CITAD awards outstanding champions of ‘Report a Project Competition’
Three University Students Get CITAD Prizes For ‘Report A Project Program’ https://arewaagenda.com/three-university-students-get/
Three University Students Get NGO Prizes For ‘Report A Project Program’ https://nigeriantracker.com/2023/01/13/three-university-students-get-ngo-prizes-for-report-a-project-program/
By Khadija Aliyu
Three students Aliyu Musa from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Hauwa’u Abdullahi Kano state university of science and technology Wudil, and Auwal Ibrahim Adamu, Bayero university kano, have emerged winners of CITAD’S report a project competition.
The Centre said, the winners of the 7th edition of the competition, were honoured to encourage them to continue contributing their quota, for the sustainable growth and development of the country.
Report a Project is a program, supported by MacArthur Foundation, aimed at encouraging students in Nigerian Universities and tertiary institutions to contribute to their bid, to eradicate the scourge of corruption in Nigeria for sustainable development.
In his remarks, the deputy executive director of the center, Malam Ahmed Abdullahi Yakasai explained that, abandonment of projects paved way for backwardness of many societies.
He stressed that, the report a project competition mobilizes youths and encourage them to report,so that the center would use legal procedures to call the attention of stakeholders, on the need to complete the projects.
” CITAD is a non partisan organization that does not segregate”
Malam Ahmed Abdullahi, charged youths to continue strategizing, as the center would not relent in it’s efforts towards the fight against corruption, and ensuring good governance.
In their remarks,winners of the 7th edition of report a project competition, Aliyu Musa, Hauwa’u Abdullahi and Auwal Ibrahim Adamu highlighted that, the handsets and laptop given to them, would go a long way in assisting their research and other academic endeavors.
They advised students to rededicate themselves to their studies, and provide any meaningful information to relevant stakeholders, such as uncompleted abandoned projects to mitigate corruption.
Radio Nigeria reports that, the report a project competition is organized by CITAD with support from MacArthur foundation, which is targeted at encouraging students from tertiary institutions, to report abandoned uncompleted or poorly executed projects in their respective communities.
By
Sagiru Ado Abubakar
In its effort to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has on Sunday 4th December, 2022 joined the global communities to commemorate this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022. International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a global effort aim at promoting empowerment and helping to create real opportunities for people with disabilities. The celebration is a one-day event held at ground floor, CITAD with a theme “Kano State Disability Law: Prospects and Challenges” has a representation of almost all clusters of People Living with Disabilities in Kano State and dwelled deeply on the Kano State Disability Law signed by His Excellency Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Malam Isyaku Garba, CITAD Programs Cordinator represented the Executive Director of CITAD at the event. He welcomed the participants and said that International Day of Persons with Disabilities gives opportunity to government, policy makers, human right activists, development workers and every stakeholder to deliberate on strategic ways to make effective demand for inclusion and accountability on matters that affect people living with abilities. He then hinted that CITAD has been making effort to establish a centre that promote inclusion, access, participation, disability rights and mainstreaming of issues of critical concern of people living with disabilities.
Malam Sagiru Ado Abubakar coordinates the activities of people living with disabilities at CITAD. He took the participants back on the discussion during Kano Social Influencers Summit (KANSIS 2022) on the arrangement INEC made with regard to PWDs during the forthcoming general elections. He then informed that ‘Technology, Disability and Election’ breakout session in KANSIS 2022 was one of the best sessions in KANSIS 2022 in term of attendance and won momentum of dignitaries.
Hajiya Bilkisu Ibrahim Mahmoud, a lecturer at College of Arts Science and Remedial Studies, (CAS) Kano chaired the event. In her opening remarks, she acknowledged the work of CITAD in helping the PWDs in Kano to understand the law, makes sure that the law has been provided with all necessary assistance and proper implementation. She apologized to CITAD for her inability to attend the KANSIS 2022 organized by CITAD saying that she was given short notice a day only to the event.
Malam Saifullahi Mukhtar Sadiq, Program Officer, Kanawa Educational Foundation for the Disables and Secretary Visually Impaired Educational Forum, Tudun Maliki, Kano made the first presentation. He presented paper on the Kano State Person with Disability Law signed by His Excellency Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He said that the bill was approved November 22 held at Government House, Kano. Saifullahi explained that the law would pave a way for the inclusion and development of PWDs in the state. The law has provided for the establishment of a board to oversee the affairs of PWDs and when established, the board would be given all the necessary assistance to make the law functional according to international standard.
Other content of the law maintained that no person with disability shall be discriminated against on the ground of his or her disability by any person or institution in any manner of circumstances. No person with disability shall be subjected to prejudice or negative segregation, including those based on gender, work, education, health, age, tradition and any other area of life. State, Local Government and private sectors must give special consideration to PWDs in social walfare, and other programs in line with the existing law. After highlighting major sections of the law he then informed that the draft of the law is available with them and waiting for the final version of the law from the state government.
Barrister Nura Ahmad Muhammad, Executive Director MUFARKA Youth Development Association, made the last presentation. He looked into the prospects and challenges that the law might have face. He said that now that the Kano State Disability Law has been assented by the Governor of Kano State, the implementation of the Law is depending largely on the establishment of the Commission responsible for the implementation. However, we can make a look at the prospects and challenges with regards to the implementation of the law. He listed as follows:
PROSPECTS:
• Protection for the rights and dignity of Person with Disabilities. The Law will ensure the protection of People with Disabilities in Kano.
• Legal framework. Disability Law is a legal document which will help in protecting the rights of People with Disabilities.
• Sustainability of Policy. Now that the Bill is passed into, there will be continuity in policies and programs related to People with Disabilities.
CHALLENGES:
• Proper implementation of the law. This can be achieved if the Commission created by the Law has been established.
• Funding of the Commission. For the Commission to function properly it has to be funded adequately. And all the fund allocated to the commission be released on time.
• Awareness Creation. Members of the public need to sensitized about the new Law. This will help in the successful implementation of the Law in Kano State.
At the end of the program, participants commented as follows
The Centre for Information Technology and Development had on 22 nd September, 2022 under
its project on Mobilizing and Catalyzing Citizens Action for Accountable Election and
Governance in Nigeria supported by MacArthur Foundation held its Eighth Dialogue on Anti-
Corruption Fight in Nigeria with two of its sub-grantees; Abubakar Sadiq Mu’azu, Executive
Director, Center CATAI and Chioma Agwuegbo, Executive Director, TecHerNG while Dr. Kawu
Adamu Sule, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Bayero University, Kano served as the
moderator. As it has become tradition in the Centre that every month it’s conducting the
dialogue, in the month of August, the Centre hosted Mu’azu Alhaji Modu, Executive Director,
Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability Initiative and Adeola Fayehum, Producer at
Keeping it with Adeola with Malam Haruna Adamu, Community Network Coordinator at CITAD
as the moderator.
The dialogue started with an opening remarks by the Executive Director of CITAD, Yunusa Zakari
Ya’u. Mr. Ya’u begin his remarks with aim of organizing the monthly dialogue where he stated
that; the aim of the dialogue is to give the sub-grantees under this project an opportunity to
regularly share their work with a wider audience in promoting accountability and fighting
corruption in Nigeria. He also mentioned that the dialogue is aimed at giving both the sub-
grantees and young people who have interest in the area an opportunity to discuss and share
ideas. He went further to state that CITAD has for many years been working in the area of
accountability and fighting corruption in Nigeria and empowering young people to demand for
good governance. Buttressing further on the essence of organizing the monthly dialogue, the
Executive Director said is to create a platform for the sub-grantees and those who have an
interest in the area to discuss ideas and learn from each other as corruption and lack of
accountability are the major obstacles towards the country’s growth and development”.
Opening the dialogue, the chairman of the September dialogue, Dr. Sule Rano said that Nigeria
needs transparent and accountable government and platforms like this one will helps in
ensuring government officials are put on their toes. He further stated that “accountable
election is key to good governance and democracy” and in a good democracy citizens must be
allowed to choose/elect their leaders. “This situation can only be achieved through accountable
and transparent election”. Dr. Sule buttressed.
The first speaker was Abubakar Mu’azu, Executive Director Centre for Advocacy and
Accountability Initiative. Mr. Mu’azu started his presentation by emphasizing the need for
accountable election and ensuring strict adherence to democratic process in electing leaders in
all positions and for citizens to understand their responsibilities in electing competent and
credible leaders. For the upcoming 2023 elections, Mr. Mu’azu shared with the participants the
efforts his organization is making in the area of empowering citizens with access to information
and amplifying their voices. The Executive Director stated that at Centre CATAI, they have been
creating awareness on the need for the citizens to participate in the elections, renew their
Permanent Voters’ Cards, the need to engage in the electoral processes; from primary to
secondary elections. He went further to state that even though Borno State has fewer people in
terms of PVC collection, but still citizens are campaigning and raising their voices in holding
government accountable due to intensify campaigns around the area by Civil Society Actors in
the state.
Speaking about the need for young people to actively engage and participate in the governance
and affairs of their country, the executive director said “young people need to advocate for the
inclusion of youth in leadership position and ensure their voice is heard for majority of the
voters in the country are youth”
Discussing on the activities they embark on, he said, Center CATAI has started shooting short
videos with young people and the essence of that is to change the perspective of the citizens
and how people can engage the government officials. According to him, the major target of the
campaign is young people because they constitute the highest number among all the other
constituency. On the tools they are using to reach their target audience, Mr. Mu’azu said they
mostly use Social Media because it is faster and easier to reach young people and encourage to
do what is good. Abubakar also explained that the focus of the campaign of recent is to
empower young people to have access to the right information, collect their PVCs and ensure
they elect the right leaders that will ensure accountability and transparency in governance,
enhancing and making quality education and serve the need of the citizens through different
initiative, advocacy, and engagement after the election.
Stressing the need of collaborative efforts, Mr. Mu’azu said to ensure the sustainability of such
kind of initiative and its success, citizens must accept it and take ownership of the process and
ensure sustained advocacy around having accountable government that will provide evidence
of democracy.
Also speaking at the dialogue, the Deputy Country Director of MacArthur Foundation, Oladayo
Olaide hailed CITAD for organizing and coordinating the discussion which he described as timely
and encouraging. Mr. Olaide went further to say that there is need to find ways on how to
include accountability into the discourse around 2023 general election and other important
issues that are significant to the election and try to rally out and speak out those issues. He also
advised and encouraged people working in this area to ensure as much as possible remain
neutral in the implementation of their activities
At the end of the dialogue participants asked questions and answers were provided by the
panelist.
By
Sagiru Ado Abubakar
In many states, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) noted that
people living with disabilities have no access to educational institutions, no appropriate policies
to address their needs and concerns at schools and in place of work. People living with
disabilities face discrimination in matters of admission to high education and in places of
employment. In order to address these challenges CITAD has on Saturday 10 th September, 2022
organized a one-day training workshop on Digital Skills and the use of Social Media for
Advocacy and Accountability for the Physically Challenged People in Kano State. The workshop
was part of CITAD project titled ‘Supporting and Amplifying the Voice of People with Disabilities
to demand for Accountability’ which initiated by CITAD to sensitize the association of PWDs to
raise voice on issues of accountability and inclusion and engage PWDs to tell their stories on the
impact of corruption on their lives. In his opening remark, Malam Sagiru Ado Abubakar, the
coordinator of the project said that this workshop was organized when the centre noted that
People living with disabilities are economically and politically excluded and also lack the voice
to make effective demand for inclusion and accountability on matters that affect them. He said
that there is need to support associations of people living with disabilities to project their voice
and demand for accountability and inclusion as well as help them to sustain that voice.
On his part, the Executive Director of the Centre, Engr. Yunusa Zakari Ya’u said the training will
support the physically challenged in the society and prepare them to be self-reliant and
demanding accountability from the leaders to seek alternative means through social media.
Engr. Ya’u added that the training is one of CITAD’s initiatives aimed at addressing the exclusion
of people with special needs on access to digital skills and the use of social media for advocacy.
The Executive Director was represented by Centre Communication and Campaign Officer, Ali
Sabo who added further that technology can serve as a powerful tool for public opinion that
could compel leaders to be accountable. That’s why the training aimed at bringing PWDs on
board and equipping them with digital skills and use of social media for advocacy.
The first presentation talked about the concept of accountability, it explained that
accountability is about using power responsibly. It involves taking account of the needs,
concerns, capacities and disposition of affected parties, and explaining the meaning of, and
reasons for, actions and decisions. Therefore, it also about the right to be heard and the duty to
respond, based on the following five dimensions: Transparency, Participation, Learning and
Evaluation, Staff Competencies and Attitude, Complaint and Response Mechanism (CRM).
Buhari Abba Rano made the second presentation on the use of social media platforms for
advocacy and accountability. He explained social media platforms as interactive digitally-
mediated technologies that facilitate the creation or sharing/exchange of information, ideas,
career interests, and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks. When
using social media, Rano said that make sure you can answer questions like:
• Why am I using this platform?
• Who will I reach on this platform?
• What post types work best on this platform?
• How are my posts unique to this platform?
If you have a hard time answering these questions, it might be time to dig deeper into why
you’re investing time there. Answering these questions will also help you develop your strategy
for that platform.
The last presentation was on Content Development by Ali Sabo. He explained that Social Media
Content plays a crucial role in achieving social media objectives such as brand recognition,
thought leadership, audience engagement, and lead generation. He added that, he content
allows you to cement your position as a go-to destination for your target audience, whether it is
for mobilization, advocacy, entertainment, education, or inspiration. According to Malam Ali
effective Social Media content will help you to build long term relationships with your audience.
One of the beneficiaries of the training, Amina Abubakar, described her experience during the
training as challenging and exciting, noting that she intends to further her knowledge in Digital
Skills so as to be competition worthy in the tech space.
The commitment of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) to inculcate in the minds of the secondary school students an early understanding of the negative impact of corruption on the society through mentoring continues on Tuesday 21st June, 2022 at Hall B, CITAD, Kano. The engagement was third phase among the series of the training workshops organized by the centre to build the capacity of secondary school teachers in Kano State to serve as anti corruption club mentors. The third phase of the training workshop has the following objectives:
Malam Isah Garba, Senior program Officer, CITAD, made the welcome remark. In his remarks he reinstated the negative impacts of corruption in all aspect of life and emphasized that as someone who taught for several years knows that teachers can have influence on the lives of their students better than their parent. He said that in one way or another we are all victims of corrupted society as experienced and suffered personal loss, intimidation and inconvenience, due to some corrupt practices. So we have to work hard and help the younger generations through social mechanisms don’t fall victims. He added that good deeds have their own rewards, and quoted the tradition that says “whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to those who follow him, without detracting from their rewards at all”.
Hamza Ibrahim presented the first paper ‘Couching Students to Learn about Corruption and how to Fight it’. The paper explained grand corruption, petty corruption and political corruption as type of corruptions. According to the paper grand corruption consists of acts committed at a high level of government that distorts policies or the central functioning of the state, enabling leaders to benefit at the expense of the public good. The petty corruption refers to everyday abuse of entrusted power by low and midlevel public officials in their interactions with ordinary citizens, who often are trying to access basic goods or services in place like hospitals, schools, police departments and other agencies. A political corruption is a manipulation of policies, institutions and rules of procedures. Political corruption is a manipulation of policies, institutions and rules of procedure in the allocation of resources and financing by political decision makers, who abuse their position to sustain their power, status and wealth. To assess participants’ knowledge and understanding on the three types of corruptions, the participants were divided into three groups and asked group one to give five examples of grand corruption, group two five examples of petty corruption and group three five examples of political corruption. They should both groups suggest roles that students can play in supporting anti-corruption activities. Below were the group findings.
Group one (GRAND CORRUPTION)
Group two (PETTY CORRUPTION)
Roles students can play in supporting anti corruption
Group three (POLITICAL CORRUPTION)
Roles of students in fighting corruption
The second paper was presented by Malam Kamilu Isah titled ‘Understanding the Anti-Corruption Quiz System as Designed by CITAD’. Kamilu said that each school will hold a preliminary quiz in their school. This could serve as intra quiz that allows students to compete within the schools among themselves. Those that emerged winners will represent their schools at the state level quiz. There will be provision of airing the final round of quiz competition live on some selected radio stations. Also, CITAD will make use of extra curriculum activities to provide students with experience, knowledge and skills that otherwise would not gain from the formal school curriculum. Subsequently, he requested the participants to back to their groups and answer the following questions: 1. How do we planned to organize preliminary quiz in our school. 2. How do we plan to organize anti-corruption quiz questions in our schools? Below were the group findings:
Group one
Question 1
Question 2
Group two
Question 1
Question 2
Group 3
Question 1
Question 2
Malam Ibrahim Nuhu, made the last presentation. The presentation tipped the participants how to prepare their students for anti-corruption quizzes. He said that selection of students must consider participating students, language selection, equip the students with information around corruption issues at national, state, and local levels, mitigation strategies and reporting mechanisms such as petitions, whistle blowing, direct call, email and other online platforms. He lastly shared with participants how in two incidences he reported some corruption cases to anti corruption agencies.
The effort of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) to build the capacity of the anti-corruption club mentors has on Wednesday 8th June, 2022 continued with the second phase of its four series of the training workshop. The specific objective of the second session training workshop was to guide the secondary school mentors their roles and responsibilities as anti-corruption club mentors, and ways they impart knowledge and help their students to learn about corruption and how to fight it. In his welcome remarks, Malam Kamilu Isa Ahmad, the program officer of the Engaging Students of Secondary Schools for Raising Awareness about Corruption and Accountability project said that, CITAD has chosen the participants from 18 secondary schools in Kano State to serve as mentors for the anti-corruption clubs established in their respective secondary schools. Therefore, CITAD has responsibility of building the capacity of the participants on how to execute their jobs effectively. He said that a good mentor is a good role model, through words and action, who he is, what he does and offers students a window on a possible career.
To recap the main point discussed during the previous workshop, participants were asked after self introduction to at least tell one thing they could remember during the previous workshop. The following issues were raised during the recap session:
Malam Sani Ado represented the chairman Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission at the workshop. He presented paper on ‘Understanding the Work of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC). He explained that PCACC helps in establishing corruption prevention practices, and increase citizens knowledge against corruption. He then added that the work of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission is to receive and investigate complaints from members of the public on allegations of corrupt practices and in appropriate cases, prosecute the offenders. Also, examine the practices, systems and procedures of public bodies and where such systems aid corruption, to direct and supervise their review.
The second presentation was made by Kamilu Isah, as the program officer of the project, Kamilu dwelled deeply on the roles and responsibilities of the participants as anti-corruption club mentors. According to the presentation a mentor should provide guidance based on past business experiences, create positive counseling relationship and climate of open communication, help understand problems and solutions, lead to change through problem solving processes, offer positive reproach in a helpful way, share stories, mistakes and lessons, assign “homework” (if applicable) to test impact, refer understudy to other business associates, solicit feedback from responsibility and come prepared to each meeting to discuss issues. Other roles and responsibilities include organizing periodic discussions on anti- corruption by the mentors, local or internal quiz to enhance commitments, preparing students for general Anti- Corruption Quiz, organizing of Anti-corruption walk in schools, drama and other competitions, tagging anti-corruption massages on school notice boards, leading students to read anti- corruption massages at the assembly ground during assembly and CITAD is expecting other innovation from the mentors.
To discuss, and analyze and explore ideas participants were divided into three groups and asked to work on the following
Group work one
What are challenges that anti-corruption will face and how are these challenges to be addressed?
Below were the group findings
Group 1
Challenges are as follows:
Solutions
Group 2
Solutions
Group 3
The challenges are as follows:
Solutions
Group work two
How do we integrate anti-corruption teaching in the school syllabus?
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Finally the participants made the following observations:
(SERIES ONE)
By
Sagiru Ado Abubakar
In its effort to provide students with knowledge and skills to fight corruption and contribute in
raising young people who will assist and contribute in the fight against corruption Nigeria, the
Centre for Information Technology and (CITAD) has on Thursday, 2 nd June, 2022 conducted the
first of its four series Training Workshop for the 36 secondary school teachers from 18 senior
secondary schools across Kano state. The workshop served as Master Training to build the
capacity of the selected teachers which in return will step down the training to the anti-corruption
clubs formed in their respective schools.
CITAD has been implementing a project titled ‘Engaging Students of Secondary Schools for
Raising Awareness about Corruption and Accountability’ supported by MacArthur
Foundation, with the following objectives:
1. Inculcate in the minds of the students an early understanding of the negative impact of
corruption on the society
1. Use the opportunity of the engagements with the students to raise public awareness about
corruption and how to fight it
2. Encourage students to think critically on how to address the menace of corruption in the
society.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director, Centre for Information Technology and
Development (CITAD), Malam YZ Ya’u said today in Nigeria corruption has become a major
hindrance to the development of the country. We have seen in daily basis corruption cases in the
country and we have to widen our knowledge to understand that corruption is not only about
public sectors, it is about what is wrong and what is right. To fight corruption, we must teach our
young ones good values and ethics especially the rule of law. This is to show young people that
there is law against corruption. Malam Y.Z continue to say that, we must ensure anti-corruption
agencies are above everyone with no exception and no one is above the law. As mentors,
CITAD expects you to go to the wider society to say no to corruption and teach them how to
learn to fight corruption. It is a big challenge that CITAD throws to the mentors but it is the only
way we can rid this menace out of our society especially if we succeed in integrating the fight
against corruption in the school curriculum. He then informed the participants that the workshop
is a pilot campaign to see whether we can convince school administrators that there is way we
can include anti-corruption fight in the way we teach our students. He finally mentined that the
activities of the project are to conduct inter-secondary schools quiz in the State, build the
capacity of some students and to update knowledge and skills of teachers in the area of fighting
corruption in secondary schools. One of the expected outcomes of the project is to support state
government to incorporate anti-corruption knowledge in the curriculum of secondary schools as
part of the Civic education syllabus.
To assess the participants’ knowledge about the workshop and establish what participants
already know, the participants were asked to write on sheet of papers their expectations of the
workshop. The following information was generated from the participants:
We expect to learn ways to prevent our students in participating in form of corruption in
and outside schools
CITAD as an IT organization, we expect to be taught the technological ways of fighting
corruption
To understand why corruption offenders are not been punished
To learn how to avoid taking corruption
To provide us with new ideas and logic that we can use to address the danger of
corruption to our students and other people in our society
To know the root of corruption and its types
Expecting to jointly eradicate the issue of corruption in the country
Through the help of EFCC and ICPC to be oriented about the consequences of corruption
To teach us the method and techniques to tackle corruption
To enlighten our students to read hard and shun away from all corruption practices
To add voice on the negative effect of corruption
To listen from the reliable source corruption related issues
In his remarks, Malam Umar Muhammad Yakasai, Director Training and Recruitment, Kano
Senior Secondary Management Board (KSSSSMB) said managing secondary schools requires
partnership and they are happy to have CITAD as their partners. He said that just last two weeks
teachers under his board were at CITAD for Guidance and Counseling workshop. He then added
that corruption is a theme that disturbs everybody and the country. He finally thanked CITAD for
bring them on board in this journey and mentioned that CITAD poetry publication on corruption
NGausa has been in circulation in their schools.
The first presentation was taken by Alh. Dalhatu Abdallah, Assistant Superintendent,
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on
understanding the work of ICPC. Abdullahi said that ICPC receive and investigate complaints
from members of the public on allegations of corrupt practices and in appropriate cases,
prosecute the offenders. Also examine the practices, systems and procedures of public bodies
and where such systems aid corruption, to direct and supervise their review. Duties of the
Commission include section 6 (a-f) of the ICPC Act 2000 sets out the duties of the Commission
as paraphrased in the following:
To receive and investigate complaints from members of the public on allegations of
corrupt practices and in appropriate cases, prosecute the offenders.
To examine the practices, systems and procedures of public bodies and where such
systems aid corruption, to direct and supervise their review.
To instruct, advise and assist any officer, agency, or parastatal on ways by which fraud or
corruption may be eliminated or minimized by them.
To advise heads of public bodies of any changes in practice, systems or procedures
compatible with the effective discharge of the duties of public bodies to reduce the
likelihood or incidence of bribery, corruption and related offences.
To educate the public on and against bribery, corruption and related offences.
To enlist and foster public support in combating corruption.
With respect to the prosecution of cases, the Corrupt Practices and Other Related
Offences Act 2000 provide that every prosecution for offences under it shall be deemed
to be done with the consent of the Attorney-General. Furthermore, it is provided that the
Chief Judge of a State or the Federal Capital Territory shall designate a court or judge to
hear and determine all cases arising under the Act. Presently, there are two such
designated Judges in each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory
• Malam Haruna Adamu made the second presentation titled ‘Understanding the Various
Dimensions of Corruption in Nigeria’. The presentation focused on the role of Anti-
Corruption Club Mentors with a view to identify and discuss less technical ways to
reduce corrupt practices in secondary schools. As a social environment, schools are the
best places where corruption can be analyzed and mitigation strategies taught for future
use by the future leaders (students). Haruna Adamu set the objectives of his presentation
as follows
• To identify the role of mentors on delineating Corruption and its effect on society to
secondary school students in Kano
• To strengthen the capacity of Anti-corruption club mentors on reducing corrupt practices
in the society
• To identify new mentoring strategies for Anti-corruption mentors in Secondary Schools
of Kano
• Develop a more realistic work plan for mentoring on Anti-corruption for secondary
schools in Kano
While talking about forms of corruption, Haruna said that corruption in Nigeria happens in
several ways and in different dimension. He criticized the law makers in the country who
according to him tried to institutionalized corruption. Adding that even lobbying from the law
makers can be a form of corruption. Other forms of corruption include, Extortion, Cronyism,
Nepotism of favoritism, Patronage, Graft and embezzlement, Bribery, receipt of illegal proceeds
(extortion, kickbacks), Theft and privatization of public resources and funds, Illegal
appropriation (forgery, falsification, embezzlement, misappropriation of money, property),
Abuse of state funds, waste, Nepotism, favoritism (appointment to the posts of relatives and
friends), Collusion (granting preferences to individuals, conflict of interests), Taking gifts to
speed up problem-solving, Protection and covering up events, Electoral violations (buying votes,
rigging election results), Extortion (civil servants illegally set a fee for services or artificially
create a deficit), Clientelism and patronage (politicians provide material services in exchange for
citizen support), Illegal contributions to election campaigns (transfer of gifts to influence the
content of the policy), Abuse of power through (intimidation or torture) and Manipulation of
regulation (falsification of elections, decision-making in favor of one group or person).
He finally urged the school mentor to play the following roles in the ANTI-corruption Clubs:
• Develop and implement the Anti-corruption modules for students
• Demystify all Anti-corruption terms to students for ease of understanding, ownership and
sustainability
• Facilitate partnerships among students and
• Create interface between Anti-graft body and the students
Malam Idris Isyaku, Head of Public Affairs, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) represented EFCC Zonal Commandant at the workshop. He talked about the work of the
commission. He explained that Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a
Nigerian law enforcement agency that investigates financial crimes such as advance fee fraud
(419 fraud) and money laundering. EFCC was established in 2003, partially in response to
pressure from the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF), which named
Nigeria as one of 23 countries non-cooperative in the international community's efforts to fight
money laundering. The agency has its head office in Abuja, Nigeria. Adding that while the ICPC
targets corruption in the public sector, especially bribery, gratification, graft, and abuse or misuse
of office, the EFCC investigates people in all sectors who appear to be living above their means,
and is empowered to investigate and prosecute money laundering and other financial crimes.
Ali Sabo, CITAD Communication Officer, presented paper titled ‘Assessing the Ant-Corruption
Efforts in Nigeria Since 1999: Challenges and Prospects’. At the end of his presentation, he
divided the participants into three groups and asked each group to:
1. Identify some potential policy-related sources of corruption in Nigeria and proffer
possible solution
2. Ways use to curb corruption at grassroots level
By POLYCARP AUTA
Bauchi- An NGO, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has begun a two-day training for 20 journalists on anti-corruption reporting in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event on Monday in Bauchi, the Executive Director of CITAD, Zakari Ya’u, said that the training supported by the MacArthur Foundation, drew participants from the 19 northern states of the country.
He said that the exercise was aimed at exposing media practitioners to the menace of the high level of corruption in Nigeria
Ya’u pointed out that the training would guide participants on how to create a deeper public awareness on the evil of corruption through their reportage.
According to executive director, the training will further expose reporters to some of the tools that can be used in researching and reporting corruption issues in the country.
”You will all agree with me that corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society, and if we don’t act fast to kill it, it will kill us.
”However, we can’t kill it by mere talks; unless Nigerians come together in unison to fight the menace.
”So, this workshop is to expose and equip participants, who are generally reporters with the requisite knowledge in order to create the awareness that will excite Nigerians to be ready to fight the menace.
”We are here to work together by sharing knowledge and fashion out ways that would deepen research and report corruption cases that would stimulate Nigerians to want to kick out the hydra-headed monster,” he said.
Ya’u also disclosed that some of the participants would be given mini grants by the organisation in order to investigate corruption cases at various levels.(NAN)
Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has organized a two day workshop to some journalists that work in different media outlets on compiling reports on corrupt practices, investigative report and other multimedia skills.
The two-day workshop held on Monday 23 – Tuesday 24 of May, 2022 at Pali Suit in Bauchi state, was orchestrated to change the narration on the current issues of alleged corrupt practices by some public office holders in Nigeria, through investigative journalism.
Addressing the participants, the Director of CITAD, who spoke on the effects of fake news and how it can be dealt with, said the workshop will equip and encourage journalists on developing story ideas on human angle and general development journalism.
He explained that with the emergence of social media, the entire world has become a global village where people can easily showcase their talents in exposing the truth about any hazy event, through the use of social platforms.
Mr Buhari Abba, the moderator of the sessions, urged the participants to make the training workable and use the knowledge they have gotten to develop good stories on corruption at all levels.
The workshop mainly revolved around “researching and reporting about accountability and anti-corruption issues” in Nigeria.
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has presented prizes to winners in the 4th round of its ‘Report a Project Competition’.
The Centre said the champions were honored to encourage them to continue contributing their best for the sustainable growth and development of society.
The program, according to the Center, is in support of the MacArthur Foundation and is targeted at encouraging students from tertiary institutions to report abandoned or poorly executed projects in their respective communities.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Centre Dr. Y.Z Ya’u said the essence of the project was in line with the pursuit of a collective action to demand accountability from the government at all levels.
The Executive Director, represented by the Centre’s Training Coordinator, Mal. Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai explained that the idea is an accelerated step to holding governments accountable for their actions in the spirit of transparency as a critical element of good governance and improving citizens’ livelihood.
He further charged the trio winners to continue with the report on abandoned public projects not only because of what they’ll get but for the collective interest of the general populace.
The winner of the competition, Abubakar Aliyu who reported 4 years of abandoned Classes at Government Secondary School Dan-Maliki, Kumbotso L.G, Kano state was presented with a Computer, H.P model.
While the first runner-up Hussaini Musa was presented with a Huawei Android mobile phone, the Y-5 Prime model for reporting a 7 years abandoned project at the Federal College of Education, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The second runner-up got a Nokia Android mobile phone, C.1 model for reporting 6 years of abandoned Theatre projects at the Federal College of Education, Kano.
The Centre for Information Technology and Development had on 21st of April, 2022 under its project on Mobilizing and Catalyzing Citizens Action for Accountable Election and Governance in Nigeria supported by MacArthur Foundation held its Fourth Dialogue on Anti-Corruption Fight in Nigeria with another three set of its sub-grantees; Jack Fidelis Vincent, Independ Journalist based in Maiduguri, Olumide Olaniyan of Lucidity of Absurdity (Poetry) and Fred Sam-Itepu, Head of Operation, Rise Networks while Dr. Kabiru Sufi Sa’id, Principal Lecturer, Kano State College of Education and Preliminary Studies chaired the Dialogue. As it has become tradition in the Centre that every month it’s conducting the dialogue, in the month of March, the Centre hosted Danlami Nmodu, mni, Publisher NewsDiary Online, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, Executive Director, Beeta Network and Dr. Tunde Akanni, Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Lagos State University with Clement Adebayo as the moderator
The dialogue started with an opening remarks by the Executive Director of CITAD, Engineer Yunusa Zakari Ya’u. Engineer Ya’u begin his remarks with aim of organizing the monthly dialogue where his stated that; the aim of the dialogue is to give the sub-grantees under this project an opportunity to regularly share their work with a wider audience in promoting accountability and fighting corruption in Nigeria. He also mentioned that the dialogue is aimed at giving both the sub-grantees and young people who have interest in the area an opportunity to discuss and share ideas. Engineer Ya’u went further to state that CITAD has for many years been working in the area of accountability and fighting corruption in Nigeria and empowering young people to demand for good governance. Buttressing further on the essence of organizing the monthly dialogue, the Executive Director said is to create a platform for the sub-grantees and those who have an interest in the area to discuss ideas and learn from each other as corruption and lack of accountability are the major obstacles towards the country’s growth and development”.
Moreover, Malam Ya’u lamented on the set back fighting corruption is recording in the country where he gave an example with presidential pardon granted to two convicted former governors of Plateau and Benue States after being tried and found guilty of stealing public funds while serving as governors in their states. At the end he urge the participants not relent on their efforts in the fight against corruption as it takes time to rid corruption out of the society.
Speaking on the different tools and mediums he utilizes in demanding for accountability and fighting corruption, Mr. Jack Vincent said in Maiduguri he used to organized small round table meetings to hear the opinions of people on how they perceive corruption and the best way to tackle it, from the opinions gather, he organizes radio programs including phone in where people call to give their own contributions and air their grievances. Also, Mr. Vincent used to do Vox Fox where he sample the opinions of the public on how corruption and bad governance is affecting their lives. Other activities conducted by this sub-grantee include documentaries. In the documentaries, Mr. Fidelis focuses more on capital projects that are poorly executed such as hospitals, roads, schools etc. in the state. This, he said they aired on their live radio program and also share on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
On his part, Mr. Olumide said their work is targeting at people at grassroots where they are enlightening them about the effect of corruption through the use of poetry. He said what they normally do is to ask people questions on the post elections issues like what their representatives are doing to better their lives. Also, Mr. Olaniyan said they organize mobile dramas where they went to local markets in Abuja in collaboration with markets officials and perform dramas on corruption. In the drama, Mr. Olaniyan said they are using four languages such as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin English. Another tactic they explore is reading poems to community people on anti-corruption and accountability. In this case, he said they allow the community people to read the poems themselves in order to internalize and make the fight against corruption a habit. At the end he stated that they are sharing the messages to larger audiences using social media platforms like Facebook to popularize the messages.
Moreover, the final speaker at the dialogue, Mr. Fred discussed mainly on the application they created in order to track corruption and fake news in the area of fighting corruption in the country called “Run Am”. He said, the application is created to mobilize citizens against corruption and discuss issues of accountability in Nigeria. Speaking further, Mr. Fred said, the application is trained to source information on corruption and election from credible sources by tracing the authenticity of images used like where they have been taken, who took them and what time they were taken. At the end, this speaker said using technology to fight corruption is the best and most efficient way to rid the corruption out of our society and instill good governance in the minds of Nigerians.
At the end, some participants made comments about the topic in discussion. One of the commentators at the dialogue stated that “the anti-corruption institutions in the country are just making fool of themselves considering the action of the president and his cabinets most especially with the recent pardon of the convicted governors”.
By Rabiu Musa
HOTPEN – The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has presented prizes to winners in the 3rd round of its ‘Report a Project Competition’.
The Centre said the champions were honored to encouraged them continue contributing their best for the sustainable growth and development of the society.
The program, according to the Centre is in support from MacArthur Foundation and is targeted at encouraging students from tertiary institutions to report abandoned or poorly executed projects in their respective communities.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Centre Dr. Y.Z Ya’u said the project was in line with the pursuit for a collective action to demand accountability from the government at all levels.
The Executive Director who was represented by the Centre’s Campaigns and Communications Officer, Mal. Ali Sabo explained that the idea is an accelerated step to holding governments accountable for its actions in the spirit of transparency as a critical element of good governance and improving citizens’ livelihood.
The winner of the competition, Mr. Taneem Garga, from Plateau state was presented with a Computer, while the first runner-up Ishaq Abdullahi Shehu from Kano Municipal got Huawei Nova and the second runner-up Ridwan Garba from Gwale local L.G, Kano state was presented with Huawei Y6 Pro.
As part of its continued efforts to contribute to the fight against corruption in Nigeria, the
Centre for Information Technology and Development has instituted a monthly dialogue on anti-
corruption fight in the Nigeria where it is inviting its sub-grantees of its project on Mobilizing
and Catalyzing Citizens’ Action for Accountable Election and Governance in Nigeria which is
being supported by MacArthur Foundation. This month dialogue was held on the 15 th of March,
2022 with Bikiya Graham-Douglas, Singer, Actress and Chief Executive Officer, Beeta
productions, Dr. Tunde Akanni, lecturer, Department of Mass Communications, Lagos State
University and Danlami Nmodu, mni, a veteran journalist and publisher, NewsDiary Online
Based in Abuja, while the webinar was moderated by Clement A. Oloyede, Bureau Chief, Daily
Trust Newspaper, Kano
The aim of the dialogue is to give the sub-grantees under this project an opportunity to
regularly share their work with wider audience in promoting accountability and fighting
corruption in Nigeria. The dialogue is also aimed at giving both the sub-grantees and youth who
have interest in the area an opportunity to discuss and share ideas.
In the previous month, the Centre featured Mustapha Bulama of DailyTrust, Mu’azu Alhaji
Modu of Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability Initiative and Joshua Alabi of KINANSO
Concept while Danladi Lawanti of the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello
University Zaria chaired the Dialogue. While in the January Dialogue, the dialogue hosted
Abubakar Sadiq Mu’azu, Executive Director, Center for Advocacy, Transparency and
Accountability Initiative and Chioma Agwuegbo, Executive Director, TechHerNG and chaired by
Mukhtar Modibbo of Connected Development.
In his welcome remarks at the dialogue, the Executive Director of the Centre for Information
technology and Development who was represented by the Senior Program Officer, Malam
Haruna Adamu reiterated the Centre’s committed to the fight against corruption in the country.
Malam Adamu said CITAD has for many year been in the forefront in the fight against
corruption and building the capacity of other Civil Society Organizations and Community Based
Organizations in this area. He went further to state that the Centre is also conducting other
activities in order to ensure everyone is part of this fight like training young people on using
social media for accountability and engaging students to report abandoned projects in their
communities which is also part of instituting the culture of holding their representatives
accountable in the country.
Sharing her experience at the dialogue, Miss Bikiya said corruption has been embedded in our
system and it’s the number one enemy that is thwarting the development of the country. She
also stated that abuse of public finance system is on the rise in the country. Discussing about
the remedy to the situation, Miss Graham-Douglas said ensuring accountability starts with one
self. In talking about her activities and how they are creating awareness on the area, she
mentioned that from her part, she is using films to enlighten the general public most especially
women about the need to start demanding for accountability from their representatives.
The second speaker at the dialogue, Dr. Tunde Akanni who is conducting research on the level
of corruption at tertiary institutions shared with the participants that the level of corruption in
tertiary institutions is so high to the extent that lecturers and other non-academic staff are
extorting students seeking for admission into the universities. Mr. Akanni also stated that sex
for admission and marks was also complained by some of the students who participated at the
research conducted. To balance the claims made by some of the interviewed students, Dr.
Tunde said during the first validation of the research with some selected staff of some of the
tertiary institutions, it was disclosed that it is of course true students are going through
different kind of extortion ranging from financial to sexual harassment. Lamenting on the
situation, Dr. Akanni mentioned that the major factor contributing to this menace is lack of
strong laws and punishment that will serve as deterrent to other perpetrators or those that
want commit similar offence. At the end, he called on the school authorities, civil society
organizations, media and other relevant agencies to work assiduously in protecting students
more especially female students in the country.
In his contribution, the last speaker at the discussion, Mallam Danlami Nmodu emphasized on
the need for journalists to adhere to the journalistic ethics and best practices. He lamenting
that many of the journalists nowadays are in the habit of extorting and blackmailing people,
given an example with the publisher of Peoples Gazette who was exposed recently on such act.
He went further to state that as watch dog in the society, media practitioners have to be clean
and up hold the best standard of practice in the their work in order to maintain their respect in
the eye of the public.
The webinar was attended by over 20 participants from across the country.
