The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) is implementing a project entitled Supporting Community-led Approaches to Addressing the Digital Divide Nigeria coordinated globally by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) support from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through their Digital Access Programme (DAP).

This is part of a global project to catalyze the flourishing of community networks as a means of connecting the unconnected

The project focuses on selected locally managed community networks in three regions, Africa, Asia and Latin America, to strengthen their impact, reach and sustainability

This group of community networks will form the core of a peer community that can connect and broaden support for community-based connectivity initiatives, nationally, regionally and internationally

The project will achieve its objectives through peer learning and exchange, awareness raising, technical assistance, capacity building for the development of scalable, innovative and sustainable networks, policy and regulatory advocacy and community mobilisation.

The training was held at Dakwa Community Centre FCT on Wednesday 28^th April 2021, with 13 attendees, from Allah ye ba kowa Association Tungan ashere, Aye Bwaka Gwari Association, and Zaboda women Association Psepa, opening remarks was said by Engineer Suhail CITAD Technical officer, he welcomed each and every one who attended the training he says that the purpose of the training is to aware and shows the benefits of the community networks to the peoples as well as how to start or build their own community networks,

The training slides has 9 modules, and started at 10:00am by Engineer Suhail with the introduction to community networks, what services community networks offers and types of community networks, he gives clear definition of community networks by the Internet Society (ISOC) and services that community networks offer like voice, data E.T.C and ended the section one of the training with discussion about the types of community networks and answering questions from the participants,

Goes to 30 minutes break from 11:30am to 12:00am after the section one of the training has ended

Back to the training Engineer Suhail continuous with the explanation on how to start community networks, what facilities or infrastructures needed in order to start community networks, and explanation on what regulatory conditions required for communities to start their own community networks,

And again goes to 30 minutes breaks from 1:30pm to 2:00pm, after the section two of the training completed

The last section of the training has started from 2:00pm by Engineer Suhail, he explains how the community network link themselves nationally and internationally, and ended the last section of the training by explaining the ways for community networks follows to solve sustainability issues, that is how the community networks continuous sustaining itself even without any support from others organizations like APC.

The whole training finished with the vote of thanks from Malam YZ Ya’u Executive director CITAD, he thanks everyone for attending the training and he encouraged these micro-organizations members to be very active and spend their time by acquiring new skills so that the project will successfully be achieved and implemented in their area.

 

The Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD, has called on Nigerian government through the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to come up with a robust policy that would encourage the flourishing of community networks that would hasten digital inclusion in Nigeria.

 

The Centre also urged the Universal Service Provision Fund, USPF, to support community networks initiatives across the country as part of its intervention to promote faster inclusion progress.

 

According to the Executive Director of the centre, Dr. Y. Z. Yau at a press briefing in Kano on Tuesday, “community network should be given license-free spectrum to use; proof of concept permit in connection with community networks should be license free; institutions of higher learning such as universities should embrace and deploy community networks to both meet their community needs and to serve as experimental sites for learning and domestication technology; both the NCC and USPF should establish a unit with the responsibility of coordinating their affairs with respect to community networks”

 

The centre stated that the USIP 2019 report “identified 114 connectivity gaps in the country as either underserved and unserved. It defines underserved area “as an area where less than 50% of the households or individual users have access to a minimum of 1.5 Mbit/s” while it defines unserved communities as “area where less than 10% of households and individual users have either no access to internet or have the most basic access such as EDGE.”

 

“When poor people cannot afford the cost of connectivity or data, connectivity becomes useless as it would not be utilized. Poverty is a key a factor that makes it impossible for many people to use the internet. Many Nigerians are not able to afford regular use of data.

 

“Aside from inability to afford, there is also the fact that lack of satisfaction makes people to stop using the services. In Nigeria, with an apparent monopoly by the four mobile technology service providers, quality of service is not their priority. They treat customers with no respect or regard because they are not penalized for quality of service falling below acceptable global benchmarks.

 

“Monopoly also controls the way people integrate with technology such that people are not able to learn, modify and remodify technology to suit their purpose. There are therefore many reasons why the USPF model needs to be complimented. Moreover, the USPF model is geared towards supporting the market rather than communities and subsidy regimes often end up being more beneficial to the market players than to communities whose affordability it is supposed to raise,” Yau stated.

 

According him, “bridging the digital divide is not possible by treating communities as passive recipients of support or as market to be developed. Rather, the most effective strategy is to engage the communities to identify how they can, with support of from stakeholders, address their peculiar connectivity needs.

 

“This community-driven strategy is the catalysing of the flourishing of community networks. Community networks are providing platforms or channels for people to communicate. This communication could be between individuals, within the community or outside it. The Internet Society defines community networks as “telecommunications infrastructure deployed and operated by a local group to meet their own communication needs.

 

“Community networks take different forms, with some extending access using commercial networks, others building their own source of connection, etc. But because they usually connect the unconnected, they are considered as extending connectivity to the last file,” CITAD further stated.

 

On the situation in Nigeria, the Centre observed that “there are very few community network operating in the country. The two that have most extensive experience are the one in Kafanchan established in 2006 by Fantsuam Foundation, a civil society organization there and one in Ibadan, Ibadan WUG.

 

“The Nigerian Chapter of the Internet Society in partnership with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria is establishing another in Zaria. There is also commercially driven community network coming on board, the best know is Fiam WiFi in rural areas of Lagos state. The reason why community networks are slow to pick up in Nigeria is because we do not have policies to guide them nor does government provides support to encourage such initiatives.

 

“The regulatory framework at the moment does not provide for community networks as distinct providers of connectivity in the country. Indeed, neither the NCC Act nor the USPF Act have made mention of community networks, consequently there is a lacuna as to how community networks are to be treated. For the moment, the few community networks are providing connectivity to underserve and unserved community by acting as point of farther distribution of connectivity provided by the main commercial players.”

 

The centre therefore recommended the following:

 

The NCC should come up with an appropriate policy that will encourage the flourishing of community networks in the country as a means to hasten digital inclusion in Nigeria

The USPF should support community networks initiatives across the country as part of its intervention to promote faster inclusion progress

Community network should be given license-free spectrum to use

Proof of concept permit in connection with community networks should be license free

Institutions of higher learning such as universities should embrace and deploy community networks to both meet their community needs and to serve as experimental sites for learning and domestication technology

Both the NCC and USPF should establish a unit with the responsibility of coordinating their affairs with respect to community networks

Doing away with some component of spectrum fees in exchange for commitment to rollout in specific unserved/underserved areas as provided in the Strategic Plan of the USPF

 

The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has called on the government at all levels to provides for community networks in various localities to enhance digital inclusion for all in the country.

 

The call was made by the Executive Director of the center, Y. Z Ya’u on Tuesday during a press conference tagged ‘The need for policy directions on community networks’, which held at the center’s board room in Kano.

 

He said the centre finds it necessary to made the recommendation for the community networks as a result of the effects of the recent lockdown brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

He added that many communities could not access their schools and healthcare services despite the opportunities online due to poor or absence of networks.

 

He opined that the commercial telecoms companies in the country could not invest in rural areas because there is no market there, urging that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should provide for free community networks to bridge the gap and enhance inclusion.

 

“In its report of 2019, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) identified 114 connectivity gaps in the country as either underserved or unserved. It defines underserved area “as an area where less than 50% of the households or individual users have access to a minimum of 1.5 Mbit/s” while it defines unserved communities as “area where less than 10% of households and individual users have either no access to internet or have the most basic access such as EDGE,” the director has said.

 

He added that “Although the telecommunication sector in Nigeria is one of the fastest growing, there are still many people who are left behind.

 

“Statistics show that as at “September 2020, Nigeria has 205,252,058 active telephone lines, 107% teledensity, 151,512,122 active internet subscription, and 86,714,978 broadband subscription representing 45.43% of the population,” he added.

 

The centre recommended that the NCC should come up with an appropriate policy that will encourage the flourishing of community networks in the country as means to hasten digital inclusion in Nigeria, adding that it should be license-free.

 

It also called on the USPF to support community networks initiatives across the country as part of its intervention to promote faster inclusion progress.

 

INTRODUCTION: 

Water is one of the necessity for human lives and it challenges is making life difficult for many people and communities around the globe most especially in developing nations which Nigeria is included. For this reason, the United Nation set aside 23rd of March of every year to highlights the importance of fresh water. The day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. It was on this note that the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on the 28th of March, 2021 constituted a media team and paid a field visit to some of the communities that are in dare need of water in Kunchi Local Government of Kano State. The objectives of the visit were to:

1. Assess the level of the challenges the communities are facing in terms of accessing and using water
2. Gather some evidences and data that will be used to advocate to concerned authorities, Philanthropies and Non-Governmental Organizations to come to the aid of the communities
3. Bring the issue to the public notice so that necessary actions will be taken to address it.

The team started the visit with Gwalaide village of Gwarmai ward where more than 20 communities depended on a single well that was built for over 35 years by a philanthropist for their source of water. The communities according to the ward head of the Gwalaide village, Malam Haruna Mai Unguwa Dan Zubairu that are using the well include: Dagiri, Limamai, Kargo, Jodade, Gadango, Borin Zare, Madaka, Gwadama, Waire, Santa, Agalawa, Hayin Malamai, Kuku, Gidan Maigari, Gobirawa, Sabuwar Tasha, Tutawa, Jinjimawa, Baje Yola etc. According to the ward head of Gwalaide village, these communities are coming to the well every day for over 30 years to get the water they would need for their daily activities. Also in our interview with a 65-year-old resident of the area, Malam Yahuza Muhammadu Yahuza of Kuku community, he narrated to the team that his communities are in dare need of water. He stated that every day he has to trek for more than 30 minutes and wait on the queue for 8-10 hours before he could get the water his family will use for that particular day. He continued in a cracked voice, to mention that because of this problem, they have for long stopped their children from going to school in order for the children to fetch the water the family will use. 

Another resident of the area, Malam Abdullahi Mustapha revealed to the team that this water challenge in the area has deprived the people of the communities many things; their children are not being able to go to schools, frequent diseases outbreaks in the area because they are using same water their animals are using and as Muslims their women are no longer observing the purdah (women sitting indoors as prescribed by the holy Qur’an) because they have to come out too to help the family in getting the water and most of the times during Ramadan they use to force their children to break fasting in the day time due to the hardship they are facing in fetching the water. Malam Mustapha described the politicians in the area as of people with empty promises. 

The team also visited another community in the Local Government, named Kwardagwallen Shuwaki of Shuwaki ward, the community is not more than 22 kilometers from the Local Government Headquarter. This particular community has only one hand borehole which more than 10 communities relied on for their source of water. According to Malam Muhammad Umar, a resident of the community, thousands of people from the neighboring communities are every day trooping to get their daily water. He noted that the communities are in this difficult situation for a very longtime but no one cares to come to their aid. When he was asked on whether they have ever complained to the government, Muhammad Umar said he could not remember how many times they have complained to the authorities but what they received every time were empty promises. 

Observations: 

1. The communities’ people are finding it difficult to access water 
2. Their children are not being able to go to schools
3. Frequent disease outbreaks in the areas 
4. The communities’ people are using same water their animals are using 
5. As Muslims their women are no longer sitting indoors as prescribed by the holy Qur’an because they have to come out too to help the family in getting the water
6. During Ramadan they used to force their children to break fasting in the day time due to the hardship they are facing in fetching the water
7. Teachers and healthcare personnel posted to these communities do not report to work on time because they also have to look for water for their use
8. There are no motorable roads in a terrain that is characterized with too much sandy depressions 
9. In spite of their water problem, they also suffer from gully erosion which affects their farming activities and in the raining season they suffer devastating floods 
10. This water problem is not limited to a few communities in the Local Government but affects nearly as much as two-thirds of the communities of the local government area

Recommendations: 

1. Governments both at local and state levels should provide wells and boreholes in the areas
2. Philanthropies and Non-Governmental Organizations to also help in massive construction of boreholes and wells in the communities 
3. Government should build schools in the area
4. Government should construct road that connect these communities 
5. Civil Society Organizations to sensitize the communities’ people on the importance of community contributions

Conclusion 

The situation in Kunchi Local Government area illustrate the sad reality that for many rural communities, they are yet to see the dividends of democracy. They have continued to endure years of rural neglect as if they are not citizens. Daily, their ears are assailed by reports of the huge sums of money government claims to be spending on development projects such as the recently announced 9 billion for the new flyover bridge by the Kano State Governor and yet no tier of government had cared to address this basic need of the people.  They have heard government declaring education as free but their children cannot attend school because of the children and their teachers have to spend a great part of their day looking for water. They have heard government is building rural primary healthcare centres and yet in these communities, the primary healthcare centres cannot function because they have no water. There are stories about government promoting rural employment through empowerment but here there are no roads so people are desperate to leave their community to escape the grinding poverty of this place where people do not have time to engage in other thing as they spend the greater part of their time looking for water. Various communities of Kunchi Local Government have heard on radio the debates annually about the state and national budgets but see nothing coming to their communities from the budget. They have, like all other communities, elected representatives from Councilors and Local Government Chairman to state and National Assembly members, yet they do not hear these elected representatives talking about their problems. Their closeness to the Local Government is only geographical because they are unable to access it and get it to address their problems. Indeed, Kunchi Local Government communities are outside governance in every positive sense and only come to contact with authorities as one of the member of the community observed, when a youth from the community commits a breach of the law. 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

On its efforts to bring solutions to societal problems, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has developed a Mobile Application that will be used to locate lost and found items called CIGIYA Application. The CIGIYA mobile Application is available on google play store. The CIGIYA Application, which is the first of its kind will facilitate the searching of lost items by people and help transport associations, media houses and other relevant organizations to generate a database of lost items. This will enable individuals to use the application to search for possible found items and the location they were submitted, as most of the transport associations have huge number of unclaimed lost items as a result of uncertainty of where the items are submitted. However, the announcements made in the media houses do not reach some people who lost their items as the announcement may happened when they are not on the tune and it is normally within short days. With the new CIGIYA Application a permanent database of lost items will be available online and people can search it any time by item type, date range, car park or station. The data base will simply be generated by the representative of agreed parks, media houses or unions.

 

NATIONAL UNION OF ROAD TRANSPORT WORKERS (NURTW)

 

On the 29th of March, 2021, the Technical Department of Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) led by Engineer Kamaluddeen Umar visited the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) of Yankaba Motor Park, Kano State. The objectives of the visit was to introduce the newly developed CITAD Mobile Application, CIGIYA Application to the Union and seek for partnership. CIGIYA Application is a lost and found application that is designed to help public to search for their lost items that are found and reported to one of the Transport Union Offices, Radio Stations, Ward Heads, and Market Associations etc. This will help the public to find their lost items easily and reduce the number of unclaimed lost items at the above mentioned places.

 

After presenting the application and how it works by the lead of the team, Engineer Umar to the Union’s Chairman in person of Alhaji Garba and his members, the Union leaders showed great interest and commended CITAD for coming up with this initiative. The chairman continued to state that the application is very relevance looking at the huge number of unclaimed lost items in their offices. The chairman being convinced with how the application will solve their problems in connecting their passengers with their lost items invited members of their Union’s sister association, Taxi Association in the Motor Park to join the meeting. 

At the end of the meeting the chairman directed his members to bring some of the lost items for upload onto the application.

 

AREWA RADIO

Similarly, on the 30th of March, 2021, the team also led by Engr. Kamaluddeen Umar paid another visit to Arewa Radio Station to intimate them on the newly CITAD’s CIGIYA Application. The reason of the visit was to seek for collaboration and partnership with Radio Station. The Station Manager of the Radio, Malam Shehu Bala Kabara appreciated and commended CITAD for coming up with the initiative and finding the station worthy of partnership, he went further to state that the newly app is related to their work and will serve greatly in addressing daily issues that arise in lost and found items. 

Malam Shehu narrated an instances that happened which took almost a year before the owner got his belongings, but said with the help of this app people can easily locate their lost items within a short period of time. He also recommended that CITAD should reach out to some business centres/cafés to use the app so that people who do not have smart phones or can’t use the app can go and get help there. Finally, he assured the team his organization’s full utilization of the application.

At the end of the meeting, the Technical Officer of CITAD, Engineer Suhail Sani explained and demonstrated to the members of the station present at the meeting and showed them how they can upload lost items in their possession.  

 

As skepticism on taking the Covid19 vaccines is growing among people and trust deficit between government and Nigerian citizens is also widening, there is need for organization working in the area of creating awareness to bring experts in the area of diseases prevention and curation to dispel and regain the trust of the citizens to ensure every citizen get vaccinated in order to defeat the virus squarely. It is for this reason that the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) hosted Professor Isah Abubakar Sadeeq, Director, Center for Infectious Diseases, Bayero University, Kano to discuss on the Safeness of Covid19 Vaccines and why everyone should get Vaccinated. The professor started the discussion by informing the audience about the number of vaccines developed globally and their efficacy by saying that “There are more than 100 candidates’ vaccines at different stages of Clinical trials but so far Nigerian authorities have authorized the use of 6 of them. Of them modern and Pfizer Biotech have the best efficacy rates of 95-96% but are more difficult to handle & more expensive” and when he was asked about the importance of the mass vaccination, he went further to state that “Mass vaccination is essential in that it raises the Community level immunity referred to as herd immunity. When about 80-90 % is reached, transmission of the virus may not be possible. The disease may thus be eliminated through the mass immunization strategy”

Hello everyone,

Join me to welcome @ICTAdvocates today’s twitter chat guest on #CITADagainstCovid19, Prof. @isaabubakar_, Director, Centre for Infectious Diseases, BUK who will discuss on the Safeness of Covid19 Vaccines & the Need for Mass Vaccination in Nigeria. Welcome sir.

Thank you very much indeed

Question:

Sir, can we start by knowing how many vaccines we currently have and their efficacy?

Responses:

There are more than 100 candidates’ vaccines at different stages of Clinical trials but so far Nigerian authorities have authorized the use of 6 of them. Of them moderna and Pfizer BioNtech have the best efficacy rates of 95-96% but are more difficult to handle & more expensive.

There are more than 150 Candidate vaccines at different stages of Trials, but so far WHO has approved the use of 6 ready for use.

Question:

Prof @isaabubakar_, how do ordinary people get access to the vaccines in Kano?

Responses:

For now health workers and leaders are being vaccinated. The authorities concerned will roll out plans for other people soon.

Question:

Good afternoon sir, is the Covid19 vaccine safe for people to take, and what are some of the advantages attached to taken the vaccine? #CITADagainstCovid19

Response:

The benefits of taking the vaccines have by far outweigh the risks. The side effects are mild & self-limiting. They include mild fever, feeling of unwell, mild rashes

Question:

Given that the vaccine is limited, how can people be assured they can get it without being subjected to demand for some form of payment by vaccine administration officials? Are there mechanisms for citizens to report this if this occurs?

Responses:

Although it is limited, the vaccination program is a continuous exercise. Govt and partners will do all that is possible to provide adequate amount of vaccines to vaccinate at least 70% of Nigerians within 2 years 2021 & 2022

Question:

So sir, can you tell us the importance of Mass Vaccination?

Response:

Mass vaccination is essential in that it raises the Community level immunity referred to as herd immunity. When about 80-90 % is reached, transmission of the virus may not be possible. The disease may thus be eliminated through the mass immunization strategy

Question:

Sir, there is some argument among the people that why should someone that is being vaccinated still wear facemask. Can you tell us more about this?

Responses:

None of the measures is 100% effective in preventing against the disease. The more measures we take the better until herd immunity is achieved. It is recommended that we continue to wear mask even after vaccination for now. The situation may change in the near future

Question:

As we are coming to the end of this discussion, what advice do you have for citizens to ensure they get vaccinated and what recommendations do you have for Govt to ensure enough vaccines are being provided in the country, sir?

Responses:

Everyone should avail themselves for vaccination as it is the surest way of wiping this disease. The world is now united against the disease and the powerful are helping us to deal with the disease. We do not want a situation where the will succeed and leave us lagging behind

 

Here we come to the end of this discussion, on behalf of everyone  @ICTAdvocates’s we thanks our guest most sincerely for taking his time to educate us on this important topic. Thank you once again, sir.

 

 

Held On the 14^TH OF DECEMBER, 2020

The Centre for Information Technology and Development on the 14^th of December, 2020 formally commissioned its Social Media for Accountability Lab and Radio Studio. The two projects which have been established with support of Macarthur Foundation, aimed to train youth and students on Social media for accountability and give the university journalism students an avenue to practice what they have learned in the schools. The projects are also established to train youth on anti-corruption fight and accountability. Personalities at the event were Honorable Commissioner, Kano State Ministry of Information, Comrade Muhammad Garba who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Malam Usman Bala, Professor Habu Muhammad Fagge of the Political Science Department, Bayero University, Kano as the chairman of the occasion, Engineer Y.Z Ya’u, the Executive Director, CITAD and Mr. Oladayo Olaide, Deputy Country Director, Macarthur Foundation who joined the event virtually.

In his remarks at the commissioning of the social media lab and radio studio, the chairman of the occasion, Professor Habu Muhammad Fagge described the social media for accountability lab and the online radio as one of the most important event in the state. Prof. Habu stated that he was very delighted to serve as the chairman of the occasion as it was a history making event because whenever people talk about social media what first came to their minds was that it is a platform where all such of social nuisance is taking place. But today CITAD has changed the narrative and turned it into something very important; for knowledge production. Remarking further, Professor Habu stated that social media is a modern invention that links individuals with other groups, organizations with other organizations and organizations with state and non-state actors. He called on youth in the state to use social media for instrumental purposes and encouraged them to use it for knowledge production, communication, public enlightenment and research. He also described youths in northern Nigeria as the harbinger of transforming the society through modern techniques, innovation and technological development and social media encapsulate all of these. He stated that as many youth in northern Nigeria are everyday joining the social media without a proper knowledge on how to use it, this project commissioned by CITAD will help greatly in putting the youth in the right direction.

Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Director of CITAD, Malam Y.Z Ya’u stated that the reason behind the establishing of the social media lab was to train youth on how best to use the social media and to see to the creation of a New Nigeria where justice and accountability will prevail. He continued by saying that social media provided an avenue for people to inject their voice and many individuals are using social media without tapping its potentials and how best it will benefit them and their country. Also, the Executive Director stated that the Online Radio which has since started its transmission on internet was being established to promote accountability, good governance and democracy in the country, noting that democracy cannot and will not flourish without having fertile avenues where citizens will voice their opinions and this type of radio (online radio) has revolutionized the broadcast industry and given millions of citizens access to radio stations without spending much. The Executive Director also stated that the social media lab was always open to Kano state Ministry of Information for training it information officers and other staff.

In his goodwill message, Mr. Oladayo Olaide, the Deputy Director at MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria said he was very delighted seeing this project had become a reality. Mr. Olaide reiterated the importance of adhering to covid19 protocols as the Foundation is always encouraging its sub-grantees to respect the protocols. He also added that the Foundation was very delighted to be partnering with CITAD in this work because the essence of the social media lab and the radio station were to enhance citizens’ voice which is what the Foundation has been supporting for a very long period of time. He said the launching of the two projects were not just for the people to come and see the laptops in the lab or the journalists to witnessed the cutting of the tape in the studio but to create a platform for citizens to be able to better engage in the campaign for accountability, fight against corruption and contribute to consolidation of democracy in the country. Emphasizing that, the radio was being launched to create avenue to disseminate information and for the exchange of information between and among citizens, he added. He concluded that the success and impact of the launching of the two projects will not be judged by the number of attendees today but by the changes that the projects are able to catalyze through the information generated and the feedback that are transform into action points.  Finally, he called on social media users to be ethical and responsible on the way and manner in which they use to engage in good governance without throwing the country into further chaos.

In his commissioning remarks, the special guest of honor at the event, Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Comrade Muhammad Garba who was ably represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Malam Usman Bala, mni expressed his happiness and commended CITAD for taking the lead in this important revolution. According to him, democracy is about engaging positively and these two projects are what they intend to do. He noted that social media is a tool for construction as well as destruction, he thanked CITAD for kick starting this project to sensitize youth on using social media to promote accountability. He expressed his ministry’s readiness to collaborate with CITAD in this project.

Held on the 28th of November, 2020 Virtually

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with support of MacArthur Foundation had on the 28^th of November, 2020 as part of its Anti-Corruption and Accountability Project in Nigeria organized a one day virtual workshop to online Journalists on Writing for Accountability and Anti-Corruption Issues in Nigeria. The essence of organizing the workshop was to deepen the understanding of the journalists on accountability and anti-corruption issues and shift their attention to writing on the subject matter. The workshop also aimed to enhance the Understanding of the Dimensions of Accountability and Corruption, Sensitize the Journalists to Pay Attention to Issues of Accountability and Anticorruption in their Contents and Enlist Online Journalists to improve their Contribution in Exposing Corruption and Impunity through their Platforms.

Media being one of the pillars of democracy and institution that hold government accountable and report on issues that affect the lives of the ordinary citizens, CITAD found them to be partners in fighting corruption in the country. However, as the world of journalism is shifting to an online one globally and many of the traditional media are losing their readers and listeners, so the attention of organizations, governments and individuals most especially in the developing nations is shifting towards online journalists. This bring the need for organizations to focus on training and sensitizing these journalists on pressing issues that are crippling the economy and development of developing countries i.e. corruption.

At the workshop, experts in the area of Anti-Corruption and Accountability, Public Procurements and Human Rights enlightened the participants about the importance of writing on anti-corruption and accountability issues in their platforms. Dr. Jide Ojo, a Writer, Journalist and Development Consultant discussed on Corruption: Theoretical and Definitional Discuss. Dr. Ojo took the participants through the Definitions, Concept and Impact of Corruption on Good Governance. The second speaker, Dr. Aminu Hayatu, a Lecturer with Department of Political Science, Bayero University, Kano (BUK) discussed on Understanding the Many Dimension of Accountability. In his discussion, Dr. Hayatu emphasized on how to hold government officials accountable, Issue of Ethics and Legality for Journalists and how Journalists will avoid Writing Fake News. While Dr. Chris Kwaja from Modibbo Adama University of Science and Technology, Yola discussed on Human Rights Abuses as Corruption. Dr. Kwaja focused on the Relationship between Human Rights Abuses and Corruption, he explained to the participants how journalists are everyday being abused in the course of their duty by security agents and how those abuses are being categorized as corruption because in many occasions it led to suppressing of truth and denied the journalists the right to report things as they are. And finally, Dr. Aminu Aliyu of the Economics Department, BUK dwelled on how journalists will know if there is Corruption in a Project. In his presentation, Dr. Aliyu mentioned some elements that can help to understand whether there is corruption in a project like the Size of the Project, Uniqueness and Complexity of the Project, Public Sector Projects, Project with Several Sub-Contractors, Culture of Secrecy, lack of Transparency and due Diligence and High Cost of Integrity.

On his remarks at the workshop, the Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development, Engineer Y.Z Ya’u who was represented by the Programmes Coordinator, Ibrahim Nuhu stated that CITAD has for long being working with journalists to ensure transparency and accountability in the public sector and this particular workshop is unique looking at the nature of the participants who are mostly young people with passion to make change in the society. He urged the online journalists to use their platforms for promoting good governance in the country and not allowed themselves to be used by the politicians to suppress truth.

 

National Democratic Institute, our supporters for the Curbing Hate Speech Project organized a a 3-day training on online violence against women in politics, handling gender sensitive issues, gender hate speech and data collection. Two staff of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Hamza Ibrahim and Abdul Abdulhamid attended the training which took place at NDI’s office in Abuja. The training which commenced on Tuesday 9^th July and ended on Thursday 11 July, 2019 was both theoretical and practical.

The training was bilateral in the same that the trainers also created room for CITAD to lead some sessions on especially the experience of hate speech monitoring in Nigeria, CITAD methodology, data collection and presentation approach, coding sheet and justification for elements on the sheet, etc.

Outcomes of the training

1. It was suggested and agreed during the training that CITAD will develop a training manual for hate speech monitors. The trainers will help with gender hate speech part of the manual.
2. It was also agreed that the manual will contain clear definitions of elements on the coding sheet (monitoring form). For example, a clear definition of a “feared person” and the likes ought to be done.

• Disagreegation of the type of gender violence on the form also needs to be done.

1. Revised work plan of CITAD will be sent by Annabel for us to fill the appropriate spaces, example, timing for activities, their outcome, output, the person responsible, etc.
2. Intense collaboration between CITAD and CDD was initiated, both organizations being supported by NDI, to get that going, a WhatsApp was created for both organizations and the NDI team
3. It was also greed that since CITAD and CDD have activities in Kogi and Bayelsa, they will be communicating and helping each other.

• It was again agreed that the two organizations will sharing content on Hate Speech and Fake News since the two areas are the focus of CITAD and CDD on NDI
• Online amplification of each other’s messages was another area of collaboration suggested and agreed.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we would like to welcome you to this press conference and to address you on an important issue that has to do with public expenditure management.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) received with shock the decision of the Bauchi State House of Assembly to repeal a law that provides for the investigation of public officers who might have misappropriated state funds entrusted in their hands. The House in its meeting on Wednesday 15th May, 2017 passed three bills, among which is “Bill for a Law to Repeal Bauchi State Public Property and Funds Recovery Tribunal Law 2017” repealing an earlier law that provides the investigation and prosecution of those suspected to have looted public funds in the state.

In an unprecedented fashion, the three bills were introduced that day and were subjected to first, second and third readings the same day after which they were passed. Of concern to us is the bill that cancels another Law enacted by the State House of Assembly in 2017 which made provision for State Public Property and Recovery Tribunal of 2017.

By this new bill passed by the state house of assembly, if allowed to be assented in the state, it will cancel the initial Law that provides ground for the investigation and prosecution of anybody that is found wanting in misappropriating the state funds. We suspect that their rationale for such unpatriotic bill is a ploy for people who might have looted the state funds in the outgoing government to cover up and protect themselves from investigation with the hope of getting away unpunished.

It is for this reason that we strongly condemn this bill and call on the State Governor Barr. M.A Abubakar not to assent to it for the following reasons:

1. That a sensitive issue that affects the lives and the economy of the people in the state should not be passed without been subjected to public hearing.
2. As a person with high position in the Law Profession, the governor knows the implications of such counter bills to repeal an existing law made to safeguard the property of the state.
3. That this bill is to the detriment of good citizens of the state therefore, repugnant to natural justice.

While we at Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) say no to the bill, we also call on all reasonable and responsible stakeholders in the state to equally do the same by openly condemning the bill.

 

Signed:

Mohammed Chiroma Hassan

Programmes Officer, CITAD Bauchi

08036451430

Chiroma@citad.org

CENTER FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT (CITAD), WITH SUPPORT FROM ASSOCIATION FOR PROGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION (APC)

 

A POST-PROGRAMME RESEARCH (EVALUATION STUDY)

 

 

MAY, 2018

  

Abstract

This research is an evaluation study which was carried out in order to find out impacts the radio programme, ‘Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo,’ has made on its audiences. The one hour weekly programme titled, “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo” on Freedom radio, 99.5FM, is usually broadcasted in Hausa language. The programme has its primary goal of combating Gender Based Violence Online and creating awareness on the importance of the Internet especially to women in Northern Nigeria. By the time this research was conducted, 10 different episodes of the programme have been broadcasted and thus, made it a necessity to undergo another research in order to understand the impact as well as generate audiences’ views about the challenges as well as way they think the programme can be enhanced. The results gathered from the study have shown that “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo” radio programme has made an effective impacts on the listeners as most women in the study are now confidential in the use of the internet, at the same time; their awareness on the importance of the internet to them has increased greatly.

 

1.0 Background of the Study

In previous researches conducted by Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) 2017, women in Kano state who were the primary respondents in the studies (and men in some cases), revealed that they have been subjected to different types of gender based violence online, more specifically, social networking sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter and Viber. Among the most common violence they do encounter according to the studies were unwanted/unsolicited messages, pornographic materials/indecent materials and exposure of private life by someone. These have discouraged the willingness of women to use the internet, and at the same time, they reported that these have posed fears in their minds whenever they want to use the internet, while some have completely avoid using the internet as a result of one or another form of GBVO they have experienced. A good number of the respondents confessed that they don’t know the tools and don’t use them online and are not competent in using the online protection tools.

It was against this background, CITAD, with support from APC embarked on an advocacy for a safe internet for women free of violence. This campaign has both offline and online components. The offline component involved weekly interactive radio programme on Freedom radio, 99.5FM, Kano. In each week, different topic related to gender violence online and or online safety tools were treated with experts in the field of ICT and Cyber security. The programme was aired for 13 weeks, from January 09-10 April, 2018.

Consequently, a post programme research was set to understand the impacts the radio programme has made on its listeners which are primarily women and girls after 13 episodes of the programme has being aired.

 2.0 Objectives of the Study

• To examine the level of the listeners’ understanding on the term “GBVO.”
• To assess how conversant the listeners are with online safety and protection tools.
• To find out benefits the audience gained from the programme.
• To find out challenges to the programme.

3.0 Methodology

The study attempted to gather more reliable data. The study therefore employed qualitative approach in gathering the data. The qualitative technique involved a Focus Group Discussion with some female listeners of “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo.” Male listeners of the programme were also examined and they constituted secondary respondents in the study. This was to understand the impacts this programme has made not only on the females who are mostly the victims, but also on the males, who are the perpetrators of the gender violence online. All respondents in this study are either regular listeners of “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo” or have listened to the programme at least twice.

Five set of FGDs were conducted with a total of 50 participants in the following groups:

1. Housewives (10 participants),
2. Female students (10 participants),
3. Female workers (10 participants),
4. Male students (10 participants),
5. Male youths (10 participants).

 

4.0 Data Presentation

1. Benefits gained from the programme

The respondents were asked to explain the benefits they think they have derived from the programme. All respondents said they have benefited with one thing or another from this programme. Six among the housewives explained that before they started listening to the programme, they had no idea on how to trace and take action on someone who disguises himself on the internet to deceive them, but listening to the programme has taught them how to follow issues up and face relevant authority for redress. Five among the female students also explained that they only learned that they can block anybody who tries to harass or intimidate them on either Facebook, Twitter or Instagram from the programme.

Another key learning as expressed by some respondents comprising of both male and female workers as well as female students groups was using letters, characters, numbers and symbols to create a unique and “strong password” in order to make it difficult for hackers or intruders to break into. They revealed that prior to listening to the programme they had no skills of differentiating between strong and weak password nor did they know its importance in securing their accounts on the internet, but they are now “sensitive” to issues of securing their accounts. The programme has also taught them how to arrange letters, characters, numbers and symbols in order to come up with strong password.

According to some respondents from the youth and the housewives groups, what they learnt was how to verify friendship request on Facebook and other online platforms before accepting which gives them an idea on whether or not we should be friends with some people on different platforms.

Almost all respondents in from all groups agreed that they have now understood how women can benefit immensely from using internet such as how they can advertise their products and services on the internet from home, educate themselves on variety of topics-fashion, cooking, decoration etc. Some also mentioned that their understanding on GBVO has increased and have learned how to report harassment, intimidation or violence on Facebook, Twitter etc.

According three female respondents, their husbands whom they usually listen to the programme together now allowed them to use their Facebook accounts after they have previously banned them to due to the issues of online gender violence. They have now become comfortable with them using “Facebook and other online apps” since there are ways or measures women can take to prevent themselves or get the harassers punished.

Other key learning from the programme as explained by some the respondents include privatizing online accounts, knowledge on how to report online harassments to the police or other security agencies, cautious in using public WIFI and harms free apps could cause to their users.

According to some male respondents, the programme is a right step in the right direction because it has sensitized people on what remains a big challenge to women’s access of internet.

2. Whether the programme has helped in eradicating fears of using the internet by women

This question was asked to compare the state of mind of the women when using the internet before and after the programme, this was because, in early researches that were conducted prior to the programme, majority of the respondents agreed that their fear has drastically reduced as a result of the programme. Half of the female respondents in summation of all female groups explained that their fear of using the internet has completely been erased courtesy of the programme, About a quarter of the female respondents said they used to have fear earlier because many couples got separated due to violence online, but the programme was able to discuss issues around that and ably provided preventive measures, therefore they have no fear using the internet now. Six among the female respondents said they have ignored using the internet earlier, but with this programme, they are now using it. Another set of respondents, almost half a quarter, added that their fear of internet due to online gender violence has also reduced in parents’ mind because the programme has featured some of them in the programme and they expressed their concerns and measures were presented to address those concerns.

3. What do we like most about the programme?

Almost half of the respondents both males and females groups said they liked the “sign tune” of the programme is what they like most, they differently gave reasons as the song tallies with the programme, the lyrics was in conversant with the ordeal of women on the internet. Some  explained that what they liked most about the programme was the way in which different resource persons were invited to talk on different topics. Four more mentioned that it was the phone-in segment where audience call and ask questions and how messages of the audience are read politely. Another set of seven male respondents said what they liked most was when victims of GBVO were hosted and they narrated what happened to them and later on advices and measures were proffered by other discussants. Three more still from male respondents said they liked the episode that talked about preventive tools and how women can use the internet to boost their knowledge of variety of things. Lastly, one male respondent stated that what he liked most in the programme was when a female lawyer was featured and she explained a number of things that he never knew before.

4. What is it that you don’t like about the programme?

More than half (both male and female group) respondents mentioned that they did not like the fact that the programme was not repeated. They explained that the programme needed to be repeated at least once a week to allow for more listenership. The programme should have also been fixed at night time so that women will be at home by that time explained some women, because the present timing made it difficult for them to fully listen because they were either in school or different working places at the time it aired. About five men also shared similar view with that shared by the women where they think the timing was inappropriate. They suggested it should be aired in the night and repeated early the following morning.  Few others said the programme should have been fixed at weekends and evening time when women have little or less work to do. Few more from the male respondents said that the time allocated to audience messages and calls was too short, while two more respondents said they didn’t like audience messages being read at the end of the programme. The connectivity problem during the programme where audience found it difficult to call when the programme was on is what he dislikes about the programme. Lastly, two respondents suggested that the programme should have been provided in a podcast format so that it goes viral and shared on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram.

5. Whether the programme enlightened us on the significance of internet to women?

More than half of the respondents said yes to this question. They explained that the programme has significantly enlightened women on the usage of internet because there was an episode that discussed particularly how women could learn to cook, advertise their products and services on the net, how they can access literature, watch tutorials of how many things are done. Their understanding of online businesses has also increased. Only few among the respondents said they don’t think their knowledge on the significance of the internet has increased as a result of listening to the programme, while few others stated that they were already aware of the importance of the internet to women even before the programme.

6. Whether the programme creates or increases understanding of the gender-based violence against women online

All respondents agreed that the programme has introduced them as well as increased their understanding of various forms of gender-based violence against women online and the actions or measures they can take when such incidences happen. The female respondents equally believed that they feel encouraged to challenge harassment or violence against them. Six male respondents said that their perception of GBVO was enriched to include other forms of violence against women that prior to the programme which they did not regard as GBVO before the programme. Another set of three male respondents said the programme has not only created awareness on GBVO in women and the males who are mostly the perpetrators, but in parents as well who deny their daughters access to the internet, but the programme has sensitized and encouraged parents to allow their daughters access internet. The tips and skills of preventing GBVO taught during the programme were the reasons for the decision of most parents to allow their daughters use the internet. One woman admitted it was the programmed that encouraged her to buy her daughters phones to be accessing the internet.

 

7. Has the programme done anything to encourage its male audience to stop harassing women online?

This question was particularly asked in the FGDs with male groups. All respondents agreed that the programme has challenged and encouraged male gender to be supportive of the crusade against gender-based violence against women online. For instance, a respondent stated that many young guys create fake accounts with women’s pictures on their profile to perpetrate violence or ruin the image of the women, but the programme has sensitized those who do that. Another added that any men have now understood the danger of violence against women.

 

4. 13 Discussion of Findings Based on Research Objectives

• To examine the level of the listeners’ understanding on the term “GBVO.”

With a significance difference, the understanding of the women about the issue of GBVO has been enriched if compared with the findings of the pre-programme study that was conducted. Thus the study has enriched their knowledge of GBVO and has also sensitise the perpetrators of GBVO on the negative effects of such acts.

• To assess how conversant the listeners are with the online safety and protection tools.

From the findings of this research, it can be deduced that the women are now familiar or conversant with the protection tools available online; unlike in the pre-programme research where the respondents could not even give meaning to protection tools.

• To find out benefits gained from the programme

Most of the skills learnt by the respondents are protection tools such as blocking, reporting, developing online safety consciousness using strong passwords, privacy setting, and verifying friends’ requests logging out accounts after using them among so many others.

 

• To find out challenges to the programme

Most respondents said they found the programme interesting. Although some said the timing wasn’t appropriate and the programme should have repeat each episode at least once a week. Few respondents mentioned that respondents don’t use to have enough time to call-in during the programme and connectivity during the programme was a challenge to the programme.

Conclusion

The study was conducted in order to examine impacts the radio programme “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo” has made on its listeners. The study used a Focus Group Discussion method to generate data. The data that was generated from this study has shown that the programme “Mu Tsaftace Yanar Gizo” has made great impacts on its listeners as they became more aware of the GBVO and online protection tools that will prevent them from GBVO. The results have also shown that the women in Kano State have become more aware of the importance of the internet to them and to the society at large. They have also become more confident in the use of both the internet and the online protection to. Findings have also revealed that most respondents fear for the internet has been reduced with a significance percentage.

 

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.

 

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

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