Tablet Donations

To encourage the participant in the skills they acquired, application proposal for the donation of three (3) tabs was set after which three successful participants were given the Tab each.

S/No Names States
1 Shema’u Adamu Imam Kano
2 Aisha Ismail Sada Kaduna
3 Fusam Shettima Borno

Shema’u Adam Imam receiving one of the Tabs from Dr. Kole Shetima

Aisha Ismail Sada receiving one of the Tabs from Dr. Kole Shetima

Some of the Success Stories from the participants

S/N Names Experience
1

Fusam Shettima

I was opportune to participate in the Abuja digital summer institute for young women in July, 2017 where I was trained on advanced technological skills. These have helped me a lot in my work. I was also awarded a prize money of fifty thousand naira (N50, 000) at the end of the training, which we use to purchase science text books and some teaching materials for boosting my launched free extra classes for IDPs at Bakassi camp, Maiduguri, Borno State to increase science education for less privilege girls in IDPs camp as part of my initiative and contribution.
2

Salma Abdulwaheed

I utilised the skills I gain from the digital summer institute training and trained my younger ones and my colleagues in school. What we are planning is to gather 100 level students and train them on the applications. The challenge we are facing is that some do not have android phone but we are planning to select about 10 with android and train them in such a way they will train others
3

Zahra Yunusa Ya’u

When I went back to my NYSC serving place Department of Urban and Regional Planning in Bayero University Kano my HOD was asking me what Impact I can bring with the training I participated. There is a project being carried out named “Mr CD LAB” which includes video documentations and I was able to use the knowledge record, edit and document it. The project was presented at International conference including the videos I was able to prepare and was presented live in Youtube and twitter. This made me surprised to have my work being on web and being followed. I also did similar work for another lecturer from another department. Now there some also asking me to do the job for them and are ready to pay me. Also Developers Circle Kano contacted me to share the skills to young women during their program on Women in Tech
4

Fatima Lawal Aliyu

After the training I thought of many things that I can do. I paid a courtesy visit to the permanent secretary of Higher Institutions and informed her about the programm and proposed the programm to be conducted in Kano annually or even monthly. She then gave us chance organise advocacy and have full proposal on how to implement it, and now I am planning to meet her.
5

Sumayya Adam

I have intended to do many things but not having an android phone hindered me. But I temporarily used my brother’s phone and made some practical and now planning to see I get my own android phone.
6

Hauwa Ahmad Sa’id

As I am currently serving NYSC at office of Head of Civil Service Jigawa State. Initially I was just typing some letters and invitation. But after the training and have seen my certificate they ask me start designing their letter headed paper. I helped my sister who is in perfume business on how to do effective adverts using social media with pictures. I am also in business of clothing materials and use phone to take picture and do some advertisement and people contact me and made some request.
7

Rukayya Abubakar Sulaiman

I have not started doing business or training. But I am hoping to start something.
8

Saratu Ishaya Abdullahi

All I have done for this time is the training I carried for my younger ones
9

Rukayya Hadi Ahmed

I have my senior colleague in school who is into website design but he cannot do graphics for logos. We now work together as I design logos and edit some pictures for him and earn something. I also train some of my school mates twice in a week on the knowledge I have during the summer.
10

Shemau Adam Imam

I am into catering and I use the skills I gained from Digital Summer and advertise on the social media. My sister has started makeup business and I help show her how to use social media to publicize the business.

 

Kano Digital Summer Report 2017

Introduction

The Kano Digital Summer Institute (KDSI) for Young Women is an ICT training by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and Women’s Rights Advancements and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) in collaboration with the African Studies Program at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and the Everett Program, an Info Tech Social Entrepreneurial training organization from the University of California, Santa Cruz are starting an Annual Abuja Summer Institute (ASI) for Young Women.
The institute, which was similar to that of Abuja, was designed to provide ICT training and marketable skills for 15 young women from Kano. The programm included training on blogging such as WordPress, the use of graphic apps for events, weddings, digital video and photographic applications, mobile phone/GSM applications for micro-enterprises, and other applications. The Institute’s objective is to provide real world, practical training in ICT tools that will empower young women work in the ICT industry and to start Micro-enterprises that will add value to their communities. The long term goal is to boost northern women’s capacity to participate in and to grow northern economy replicating similar programm with the skills acquired by the beneficiaries.
The Training
The training which started on 17th July, 2017 lasted for 6 days and was held at Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Mambayya House, Kano.
The training content includes use of mobile tab in the following area:
Graphic Design: Use of mobile app “Desyner” and “Logopit+” to create professional book covers, business cards, certificates, flyers and logos.
Film and Video Editing: Use of mobile app “Filmorgo” to capture and edit video with professional features.
Blogging: Use of mobile app “wordpress” to create blogging pages for personal and business purposes
Social Media: use of mobile social media apps Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for personal and business purposes.

Kano Participants during training at Mambayya house, Kano

Facilitator guiding trainees

Kano Digital Summer participants during video capturing practical session

Certificate Distribution

On 24th July, 2017. Group picture of kano Digital Summer Institute Certificate collection at CITAD

Y.Z. Yau, Executive Director CITAD, presenting certificate to one of the beneficiaries

On 24th July, 2017. Group picture of kano Digital Summer Institute Certificate collection at CITAD

List of Kano Participants

SN      Name
1. Aisha Abdullahi Ahmad
2. Aisha Iliyasu Umar
3. Aisha U. Umar
4. Bushira Garba Abdullahi
5. Fatima Lawan Aliyu
6. Hauwah Ahmad Sa’id
7. Hauwa Y. Adamu
8. Ladifa Aliyu Jibril
9. Nafisa Hammawa Damare
10. Nafisat Muhammad Kabir
11. Rukayya Abubakar Sulaiman
12. Rukayya Hadi Ahmad
13. Saratu Ishaya Abdullahi
14. Shema’u Adam Imam
15. Sumayya Dalhatu Yunusa

Abuja Digital Summer Report 2017

Introduction
The Annual Abuja Sumer Institute (ASI) for Young Women was an Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and Women’s Rights Advancements and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) in collaboration with the African Studies Program at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and the Everett Program, an Info Tech Social Entrepreneurial training organization from the University of California, Santa Cruz are starting an Annual Abuja Summer Institute (ASI) for Young Women.

The institute was designed to provide ICT training and marketable skills for young women from the NW and NE Zones, areas of Nigeria where opportunities are extremely limited. The curriculum will include training on blogging such as WordPress, the use of graphic apps for events, weddings, etc, digital video and photographic applications, mobile phone/GSM applications for micro-enterprises, and other applications. The Institute’s objective is to provide real world, practical training in ICT tools that will empower young women work in the ICT industry and to start Micro-enterprises that will add value to their communities. The long term goal is to boost northern women’s capacity to participate in and to grow northern economy.
The institute, which held in Abuja lasted for one week. A few scholarships were available for to cover accommodation and feeding for qualified young women from the North East and North East of Nigeria.

Cross section of High Table during the opening ceremony.
From left: Hajia Saudatu Mahdi of WRAPA, Y Z Yau of CITAD, Alhaji Tijani Tumsah of PCNI, Dr Kole Shettima of MacArthur Foundation, chair of the opening ceremony, Amal Hassan who told the success story, Christine Ongjoco from the Everett Programme at University of California, Santa Cruz and professor Paul Lubeck of John Hopkins University.

The Training
The training which started on 10th July, 2017 lasted for 6 days and was held at Yar’adua Centre, Abuja.
The training content includes use of mobile tab in the following area:
Graphic Design: Use of mobile app “Desyner” and “Logopit+” to create professional book covers, business cards, certificates, flyers and logos.
Film and Video Editing: Use of mobile app “Filmorgo” to capture and edit video with professional features.
Blogging: Use of mobile app “wordpress” to create blogging pages for personal and business purposes
Social Media: use of mobile social media apps Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for personal and business purposes.

Abuja Participants during training at Yar’adua Centre, Abuja

Abuja Participants during training at Yar’adua Centre, Abuja

List of Abuja Participants
SN Name
1. Fatima Salih Ahmad
2. Zahra Yunusa Ya’u
3. Fusam Shettima
4. Hauwa Alkali
5. Amina Muhammad Chadi
6. Hussaina Shehu Aliyu
7. Nuwama Ishaku
8. Salma Abdulwaheed
9. Hauwa Musa Abdullahi
10. Aisha Ismail Sada
11. Asmau Mustapha
12. Habiba Umar Balarabe
13. Husseina Bakori
14. Jamila Mohammed Dahiru
15. Oluwaseunnla P. A. Adelusi
16. Esther Ochuole Iyanya
17. Asma’u Kabir Ibrahim
18. Kaltumi Abdulazeez
19. Annah Elisha
20. Bilkisu Ibrahim Ammani
21. Halima S Olufadi
22. Oluchi Okpechi
23. Joy Theyra
24. Hauwa Umar
25. Hussaina Umayma Ahmed
26. Fatima Pindar
27. Akele Gem
28. Ruth Hussaina
29. Adidu Mary .A
30. Mahadiya Sadiq Iyal
31. Khadiza Shehu Mahadi
32. Egbe Veronica

Don Expresses Worry Over Violence Against Women On Internet

Bauchi – Sanah Abdullahi Muaz, a university don, has expressed concern over increase rate of violence against women online.

Muaz, a lecturer with Bayero University Kano, said addressing online violence against women requires collective efforts from individuals, corporate bodies, and governments.

Muaz made the statement on Sunday in Bauchi during a 2-day Internet Safety and Security Training of Trainers for Women organized by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with support from Association for Progressive Communication.

Muaz from Department of Software Engineering said that the inability of a woman to feel safe online is a great barrier to her freedom.

“Achieving online safety for women takes multiple, concerted strategies by different actors. Social media companies need to take proactive steps to ensure their space does not enable these acts”.

She charged government at all levels to include online violence against women as part of their plans to end violence against women.

“We need to see this as a larger barrier for women and girls in exercising the full range of their human rights because the use of internet and its facilities for every woman across the globe is inevitable.”

Also speaking, Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, the Executive Director of CITAD, said Internet has created a new regime of rights that citizens have to demand for.

He advised women to always be cautious and avoid sites that could be harmful to their privacy.

The participants were trained on different internet safety tools which include malware and viruses, safe browsing, basic safety tools, safe mobiles, privacy issues among others.

Group Calls For Establishment Of National Peace Commission

Bauchi – Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, the Executive Director of Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has called for the establishment of National Peace Commission to promote peace building in Nigeria.

Ya’u stated this during a one day hate speech evaluation meeting held at Command Guest House in Bauchi on Sunday.

He said “There is the need to review the national peace architecture to provide for the establishment of a national peace commission with the mandate to promote peace building, resolution conflicts and engendering a culture of community dialogue at all levels.

“In order to tackle the problem of hate speech in the society, there must be legislation to regulate preaching as well as provide clear framework for the teaching of religious studies that will be in consonant with our national aspiration for a peaceful and united country.

He thereby called on religious and community leaders to speak out against hate speech in order to condemn all those who engage in hate speech and to ensure that they do not themselves condone hate speech in their spaces.

“We call on the media to not only join the campaign against hate speech but also ensure that they do not provide space for hate speech to be carried and propagated in their spaces. We call on political parties to not only shun hate speech but also sign up to the voluntary campaign declaration on hate speech which we will launch shortly that will commit them to disqualify any politician seeking for nomination on their platforms for election for engaging in hate speech.

” We therefore call on people to not indulge in hate speech and not be provoked by it. That is the key principle for inoculating people against hate speech that ultimately is the most effective anti-dote against hate speech, he said,” he said.

Ya’u said Hate Speech project is being supported by the MacArthur Foundation with the objectives to raise public awareness on hate speech through sensitization forums to get the people to understand the danger of hate speech and how to respond to it as well as engage stakeholders to generate recommendations and strategies for strengthening the existing media regulations and standards to prevent hate speech.

Among other objectives of the project according to Ya’u are monitoring and documentation of hate speech across multiple media platforms to inform data based advocacy and policy engagement to curb hate speech and expanding the peace clubs and students for peace initiatives into a national youth for peace movement to lead advocacy and campaign to improve regulation and policy frameworks for media and journalism in the country.

 

CITAD Engages Political Aspirants From Gaya Local Government As Local Government Elections Draw Nearer.

By Sagiru Ado

As part of the efforts to promote good governance and citizens’ participation in governance processes, the Center for Information Technology and Development organized an Interactive Session in Gaya Local Government between the political aspirants and SCEEP communities from Wudilawa, Kademi and Gamoji wards. The interactive session was part of Department for International Development (DIFD) supported project “Strengthening Civic Engagement with the Electoral Process SCEEP through ActionAid Nigeria, CITAD implements.

Stating the objective of the program, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai said that the event set to present the Community Development Charter (CDC) or Village Book the communities produced with help of the organization to the political aspirants. He emphasized that the Community Development Charter (CDC) is a set of principles, goals and responsibilities that outlines the way in which government aims to work with communities. He added that, normally, it sets out a cooperative approach and acknowledges the shared roles and responsibilities of both government and community thereby serving as an effective tool for citizens’ participation in governance.

When analyzing the key areas of the CDCs, Malam Idris Nuhu Congo Gaya, said that in Gaya Local Government area, there is a primary health center at Wudilawa with 6 health personnel. However, people cover a distance of 20km to Gaya hospital to access other health care services, and there is complain of insufficient female staff in the health centre. Also, Gamoji has a health facility while Kademi has a hospital and health facilities. However, people lament on insufficient medical personnel in the local government as a whole. Also, in most cases, they have to cover at least 2.5km distance before reaching the nearest health facility.

Participants at the event included aspirants for the chairmanship positions from different political parties. In their separate comments Honorable Aminu Sunusi from Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) and Honorable Mu’azu Bulya from Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) all thanked CITAD for compiling peoples need in simplified manner. Honorable Aminu assured that when elected will address the health issue especially inadequate staffing at the health centers of the local government. He then promised to provide fertilizer to the farmers at subsidized price. In his comment, Honorable   Mu’azu Bulya of APDA urged CITAD to help them advocate for local government autonomy, saying that without receiving grant direct from federal government nothing will be achieved. Citing example with issue of insufficient teachers at lower level, said that since from the administration of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Kano State local government stopped receiving their grants directly from federal government without state government interference.

The aspirants of the councillorship positions attended the event included Hon. Shua’ibu Dan Sabo of ANRP, Kademi ward, Hon. Jamilu Isma’il of ANRP, Wudilawa ward, Hon. Shamsu Abdulkadir Adam of ANRP, Gaya North ward and Hon. Muhd Abdu of PDP, Gaya North ward. Alh. Ya’u Idris was sent to represent the aspirant of the councillorship position of PDP Wudilawa ward and Alh. Labaran Ya’u represented aspirant of councillorship position of APC, Kademi ward

Others that sent their representatives were aspirant of the councillorship position of ANRP, Gamuji ward, aspirant of the councillorship position of APC, Gamoji ward and aspirant of the councillorship position of PDP, Gamoji ward

The event also witnessed the presence of Student Union, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Community Leaders, religious Leaders, Security Agencies, Hisbah, People with Disabilities (PWDs) and Women Groups.

Report of the Interactive Session between SCEEP Communities of Kabo and Local Government Election Aspirants

By Sagiru Ado

On Friday 26th January, 2018, the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has organized an Interactive Session between SCEEP communities Kabo local government and local government election aspirants. The program was conducted at Ni’imah Guest Palace, Kano and attended by the political aspirants from different political parties, members of the SCEEP communities, Religious and Traditional Rulers, Student Unions, People With Disabilities, Women Groups, Media and Security Agencies. The interactive session was organized ahead of the 2018 local government elections in order to hold the political aspirants responsible and also present to them the Community Development Charters (CDCs) or village books produced by the SCEEP communities of Gammo, Godiya and Garo in Kabo local government.

Addressing the participants at the beginning of the Interactive Session, Malam Isyaku Garba, Program Coordinator, said that major objective of the village book is to serve as Community Development Charter for Strengthening Citizens’ Engagement in the Electoral Process (SCEEP) but specifically, the abridged CDC is to serve as a tool for community participation in governance through:

  • Identifying and documenting issues affecting the Kabo local government Community, and produce a temple for the citizens’ engagement with duty bearers.
  • Building the confidence of the Kabo local government citizens to make development demands from their representatives and
  • Publicizing the experiences, knowledge and aspirations of the Kabo local government citizens in one document for easy scrutiny.

He added that the interactive session was part of Department for International Development (DIFD) supported project “Strengthening Civic Engagement with the Electoral Process SCEEP through ActionAid Nigeria, CITAD has been implementing since 2015.

Malam Umar Muhammad, Deputy Director Planning, Research and Statistics highlighted major issues in the books. During the highlight, the SCEEP communities involve in Kabo local government included: Gammo, Godiya, and Garo. And the status of education in these communities, as at the time this study was conducted, was harmonised as follows:

Total number of children currently enrolled in school: 1076

Excluding Garo community

Total number of boys: 225 Total number of girls: 548 Total number aged below 5 years: 345
Total number aged 6-10 years: 265 Total number aged 11-15 years: 236 Total number aged 16-20 years (if applicable):
 
Total number who have completed primary school in the community:  9,443

 

Total Male: 5517
Total Female: 3926
Total number who completed secondary school in the community: 8,022 Total Male: 4814
Total Female: 3208
Total number completed tertiary in community: 561

 

Total Male: 292
Total Female: 269
Total number of adults who have never attended school in the community:  13048

 

Total male: 5212
Total Female: 7836

 

The chairmanship aspirants and councillorship aspirants at event were allowed to make comment especially on afore mentioned issues highlighted in the documents. In his comment, Hon. Nura Tsoho Gude, chairmanship aspirant of the People Democratic Party (PDP) thanked CITAD and said that almost CITAD has done more than 70% on what he is willing to do. He then assured that he will work when elected with all the stakeholders that put hands together in producing the village books.

In his part, Ho. Abdullahi Muhammad chairmanship aspirant of New Progressive Movement (NPM) raised concern on the health, education portable water and drug abuse problems. He promised to do all what he could to address the problems. Hon. Jibrin Saleh chairmanship aspirant of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) talked about People Living with Abilities and Women considering the challenges they face in all endeavors.

The event also witnessed the presence of the following councillorship aspirants: Hon. Ismail Usaini of PDP, Godiya ward, Hon. Usman Tijjani Shehu of NPM, Gammo ward, Hon Mustapha Isyaku Kanye of ANRP, Kanye ward, Hon. Isyaku Abubakar Balan, of NPM, Balan ward, Hon Usman Garba Garo of NPM, Garo ward and Hon. Sani Garo of PDP, Garo ward,

Interactive Session Between SCEEP Communities of Kano Municipal Local Government and the Political Aspirants

By Sagiru Ado Abubakar

Ahead of Kano State Local Governments Election, the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has been organizing interactive sessions between SCEEP Communities in the six local governments of Kano State and the Political Aspirants. The interactive session aimed to present the copies Community Development Charter (CDC) produced by the members of 18 SCEEP Communities in the state to the political Aspirants. Community Development Charters or Village Books are documents that supported the communities to identify their issues, map their communities and draw up development needs and
plans for the communities for the purpose of engaging government to deliver on their duties to citizens.
On Thursday, January 25, 2018 about 70 participants from Dan Agundi, Yakasai and Zaitawa wards of Kano Municipal Local Government converged at Ni’imah Guest Palace, Kano with the political aspirants from different parties in the local government with view to interact with each other and present the community charters of Dan Agundi, Zaitawa and Yakasai wards to the political aspirants. In his opening remark, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai, CITAD Training Coordinator, said that often promises made by politicians are almost forgotten as soon as they are elected, the documents will help and remind the policy makers basic needs of the people and key them into their plans and actually use the document as a community development blue print in their locations. He then told that we are not here to abuse anybody or pass tract the activities of any political party.
Malam Umar Muhammad, Deputy Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Kano State Senior Secondary School Management Board reviewed the village books of the three SCEEP communities in the local government. He explained that the books talked about the history, social condition and assets of the communities. He then outlined major problems listed in each book for each community.
The political aspirants were giving a chance to talk on the strategies taken to address problems and challenges mentioned in the village books. In their separate comments, they explained as follows:
• Hon. Bashir Muhammad Abdullahi, Chairmanship aspirant of Freedom and
Justice Party (FJP) said that if elected will be sitting with the community leaders time to time in order to strategize ways for solving the problems of the people.
• Hon. Aliyu Muhammad of the National Democratic Liberty Party (NDLP) promised to focus attention on basic education, job opportunities for the youths and provision of the social amenities.
• Hon. Rabiu Sarki of African People’s Alliance (APA) said that he will cooperate with vigilant groups to tackle the problems of drug abuse, adding that the problems of drug abuse is the basis of all societal problems.
• Hon. Yakubu Yahya Sani of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) promised to liaise with parents in order to tackle the problem of school dropout and absenteeism in public schools.
• Hon Aminu sani Bakosa of the People Democratic Party (PDP) said that he will join hands with relevant stakeholders in the education sector to revive basic education at the public schools.
• Hon. Aliyu Jibrin Muhd of Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP) assured when elected to use the books given hence they contained the major challenges in the simply manner.
• Hon. Hamisu Liman of Legacy Party of Nigeria (LPN) said when given the chance will work closely with relevant community based organizations in his administration.
• Hon Gazzali Datti Ahmad of National Conscience Party (NCP) promised to prioritize the problems and start with most important.
The councillorship aspirants present at interactive session were Hon. Babangida Shuaibu Dan Agundi of NDLP, Hon Jamilu Bala Dan Agundi of FJP, Hon. Muddassir Yusuf Yakasai of PDP, Hon Abubakar Ibrahim Yakasai of APA, Hon. Nura Yusuf Bayero Dan Agundi of PDP and Hon. Auwalu Ishaq Yakasai of ADP.
Others included Hon. Abba Mustapha Yakasai of YPP, Hon Tasi’u Auwalu Yakasai of NCP, Hon Jamilu Hamisu Adamu Yakasai of SDP, Hon. Ali Yusuf Baba Dan Agundi of APC, Hon Suleiman H. Suleiman Dan Agundi of GPN and Hon. Ibrahim S. Zaitawa of APC.

CITAD Cautions Government, Public Officials Against Hate Speech

By MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi.

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has cautioned government and those holding public offices against politics play in handling issues related to hatred and hate speech among citizens.

The Centre said that public officers, constituted authorities and entire citizens should be more cosmopolitan and avoid politics of exclusion in handling the affairs of the country.

These, CITAD said, is to avoid falling into the trap that Bahrainis found themselves, cited as a major example of sectarian hate speech which resulted to civil war happening in that country today.

CITAD, in a statement signed by its Program Officer, Isa Garba and made available to newsmen in Bauchi Friday, said government at all levels should understand that hate speech either online or offline is not a toy to be played with.

“Scholars should provide effective religious leadership that has been bestowed on them by the Almighty to refrain from anything that will either provoke or instigate their followers against others, and also condemn any hate speech or statement made by any person”, Garba said.

He said public should note that neither the actors of hate speech nor the victims have the guarantee of safety in the event of conflict resulted by hate speech; hence the need to shun hate speech and refuse to be provoke by its action.

Malam Isa Garba explained that CITAD had the beliefs that public engagement through awareness creation and sensitization that is critical in any campaign, as it campaigns against dangers inherent in hate and dangerous speech.

He revealed that CITAD conducted public sensitization in three out of the six geo-political zones of the country, namely Damaturu in Yobe, Jos in Plateau, and Enugu in Enugu states with participants engaged in the programme cut across students, youth, traditional/religious leaders, women groups, media, and civil society organizations.

According to him, participants of the sensitization programme reached consensus that dangerous speech pose danger to our peaceful coexistence , and the longer it is allowed to continue, the greater the danger to the existence of the country.

He observed that the campaign against hate speech should not remain a single organization’s job, but rather an all-out affair, as participants also suggested the need for house to house campaigns, and in schools and all public places, while religious and traditional leaders should make it a cornerstone of heredity homilies.

Garba disclosed that the hate speech CITAD recorded last month across categories such as resource control, ethnicity, religion, Biafra, dangerous recruitment, politics and herdsmen/farmers conflict with ethnicity and religion taking the lion share of the hate speech recorded.

He cited example with intra religious or sectarian hate speech which recently resulted in loss of lives and property in Katsina, Kaduna and Kano states as a result of attacks on Shiites during and after the Ashura processing conducted by the sect on the 10th of Muharram.

CITAD said that it last month (October) reported a total number of hate speech as 1,111 out of which religion and ethnicity took 750, religion taking 330 and ethnicity 420.

‘Campaign against hate speech has gathered momentum’ – CITAD

Y.Z Ya’u Executive Director, CITAD.

The campaign against hate speech in Nigeria has gathered momentum, says Y.Z Ya’u,  the Executive Director Of Centre For Information Technology And Development (CITAD).

He made this assertion in Bauchi at a press conference at the end of a one-day hate speech project evaluation meeting  Friday Ya’u said “We are happy that the campaign against hate speech has gathered momentum as it has moved from our lone voice to a multiplicity of voices, including government agencies such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) which has since last year commenced a nationwide sensitization programme on hate. We also note with satisfaction that some of the media regulatory agencies, especially the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, have begun the process of reviewing their laws to take on board the need to deal with hate speech in the media.

“In our last meeting with the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, they also resolved to introduce a hate speech bill to the National Assembly using the draft that was produced by the Interfaith Centre, Kaduna. We note also the statement by government to monitor hate speech online(although we would like to see a more detailed strategy on how that will be done, otherwise we enter our reservation). Our monthly social media campaign against hate speech competition has been producing encouraging peace messages from young people who are on the social media that are serving not only to counter hate speech but also to sensitize communities that peace building is a collective responsibility. We are equally happy with the state ministries of education, a number of which are present at this evaluation meeting, who have signed a memorandum of understanding with us to operate peace clubs in their secondary schools so that their students can be socialized into the imperative of peace building. We have produced a number of policy briefs that we think would help policy makers to take policy initiatives and processes that would address the incidence of hate speech in our country.

He however warned that, “In spite of these successes we observe that in recent times, there is a resurgence of hate speech across the country. This hate speech, as our monitoring has shown,centered around our religious and ethnic diversities. More than before, the country is becoming more and more divided. Unless all stakeholders work against this trend, it will continue to expand as we move towards 2019 general elections.  Such expansion if not checked would make the elections to become violent. This would compound the situation that is already seeing many communal clashes in the country in addition to the continuing mayhem by the Boko Haram insurgents in the north east. This is why we would like to offer our suggestions on how to respond to of the some of the challenges that hate speech presents to the country.

Read the text of the briefing below:

TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY Y. Z. YA’U, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CENTRE FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT (CITAD) AT THE END OF A ONE-DAY HATE SPEECH PROJECT EVALUATION MEETING HELD AT COMMAND GUEST HOUSE, BAUCHI ON FRIDAY 26, 2018

On behalf of CITAD and our partners, including Ministries of Education from Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Jigawa States as well as members of the Students for Peace from various tertiary institutions and Peace Ambassadors/Peace Club Advisers from different states of the federation, welcome you to this press conference which marks the end of our Annual Evaluation Meeting of the Hate Speech Project. The Hate Speech, being supported by the MacArthurFoundation, has the objectives:

Raise public awareness on hate speech through sensitization forums to get the people to understand the danger of hate speech and how to respond to it.

Engage Stakeholders to generate recommendations and strategies for strengthening the existing media regulations and standards to prevent hate speech;

Monitoring and documentation of hate speech across multiple media platforms to inform data based advocacy and policy engagement to curb hate speech

On the basis of the monitoring, deploy a robust countering of dangerous speech using a variety of methods.

Expanding the peace clubs and students for peace initiatives into a national youth for peace movement to lead advocacy and campaign to improve regulation and policy frameworks for media and journalism in the country.

The aim of the evaluation meeting was to enable us assess the implementation of the project, identify its successes and challenges, gains and success stories and propose new directions to ensure that we consolidate on the progress being made. Among the key activities of the project are the monitoring of hate speech daily on social and print media, countering of hate speech, advocacy to enlist the voices of influential people to join the campaign against hate speech, public sensitization and media engagement to enlighten people againstindulging in hate speech and being provoked it; and orientating students in both tertiaryand secondary schools to engage in the campaign against hate speech.

We are happy that the campaign against hate speech has gathered momentum as it has moved from our lone voice to a multiplicity of voices, including government agencies such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) which has since last year commenced a nationwide sensitization programme on hate. We also note with satisfaction that some of the media regulatory agencies, especially the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, have begun the process of reviewing their laws to takeon board the need to deal with hate speech in the media. In our last meeting with the House Committee on NationalSecurity and Intelligence, they also resolved to introduce a hate speech bill to the National Assembly using the draft that was produced by the Interfaith Centre, Kaduna. We note also the statement by government to monitor hate speech online(although we would like to see a more detailed strategy on how that will be done, otherwise we enter our reservation). Our monthly social media campaign against hate speechcompetition has been producing encouraging peace messages from young people who are on the socialmedia that areservingnotonly to counter hate speech but also to sensitize communities that peace building is a collectiveresponsibility. We are equally happy with the state ministries of education, a number of which are present at this evaluation meeting, who have signed a memorandum of understanding with us to operate peace clubsin their secondary schools so that their students can be socializedinto the imperative of peace building. We have produced a number ofpolicybriefs that we think would helppolicymakers to take policyinitiatives and processes that would address the incidence of hate speech in our country.

In spite of thesesuccesses we observe that in recent times, there is a resurgence of hate speech across the country. This hate speech, as our monitoring has shown,centered around our religious and ethnic diversities. More than before, the country is becoming more and more divided. Unless all stakeholders work against this trend, it will continue to expand as we move towards 2019 general elections.  Such expansion if not checked would make the elections to become violent. This would compound the situation that is already seeing many communal clashes in the country in addition to the continuing mayhem by the Boko Haram insurgents in the north east. This is why we would like to offer our suggestions on how to respond to of the some of the challenges that hate speech presents to the country.

In order to effectively address the prevalence of hate speech in the country, we must understand the dynamics of hate speech generation and spread. This requires identification of the key drivers of hate speech, the channels through which hate speech propagates and response or lack of it by relevant agencies that have responsibilities to stop hate speech from spreadingin the country.

From our analysis, the majordrivers of hate speech in the country include:

Perceived marginalization by differentgroups of people and communities across the country

The failure of government to carry on with its anti-corruption agenda in a transparentand impartial manner

The opacity in government in spite of the Freedom of Information Act which makes people to consume rumours as they seek to make sense of government actions

The risinglevel of povertyin the country that is pushing many people to the marginal spaces of hopelessness and criminality

The inability of government to help communities to resolve communal conflicts such as the farmer-herdsmen conflict,

The deliberate capitalization by some of politicians to profit from the current difficulties in the country by encouraging hate speech

These drivers of hate speechprovide the context and even the substance for the generation and spread of hate speech in the country. This hate speech finds outlet in the social media, the print,broadcast and increasingly in religious spaces (such as mosques, churches and shrines) as well as in secular spaces such markets, schools, community halls, etc.

The ease with which hate speech finds space to propagate in these channels is due to these key factors:

The weak regulatory frameworks which do not take into account the problem of hate speech

The lack of politicalwill, and in many occasions, the partiality of both regulatory agencies and media gatekeepers

The lack of accountability in all its ramifications from government at all levels

The low appreciation and understanding of the dangers of hate speech among the public and the fact that increasing rise of the culture of intolerance of legitimate criticism

The deployment of hatespeech as a gratuitous campaign tool by politicians who rather than be punished for using hate speech end up profiting from it

The hesitant, if not mute voice of traditional, religious and other community leaders to speak loudly against hate speech.

Against these, we recommend as follows:

Governmentmust be consistent, impartial, transparent and consultative in the way in which it is prosecuting its programmes, including the anti-corruption agenda

That all media regulatory agencies mustwake up to their responsibilities of ensuringeffective and full implementationof all the laws and regulations governing the media space so that media organizations, individuals and advertisers who deploy hate speechare promptly sanctioned

That the review of mediaregulatory frameworks that has commencement with the revision of the National Broadcasting Code should be done across all instruments and by all the agencies to ensure that they have mainstreamedstrategies and mechanisms to effectively deal with hate speech in these regulatory frameworks

That there is the need to review the national peace architecture to provide for the establishment of a national peace commission with the mandate to promote peace building, resolution conflicts and engenderinga culture of communitydialogue at all levels

The legislation to regulate preaching as well as provide clear framework for the teachingof religious studies that will be in consonant with our national aspiration for a peaceful and united country be enacted

The need to support communities to engage in dialogue with a view to resolving theirconflicts than leaving them to spiral into violentconfrontations and bloodshed

There is need to mainstream peace education in the civic education component of the secondary school education curriculum in the country

We would like to conclude by calling on religious and community leaders to speak out against hate speech, to condemn all those who engage in hate speech and to ensure that they do not themselves condone hate speech in their spaces. We call on the media to not only join the campaign against hate speech but also ensure that they do not provide space for hate speech to be carried and propagated in their spaces. We call on political parties to not only shun hate speech but also sign up to the voluntary campaign declaration on hate speech which we will launch shortly that will commit them to disqualify any politician seeking for nomination on their platforms for election for engaging in hate speech. We urge the National Human Rights Commission to continue with hearing and documentation of cases filed against some politicians who deployed hate speech in the 2015 general elections with a view to not only prosecuting them but also enrolling them to a hall of shame that will serveas disincentive for hate speech by politicians. We call on civil society organizations to continue to promote and support inter-faith and inter-ethnic dialogues aimed at promoting national understanding, inter-faith solidarity and national cohesion as well as keep monitoring media regulatory agencies to ensure that they discharge their mandates impartially, effectively and promptly. Finally we note that hate speech catalyze violence only if citizens indulge it or are provoked by it. We therefore call on people to not indulge in hate speech and not be provoked by it. That is the key principle for inoculating people against hate speech that ultimately is the most effective anti-dote against hate speech…

Alakar Kalaman Batanci A Nijeriya

Isah Garba
Babban Jami’in Shirye Shirye na Cibiyar Fasahar Sadarwa da cigaban Al’umma.

Kamar yadda muka yi bayani akan abubuwan da ke sanya mutane suyi kalaman batanci a makon da ya gabata, ya kamata wannan makon mu duba yadda akalar kalanman batancin dake ruruwa a Nijeriya, ta karkata don sake gane abubuwan da masu kalaman batancin kan fake dasu wajen yada kalanman, da kuma samun damar kama zukatan mutane ta hanyar su.

Kamar yadda muka yi bayani a baya a kwai alkaluman kalanman batanci a Nijeriya wacce cibiyar CITAD  ke bibiya a shafukan sada zumunta na yanar gizo da taimakon cibiyar MacAurthur Foundation. Wadannan alkaluma sukan nuna mutanen da ke yin kalaman batancin, a shafukan da suke amfani dasu wajen yada kalaman nasu, bangaren da suke kalaman akai, misali, siyasa da addini da fadan makiyaya da manoma da rigimar yan aware na Biyafara da kabilanci da kokarin jan wasu su shiga kungiyoyin ta’adanci da sauransu. A irin wadannan bangarori tun bayan zaben gamagari na shekarar 2015 lokacin da kalaman batancin lokacin da kalaman ba zabe batancin suka yi ta hauhawa a kan al’amuran da suka shafi siyasa da yakin neman zabe. Bayan zaben kanda sai suka lafa amma,  an a gama wannan sai kalaman suka chanja yanayi da akala ta yadda suka koma hauhawa cikin gaggawa kuma a kan abubuwan da suka fi komai tasiri a rayuwar da Nijeriya, wato bangaren kabilanci da addini. Juyawar kalaman batanci ga wadannan bangarori guda biyu masu mahimmanci a rayuwar yan kasar nan babbar barazana ce ga zaman lafiya da ci gaban wannan kasa da al’ummarta, kuma matukar ba an samar da hanyoyin datsewa da magance wadannan matsaloli ba Nijeriaya na fuskantar mummunar barazana da ka iya jefa kasar cikin mummunan yanayi. A cikin wadancan alkaluman, sun nuna cewa a cikin shekara biyun da suka gabata 2015 da 2016 an samu sun nuna cewa mafiya yawan kalaman batancin sama da kashi tamanin bisa dari sun karkata ne zuwa ga wadancan bagarori. Haka kuma idan ka duba misali a cikin kalaman batancin da a kan yi a kan addini sukan faru tsakanin addinai mabambamta da kuma tsakanin addinai daya amma da bambamcin akida.

A kan samu irin waddancan kalamai tsakanin akidu mabambamta. A cikin addinin kirista kamar yadda a ke samu tsakankin Dariku da Izala ko Salafiyya ko  kuma a tsakanin Salafiyya da Izala a gefi guda da Shia a daya bangaren. Daga cikin abubuwan da shi wancan nazari da bincike na CITAD ya gano sun hada da yadda bangarori kan aibanta ko su ci zarafin  mutuncin Malamai da sauran ababen girmamawar wani bangare da suka saba dashi. A akida ko addini. Lalacewa da barnar dake cikin irin wadannan kalaman batanci a wadannan bangarori ya kai ga yadda za ka ga Kirista yana kalaman batanci a kan Musulmi amma sai kaga yana taba Allah da kansa ko kuma ka ga Musulmi yana son kalaman batancin a kan Kirista sai ya zarce yana taba Yesu (Jesus Christ) Annabi Isah. Haka kuma abin yake a abin da ya shafi kabilu yadda zaka ga cewa ‘yan wata kabila suna kalaman batanci a kan wata kabila ba kawai ta muggan kalamai a kan ‘yan kabilar kawai ba, amma a mafiya yawan lokuta ta hanyar wulakanta ababen girmamawar wannan kabila ko siffata su da munanan siffofi. Haka kuma irin wadannan halaye kai kace ma kara hauhawa suke  a cikin al’umma musamman a shafukan sada zumunta na yanar gizo. Kuma matukar muka barshi ya ci gaba ranar da daya bisa goma na irin wadannan kalamai ya fara yawo a cikin mu’amalarmu ta zahiri tashin hakali da hatsaniyar da zata faru sai dai Allah Ya kiyaye.

Maye yake kawo irin wadannan kalaman? Duk mai biyiyar irin wadannan kalamai zai shiga damuwa kwarai da gaske  da kuma tunanin me yasa mutane ke irin wadannan kalamai? Bincike ya nuna cewar a kwai wasu abubuwa da suke kawo irin wadannan kalamai, kuma ba za’a taba magance kalaman ba face an magance abubuwan da ke kawo su. Wadannan abubuwa sun hada da: Rashin cikakkiyar fahimtar bambamce-bambancen da ke tsakanin mu ko dai ta bangaren addini ko kabila. Munanan karantarwar addini da yake cusawa mabiya gaba da rashin girmama fahimta da addinan wadansu mutane.

Mummunar siyasar kabilancin da aka jefa a tsakanin ‘yan Nijeriya da yadda ya zama an an raba yaga su tsaninsu ta hanyar kabilanci da bambamcin addini. Karancin sanin tasiri, da yalwar da shafukan sada zumunta na yana gizo suke dashi ta yadda mafiya yawa da cikin masu amfanin da wadannan shafukan sukan ji kamar cewa suna magana kawai da abokan huldar su a kan shafukan ba tare da sanin cewa duk lokacin da wani yayi wani rubutu a yanar gizo ya tura wannan rubutun, to rubutun ya zama ba nasaba, ya zama na dukkan ma’abota amfani da shafunkan, a wanna ni lokaci ma har da masu zuwa daga baya. Wannan rashin sanin shi yasa zaka ga mutum ya na rubuta wani abu a kan wasu al’umma mutane da kabila ko addini wanda idan da sun san cewa wadannan mutanen zasu iya sanin abinda suka rubuta da zasu ji kunya, amma wannan rashin sanin sai yarda su iya rubuta abubuwan da suke rubutawa.

TA YAYA KUMA WAYE ZAI MAGANCE WADANNAN NNAN MATSALOLIN?

Idan ana son a magance wandanan  matsaloli  dole ne duk wani  mai ruwa da tsaki su ya bada gudunmawarsu  wajen yin haka. Saboda haka:

  1.   Dole ne malaman addini su kiyaye irin furucin su wajen wa’azi da sauran fadakarwar addini, su kiyaye ingiza mabiya wajen kyamar mutanen al’ummar  da suka saba dasu a fahimta ko addini ko kabila.
  2. Haka kuma duk wani wanda ke mu’amala da yanar gizo, musamman shafukan sada zumunta ya gane cewa dukkan abun da yasan idan ya fade shi a gaban wasu mutane zai ji kunya, ko zai bata musu rai, ko zai tunzura su, ko zai bata dangantar da ke tsaninsa da su, ko da kabilar sa to ka da ya rubuta shi a shafukan sada zumunta, domin kuwa da zarar ya rubuta to ya sani mutanen da baya son su gani zasu iya gani kuma idan yana jin cewa yana da abokan hulda dubu biyar ne, idan ya rubuta abu akan samu mutum dubu daya daga cikin su su kai abin da ake ce masa ‘sharing’ kuma kowanne daga cikin su yana da abokan hulda dubu biyar ka ga ka rubuta abu don mutane dubu biyar amma yanzu mutane dubu biyar sau dubu dari biyar ne zasu karanta.
  3. Haka kuma dole mu gane cewa dukkan abun da bama son wani ya fada a kan mu dole muma mu kiyaye fada wa wasu irin sa kuma matukar muna da wadanda muke girmama wa ko addinin da muke bi to mu kiyaye wulakanta addinin wadansu idan bama son a wulakanta wadanda muke girmama wa to mu kiyaye wulakanta na wasu.

    Idan muka bi irin wadannan hanyoyi  muka kuma kiyaye abubuwan da muke rubutawa tare da daukan matakan wayar da kan al’umma a kan hatsarin kalaman batanci da kuma hatsarin rubuta dukkan abun da muka ga dama a shafukan sada zumunta na yanar gizo, zai rage yawan kalaman batancin dake hauhawa a shafukan yanar gizo a lokaci guda kuma ya rage hatsarin da ke fuskantar wannan kasa na fadawa cikin rigingimu sakamakon  yawan wadannan kalamai da suke neman lalata mana zamantakewa da kuma bata watsa mana tattalin arzikin kasa  sakamkon rashi zaman lafiya.

Text of Press Conference Addressed At The End of A One-Day Hate Speech Project Evaluation Meeting

BY Y. Z. YA’U, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CITAD).

On behalf of CITAD and our partners, including Ministries of Education from Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Jigawa States as well as members of the Students for Peace from various tertiary institutions and Peace Ambassadors/Peace Club Advisers from different states of the federation, welcome you to this press conference which marks the end of our Annual Evaluation Meeting of the Hate Speech Project. The Hate Speech, being supported by the MacArthur Foundation, has the objectives:
i. Raise public awareness on hate speech through sensitization forums to get the people to understand the danger of hate speech and how to respond to it.
ii. Engage Stakeholders to generate recommendations and strategies for strengthening the existing media regulations and standards to prevent hate speech;
iii. Monitoring and documentation of hate speech across multiple media platforms to inform data based advocacy and policy engagement to curb hate speech
iv. On the basis of the monitoring, deploy a robust countering of dangerous speech using a variety of methods.
v. Expanding the peace clubs and students for peace initiatives into a national youth for peace movement to lead advocacy and campaign to improve regulation and policy frameworks for media and journalism in the country.
The aim of the evaluation meeting was to enable us assess the implementation of the project, identify its successes and challenges, gains and success stories and propose new directions to ensure that we consolidate on the progress being made. Among the key activities of the project are the monitoring of hate speech daily on social and print media, countering of hate speech, advocacy to enlist the voices of influential people to join the campaign against hate speech, public sensitization and media engagement to enlighten people against indulging in hate speech and being provoked it; and orientating students in both tertiary and secondary schools to engage in the campaign against hate speech.
We are happy that the campaign against hate speech has gathered momentum as it has moved from our lone voice to a multiplicity of voices, including government agencies such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) which has since last year commenced a nationwide sensitization programme on hate. We also note with satisfaction that some of the media regulatory agencies, especially the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, have begun the process of reviewing their laws to take on board the need to deal with hate speech in the media. In our last meeting with the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, they also resolved to introduce a hate speech bill to the National Assembly using the draft that was produced by the Interfaith Centre, Kaduna. We note also the statement by government to monitor hate speech online (although we would like to see a more detailed strategy on how that will be done, otherwise we enter our reservation). Our monthly social media campaign against hate speech competition has been producing encouraging peace messages from young people who are on the social media that are serving not only to counter hate speech but also to sensitize communities that peace building is a collective responsibility. We are equally happy with the state ministries of education, a number of which are present at this evaluation meeting, who have signed a memorandum of understanding with us to operate peace clubs in their secondary schools so that their students can be socialized into the imperative of peace building. We have produced a number of policy briefs that we think would help policy makers to take policy initiatives and processes that would address the incidence of hate speech in our country.
In spite of these successes we observe that in recent times, there is a resurgence of hate speech across the country. This hate speech, as our monitoring has shown, centered around our religious and ethnic diversities. More than before, the country is becoming more and more divided. Unless all stakeholders work against this trend, it will continue to expand as we move towards 2019 general elections. Such expansion if not checked would make the elections to become violent. This would compound the situation that is already seeing many communal clashes in the country in addition to the continuing mayhem by the Boko Haram insurgents in the north east. This is why we would like to offer our suggestions on how to response to of the some of the challenges that hate speech presents to the country.
In order to effectively address the prevalence of hate speech in the country, we must understand the dynamics of hate speech generation and spread. This requires identification of the key drivers of hate speech, the channels through which hate speech propagates and response or lack of it by relevant agencies that have responsibilities to stop hate speech from spreading in the country.
From our analysis, the major drivers of hate speech in the country include:
1. Perceived marginalization by different groups of people and communities across the country
2. The failure of government to carry on with its anti-corruption agenda in a transparent and impartial manner
3. The opacity in government in spite of the Freedom of Information Act which makes people to consume rumours as they seek to make sense of government actions
4. The rising level of poverty in the country that is pushing many people to the marginal spaces of hopelessness and criminality
5. The inability of government to help communities to resolve communal conflicts such as the farmer-herdsmen conflict,
6. The deliberate capitalization by some of politicians to profit from the current difficulties in the country by encouraging hate speech
These drivers of hate speech provide the context and even the substance for the generation and spread of hate speech in the country. This hate speech finds outlet in the social media, the print, broadcast and increasingly in religious spaces (such as mosques, churches and shrines) as well as in secular spaces such markets, schools, community halls, etc.
The ease with which hate speech finds space to propagate in these channels is due to these key factors:
1. The weak regulatory frameworks which do not take into account the problem of hate speech
2. The lack of political will, and in many occasions, the partiality of both regulatory agencies and media gatekeepers
3. The lack of accountability in all its ramifications from government at all levels
4. The low appreciation and understanding of the dangers of hate speech among the public and the fact that increasing rise of the culture of intolerance of legitimate criticism
5. The deployment of hate speech as a gratuitous campaign tool by politicians who rather than be punished for using hate speech end up profiting from it
6. The hesitant, if not mute voice of traditional, religious and other community leaders to speak loudly against hate speech.
Against these, we recommend as follows:
1. Government must be consistent, impartial, transparent and consultative in the way in which it is prosecuting its programmes, including the anti-corruption agenda
2. That all media regulatory agencies must wake up to their responsibilities of ensuring effective and full implementation of all the laws and regulations governing the media space so that media organizations, individuals and advertisers who deploy hate speech are promptly sanctioned
3. That the review of media regulatory frameworks that has commencement with the revision of the National Broadcasting Code should be done across all instruments and by all the agencies to ensure that they have mainstreamed strategies and mechanisms to effectively deal with hate speech in these regulatory frameworks
4. That there is the need to review the national peace architecture to provide for the establishment of a national peace commission with the mandate to promote peace building, resolution conflicts and engendering a culture of community dialogue at all levels
5. The legislation to regulate preaching as well as provide clear framework for the teaching of religious studies that will be in consonant with our national aspiration for a peaceful and united country be enacted
6. The need to support communities to engage in dialogue with a view to resolving their conflicts than leaving them to spiral into violent confrontations and bloodshed
7. There is need to mainstream peace education in the civic education component of the secondary school education curriculum in the country
We would like to conclude by calling on religious and community leaders to speak out against hate speech, to condemn all those who engage in hate speech and to ensure that they do not themselves condone hate speech in their spaces. We call on the media to not only join the campaign against hate speech but also ensure that they do not provide space for hate speech to be carried and propagated in their spaces. We call on political parties to not only shun hate speech but also sign up to the voluntary campaign declaration on hate speech which we will launch shortly that will commit them to disqualify any politician seeking for nomination on their platforms for election for engaging in hate speech. We urge the National Human Rights Commission to continue with hearing and documentation of cases filed against some politicians who deployed hate speech in the 2015 general elections with a view to not only prosecuting them but also enrolling them to a hall of shame that will serve as disincentive for hate speech by politicians. We call on civil society organizations to continue to promote and support inter-faith and inter-ethnic dialogues aimed at promoting national understanding, inter-faith solidarity and national cohesion as well as keep monitoring media regulatory agencies to ensure that they discharge their mandates impartially, effectively and promptly. Finally we note that hate speech catalyze violence only if citizens indulge it or are provoked by it. We therefore call on people to not indulge in hate speech and not be provoked by it. That is the key principle for inoculating people against hate speech that ultimately is the most effective anti-dote against hate speech.
Thank you

We Will Drive Poverty Eradication Through ICT – ActionAid Official

The Head of Local Right Programme (LRP) of the ActionAid International , Hajiya Suwaiba Yakubu Jibrin has restates her organization commitment to use Information and Communication Technology to ensure poverty eradication ,social justice ,digital inclusion and empowerment of excluded and disadvantaged communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

Hajiya Suwaiba while speaking in Dakwa Community of Abuja Municipal Area Council at the formal commissioning of Computer Centres in five communities Abuja also revealed that the organization partnership with Centre of Information Technology for Development (CITAD ) under its project “Digital Skills Development for Youths in Rural Communities ” was aimed at ensuring digital inclusion for rural communities and reduce the risk being faced by dwellers of the communities in reach computer related services despite the importance of internet in registering for exams, checking results , job applications, social media marketing of products and services as well as academic usage .

She disclose that five computer centres will serve 15 communities in FCT ;Dakwa Centre in Abuja Municipal Area will also serve Jiwa and Gwalada communities,while Tunga Ashere Centre will serve Tunga Nasara and Gofidna communities, Gaube centre in Kuje area council will host the centre for Tukpechi and Kayashe, Leleyi Gwari of Kwalli area council will serve the neighboring communities Pai and Kilan Kwa ii and Pasepa Centre in Bwari area council will serve Guto and Kuchibuyi .Head of LRP further declared that each centres is equipped with items such as 7 branded HP Desktop Computers,1 Hp laserjet 2035 printer,1 scanner, 1, projector ,1 projector screen ,training board stand ,surge protector ,2 long tables ,7 metal chairs and 24 plastic chairs worth N2,922 million .

“Action Aid Nigeria is also taking the lead in showing the possibility of a lofty dream and art and practice of accountability and transparency practice in tune with its recently unveiled strategy Paper‘ Social Justice to End Poverty’ and implementation of these goals through sub-national mainstreaming, inter-agency coordination and institutional strengthening.

In his speech ,CITAD Programme Officer Abuja, Mallam Ahmad Muhammad Danyaro described that CITAD is a capacity building civil society organization whose activities covers research, advocacy, training and publicity in all areas of ICTs anchored on sustainable and balanced development while Action aid on the other hand is a social justice organization working to eradicate poverty through gender equality and redistribution of wealth and power.

“This partnership by the two organizations was meant to promote digital inclusion and positioning of young people and women to leverage technology for a just society”.Danyaro Said.

“Community members will also be trained on how to use social media campaigns and advocate for social inclusion and deployment of social infrastructure to the communities. Later this year we have plan to train over 200 women and youths in various communities skills such as film and video editing , graphic design ,photography ,web design ,computer repairs etc” the CITAD programme Officer added.

In their separate remarks Village Head of Dakwa ,Mallam Shuaibu Samu and Pastor Emmanuel Jatau commended Action Aid Nigeria International and Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) for the generous donation and enjoined beneficiaries to be steadfast in learning computer skills and use the social media campaigns to advocate for social inclusion and deployment of social infrastructure in the communities .

Group Empowers Youth in 15 Communities

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), in partnership with Action Aid  Nigeria, has empowered over 200 youths across 15 communities in Abuja.

The group has set up a computer centre where residents would be trained on the use and application of technology for social development.

CITAD programme officer, Ahmad Muhammad Danyaro, said the partnership was meant to promote digital inclusion and positioning of young people and women to leverage technology for a just society.

He said the five centres set up in Kwali, Bwari, Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), have desktop computers, printers, projectors, scanners and other gadgets.

“We have comprehensive plan to train some selected youths from the communities who would serve as managers of the centres,” he said.

Danyaro said the residents would also be trained on social media campaigns and advocacy and its use for social inclusion and development.

“We also plan to train over 200 women and youths in various communities in skills such as film and video editing, graphic design, photography, web design, computer repairs among others,” he said.

Maiden Edition Of The Ibrahim Mu’azzam Institute Of Philosophy For Young People Organised By CITAD

By Maryam Ado Haruna (Programmes Assistant (Gender and Internet Advocacy), CITAD).

Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reasons and mind. Thus, in its quest to bring about sustainable development in Nigeria by equipping the youths with a more realistic way of thinking, Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has organised a 3-day Philosophical interactive session for participants from various states in Nigeria. The Maiden Edition of the Institute of Philosophy was organized by (CITAD) in order to prepare the young Nigerians to become creative and critical thinkers and also provide them with a guiding principle of resolving their societal problems. The institute was named after the inspiring mentor, Malam Ibrahim Mu’azzam of department of Political Science, Bayero University, Kano. The 3-day interactive session was organised to prepare the participants with a philosophical thinking in an attempt to conquer the lackadaisical attitudes that have covered the minds of many Nigerians especially the youths.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of CITAD, Malam Yunusa Ya’u stated that the Maiden Edition of the institute of Philosophy was established with the view to make the participants realize their intellectual capacity, be critical thinkers and develop a deep and better understanding of issues and ideas. He added that the main idea of Philosophy is to make people to enquire and understand things they see in order to avoid making decisions on the basis of unfounded assumptions. He further stated that the Institute is not the conventional way of learning, rather, an interactive one for a better understanding.

In the first day, the mentor, Malam Ibrahim Mu’azzam described the term “Philosophy” as central to any knowledge-based society, since Philosophy is the key to knowledge. He explained that whenever we search for wisdom, we are being philosophical. Malam Mu’azzam further explained that Philosophy provides humans with the foundation of knowledge and freedom from rumours and assumptions. The mentor also stated that Philosophy encourages people to question and interrogate every idea they come across adding that there is no understanding without questioning making which makes it an essential aspect of their life. He called on the participants to never let others to think for them because that will only give them the opportunity to manipulate people. He also explained that the only way to move a society forward is for people to question their government since the governed gives the mandate. According to him, that is the only way to compel the government to fulfill the promises they made during campaign rallies. He also explained to the participants that every human is capable of learning; ideas are everywhere in the world and are conceptualized differently based on people’s perception, beliefs and values, but Nigerians should not let their diversity to bring about disharmony and disunity among them. People have to be capable of overcoming the fears in them before they can change the society. He explained that every government wants to instill fear in the minds of its governed in order to have the absolute sovereignty to rule without being challenged.

How can we discover the truth of everything in Nigeria? Malam Mu’azzam explained that in Nigeria, things are done unscientifically and not philosophically, thus, solutions to problems are arrived at based on assumptions.

At the end of the first day, the mentor gave the mentees some text to read and deliberate on before the following day.

In the second day of the Institute, the participants were taught how to verify the truth of what have been said and distinguish between the truths and beliefs. They also acquired the skills on the power of the words, its contextual meaning, and how important choice of words is to the writer/speaker.  He explained that word in its originality has no meaning, but meaning is attached to it depending on the type of group using the word.

Thinking outside the box is another parameter for a philosopher. It is very crucial and fundamental to think beyond the level of other people, but Nigerians are lazy and even among the youths, they don’t buy the reading behavior which is supposed to make them more sound and vibrant.

One of the factors inhibiting Nigeria’s development also is that they accepted the culture of impunity from those in government. If any political officers would be punished accordingly, the rate of political crimes and or embezzlement would be cut down. It is very important for Nigerians to understand that every government can be impeached for its failure. Another factor is that Nigeria adopts development theories directly from the western countries without domesticating them to Nigerian context.

On the third day also, the session started with the readings from the texts that were given in the previous day. The mentor, Ibrahim Mu’azzam then established the relationship between truth and belief and how they differs; not all beliefs are true since they are perceived based on values and acceptance of a society. Thus, peoples’ beliefs and ideas when brought need not to be accepted right away, the reason why they raised them need to be understood. It is also good to understand how and why people view a particular idea or problem in a certain way.

For change to take place in Nigeria  the people must become warriors and not “worriers”, supplies of drugs must be cut down and parents must understand their children and bring them closer, people need to be more aware of their rights, the society needs to be gender sensitive in its approaches. Nigeria also lacks recreational centres which give leisure to the youth; youth need to be considered in development efforts. Also, the day-3 tried to reshape the mindsets of the participants from the vertical way of thinking to a lateral one which tends to explore better ideas about a particular phenomenon. The participants were taught how critical understanding is in the quest of searching for knowledge and why they need to embrace Philosophical approach to societal problems.

While appreciating this effort made by CITAD, many participants who expressed their enthusiasm for the programme, explained that it is a privilege to be part of this Institute. Among them one participant stated that the Institute of Philosophy has really changed the way they view societal problems and now think both inside and outside the box. All participants have also expressed their appreciation to this effort by CITAD and have promised to utilize what they have learnt effectively.

On behalf of the Executive Director of CITAD, the coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Aliyu thanked all participants for honouring this invitation to learn knowledge. He added that another version of the Institute will soon come up as the programme has already attracted interest of outside the organisation.

Comments/Observation

At the end of the 3-Dy sessions, the coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Aminu Aliyu shared an evaluation forms to the participants for their observations and comments.  The following are  the opinions of the participants:

  1. What do you like most about the programme?

The participants were asked to state what they think they like most about the entire programme. About 10 participants mentioned that they so much liked how the programme was coordinated, which was timely and educative; they also liked the participatory style of the facilitation which was very effective and the daily reading assignments as well. One participant observed that the programme has developed his or her mind to think critically and has encouraged me to pursue more knowledge. The programme has challenged my way of thinking. “Now I look at issues such as societal problems critically and it has enticed me to engage myself in reading” observed another. Some participants also stated that they liked the programme because it is mentally stimulating; and has made them to think of issues which ordinarily they might have not. At five participants also appreciated the materials that were given during the session. One participant described the programme as remarkable and awesome, while another one liked the idea that the programme was open to everyone to take part in it. Lastly, one participant said that the programme has paved way intellectual minds which informed his/her realization of the imperative ideas.

  1. What do you like least about the programme?

The participants were asked to state what they think was wrong with the way the institute was coordinated or what they did not like in their own opinion.  Five of them said they liked every bit of the programme and therefore had identified nothing wrong. Another four said the duration of the programme was too short for their liking; two participants disliked the rowdy discussions by the participants, two others also complained of how time was managed during the programme (not sticking to the scheduled time), while other two complained that they topics that were discussed were complex and confusing.

  1. What do you want us to add in the next edition of the programme?

The participants were asked to mention what they expect the coordinators of the programme to add in the next edition of the Institute. Among the responses they were generated, nine suggested that the duration should be extended to at least a week.  One mentioned that reading materials should be distributed in advance before the programme; two more said the subjects to be discussed should be more contemporary such as issues of imperialism and globalization. Another participant suggested that they should be a means to prevent late coming attitude of the respondents. To another participant, he thinks the institute should be held twice annually, while another one thinks there is a need to mobilise more participants into the programme. Some participants think the programme needs more publicity so that many people will become more aware of the institute. To some participants, they need to be encouraged to critically assess certain scenarios and present them for at least 2 minutes and a group working so that the participants will practically demonstrate creative and critical thinking.

  1. Please suggest ways we can improve the next edition of the programme.

The participants were asked this question in order to know in which ways the Institute of Philosophy can be better improved. Their suggestion included having the scope of what to discuss and reading texts before the session. The programme should also focus on current issues/topics such as imperialism in the context of capitalism. Another suggestion was that the participants should be tested on daily basis which is similar to the suggestion of having an exercise at the end of the programme in order for the respondents to be more serious about what they are learning. Again, four participants suggested that the programme should be extended to more than three days. Some suggested more publicity about the programme, sharing the record of the programme with participants, requesting some for amount as registration fee to make it more valuable, drawing participants from academia and having the participants to write any essay of their choice geared towards solving societal problems as part of criteria for eligibility. They should also be an Alumni network. Two more suggestions include inviting people influenced by Malam Mu’azzam to come in the programme and share their experience and a diversified class; participants from every region of the country.

The total number of the participants

  1. Adamu Yakubu Usman
  2. Ali Isa Musa
  3. Aliyu Dahiru Aliyu
  4. Hamza Ibrahim
  5. Harira A. Wakili
  6. Hauwa Musa Abdullahi
  7. Ibrahim Muhammad Mahina
  8. Ibrahim Rubakaya
  9. Isah Hashim Abdullahi
  10. Isma’il Auwal Garba
  11. Janice Malachi
  12. Maryam Ado Haruna
  13. Muhammad Chiroma Hasan
  14. Muntasir Adamu Kanam
  15. Rukayya Abba Kabara
  16. Rukayya Abdulhadi
  17. Suleiman Ibrahim
  18. Sunusi Shazali Suleiman
  19. Ummi Salma Babangida