programme Officer posited that educating and inspiring rural entrepreneurs was one of the targets for CITAD’s digitalization for equitable society project being implemented in 15 communities of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In her presentation themed “Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship” CITAD’s programme assistant, Salma Abdulwaheed said entrepreneurship can serve as the key to unlocking economic potentials and lifting people out of poverty in developing countries and emerging markets.
She then spoke about the roles and tasks of entrepreneurs around gathering markets information, risks analysis, managerial analysis, the entrepreneurial personality and attributes of an efficient start up manager.
Corporate Affairs Commission braze the trail with an enriching presentation by Deputy Director, Customer Service Department ,Mrs Modey Leticia Akugbo on Procedure and Requirement for Registering Business stating that CAC services had been simplified and digitalized and therefore can be assessed through the CAC website – www.service.cac.ov.ng .
Mrs Modey said The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is a government agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria charged with the responsibility for incorporation, registration and regulation of the management of Companies, Business Names and Incorporated Trustees.
She further stated CAC is also vested with powers to investigate the affairs of Companies, Business Names and NGOs and enforce compliance with all regulatory requirements as provided in the companies and allied matters Act (CAMA).
After a highly interactive question and answer session and tea break, Representative of Minister of Youths and Sport, Mr Hamid Nagogo emphasised the need to capitalise on new technology to improve enterprenuers’ knowledge adding that technological progress will favour job creations among the youths.
He commended CITAD/ Action Aid for the Digital Inclusion project in communities, admonishing the participants to utilize the rare opportunity and use the acquired knowledge to empower themselves, development their community and participate in governance.
The day was rounded up with an experience sharing session tagged “Owning Your Life ” by Bashirat Abdulwahab, a social entrepreneur and motivational speaker who spoke about how young entrepreneurs could face the challenges and opportunities that lie in starting up new business venture.
She noted that with passion, determination, persistence and absolute consistency and networking young entrepreneurs will achieve success.
In her closing remarks, CITAD Programme Assistant, Miss Kaltumi Abdulaziz appreciated the role of partners in making the forum a success story, she added that “Business Facilitation Clinic” was meant designed to empower young innovators through networking, skills building, mentoring, and access to financing to develop startup solutions that address their economic and development challenges.
She said “The idea behind this business clinic is to continually support digital rural startups in Nigeria in the area of providing education, training & information that will enhance their business management skills.
Assemblage of this nature create a platform where business regulatory bodies, business development service providers and businesses can interact and provide solutions to challenges inhibiting the setup and growth of startups”.
Miss Kaltumi further commended government agencies and ministries for their enriching participation and presentations which further educated the 210 participants on key functions of relevant government agencies and modern business management strategies

CITAD Holds Capacity Building Training For Media, CSOs

By: IBRAHIM  ADAMU,  Kaduna.

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), supported by USAID/SACE project has organized a capacity building on effective collaboration between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and media practitioners in order to improve governance and increase service development effectiveness through service delivery.

Declaring the workshop open on Thursday, the Senior Program Officer CITAD, Isah Garba, said the capacity building is geared towards collective approach in coming together for a common goal especially in the education sector.

“For effective development to yield results, there is need for collaboration between the CSOs and the Media being the key actors in the democratic dispensation.  What informed the decision was to come together and discuss ways of improving our synergy to be able to work towards the challenges of the region”.

Garba further said, access to information, civil society capacity building, institutionalization, state/CSO synergy are the key tools in the social accountability.

New Nigerian also noted that as a result of misplacement of priority, many projects have been abandoned in the region which calls for concern.

Topics such as understanding collaboration and social accountability were discussed in which CSOs and media practitioners across the Northeast sub-region were in attendance.

Report on Sensitization on Hate Speech at University of Abuja, Mini campus, Gwagwalada

The Centre for Information, Technology and Development (CITAD) with support from MacArthur Foundation conducted a sensitization workshop on Hate Speech and Fake News to the students of University of Abuja, Mini Campus, Gwagwalada with 81 students in attendance from the department of Political Science on 10th September, 2018.

The Sensitization workshop which was conducted at the University of Abuja, Mini Campus, Gwagwalada train the students on the tools on how to report hate and dangerous speech online and identifying fake pictures.

The essence of the sensitization is to shape the youth to be ambassadors of peace in their various institutions, communities and associations.

Dr. Sadeequ A. Abba gave an opening remark, which opens the mind of the students on the essence of the sensitization.

The spread of Hate Speech and Fake News have become an issue of concern in our society most especially on social media platforms. It is in this view that CITAD is implementing a project on Peace and Curbing Hate, Dangerous Speeches and Fake News both online and offline with the support of MacArthur Foundation. CITAD found it very paramount to engage students of tertiary institutions which is called the ‘Campus Series’ to sensitize them about the negative impact of spreading such kind of information in the society.

The target audiences are the youth and also the majority on Social media platforms; they are task on the role they can play in curbing this menace.

At the sensitization workshop, many of the students during the pre-sensitization have an idea about hate and dangerous speeches but they do not know or have an in-depth knowledge about it and its dangers.

A paper was presented: Understanding Hate and Dangerous Speeches and Speed geeking Sessions: Using Technology to Combat Hate Speech via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and identifying fake pictures on Google which was facilitated by Salma Abdulwaheed and Kaltumi Abdulazeez.

The participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and comments. It was also discovered that most of the participants lack the technical knowledge on how to report Hate Speech online.

At the end of the workshop, the students pledge to use the knowledge they acquired effectively and also extend the training to their colleagues, friends and families. The sensitizations made the students aware of what dangerous speeches are which they also cite examples. They are willing to take actions against spreading hate speech by reporting such cases when they come across it

At the end of the workshop, the president of the National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS) gave the vote of thanks. She appreciates the good work of CITAD for organizing an enlightening program and she said they have gained wealth of knowledge about hate speech. The workshop came at a time when the general election is fast approaching.