COVID-19: CITAD Issues Safety Advisory For Kano Secondary Schools

The Centre for Information Technology and Development have issued an advisory on safety protocols In Kano Secondary schools, this was revealed in a statement signed by Ali Sabo, Campaign and Communication Officer at the CITAD.
The statement read in part we are all aware that Covid-19 has become a threat to our lives, economy, social, education as well as every aspect of our lives.

As of yesterday, 31st January, 2021, it has been reported that more than 100 million individuals have been infected with this deadly virus with more than 2.2 million casualties globally (Aljazeera English). In Nigeria, as reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) so far the country has 131,242 confirmed cases with 1,586 casualties
While speaking on the source of the virus, it was noted that while the source of origin and transfer to humans is not known, human transfer has been confirmed widely.

“The coronavirus virus (COVID-19) is a highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in Wuhan, China in 2019 and spread around the world. Genomic analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 is phylogenetically related to severe acute respiratory syndrome-like (SARS-like) bat viruses, therefore bats could be the possible primary reservoir. The intermediate source of origin and transfer to humans is not known, however, the rapid human to human transfer has been confirmed widely. COVID-19 made its official landing in Nigeria on 27th February, 2020 via Lagos and spread across the country like wildfire”

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CITAD recalled that the Kano State Government heeded the calls made by different stakeholders in the state, after receiving a green light from the Federal Government for all schools in the country to resume academic activities, the state government set up a committee under the chairmanship of the States Deputy Governor who is the Chairman States Task Force Committee on Covid-19.
The Committee was saddled with the responsibilities of coming up with strategies and road map on how the schools would be reopened in the state. Some of the policies came up with by the committee for schools including Islamiyya schools in the state included;
That, Primary 1 and 2 pupils were to attend classes only on Mondays and Tuesdays while Primary 3, 4 and 5 pupils will attend classes only on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Also, JSS 1 and SS1 students in both public and private schools are to wait at home for additional five weeks until the end of transitional and qualifying examinations to ensure social distances in classes and hostels. In the same vain, JSS 2, JSS 3 & SS 2 were to fully resume in preparation of the forthcoming qualifying and transitional examinations among other recommendations such as compulsory wearing of face mask, social distancing .

CITAD noted that during the first reopening, a survey was conducted to assess the compliance of these Covid-19 safety protocols in the secondary schools in the state as prescribed by the state Task Force Committee on Covid-19.
This was done with support of MacArthur Foundation and International Institute of Education on the 25th and 26th of November, 2020 . 60 secondary schools were captured by the state.
According to Ali,

“ The essence of conducting the survey was to: ascertain the level of compliance with the Covid-19 safety protocols in schools as prescribed by Kano State government and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), understand the gaps that are in existence in terms of complying with the Covid-19 protocols in the schools, generate data that will be used to advocate to concerned authorities for proper action as it has been proven that Covid-19 is a disease that can be transferred easily between person to person by either contact with persons, objects or through fluid. For the sampling of the schools, the survey sampled 60 schools, 20 schools each from the three zones (Kano Centre, Kano North and Kano West) in the state which comprised senior and junior secondary schools, science, conventional, special schools, girls, boys and mixed schools in the state”

CITAD listed some of their findings as below;

That there is little observance of social distancing in class rooms, dormitories, sporting arenas and dining halls. Also, Hand sanitizers are only being provided at the gates of the schools, students are required to wash their hands at the gates but the use of hand sanitizers in classes, hostels and schools premises is minimal as at the time of the research.
Class rooms, hostels, dining, laboratories and other facilities are not being disinfected regularly; Temperature check for visitors and students temperature at the gate of the schools is compulsory ; Thermometers for temperature checks are not adequate,The report noted.

While wearing of facemask was said to be compulsory, Students compliance of wearing of Face masks in the schools premises is very minimal and the authorities are not enforcing it
“Teachers are not complying with social distancing and wearing of Face masks; Teachers were properly being sensitized about the importance of observing Covid-19 protocols but students were not being sensitized properly; There is poor or no mechanisms in place by the government to ensure compliance with the directed protocols in school; Schools are poorly financed to provide adequate availability of hand sanitizers and Face masks for students and staff on a daily basis ; There have not been sufficient public awareness and sensitization programmes in many of the schools and among the students, there is still doubt about the reality of COVID 19”

Based on the above findings CITAD called on the Kano State Government to ensure the prompt implementation of the following recommendations in order to safeguard the lives of both students and their teachers:

1. The state government should provide more structures in schools to minimize congestion in the class rooms and hostels

2. The State government should provide adequate protective materials such as hand sanitizers, Face masks, thermometers and disinfection materials. This can be done through mass purchase and distribution of these to the schools

3. More sensitization to the teachers and students on the importance of observing Covid-19 protocols

4. Schools authorities should ensure the enforcement of all Covid-19 protocols in their schools by setting a Covid-19 Task Force Committee in their schools

5. There should be regular disinfection of classes, staff rooms, dining halls and students hostels

6. The Ministry of Education should establish a mechanism that will go to schools to observe compliance with the protocols. This mechanism can be an add up function for the School Inspectorate Department. However, in this case schools inspection must be regular

7. There should be sustained sensitization to reach all the schools in the state so that all students, teachers and other workers or members of school communities are aware about COVID 19 and know how to protect themselves as well as stop its spread through their action.

Sharing of the findings of the survey has become more urgent given the reality of the second wave which has made the state government to ask workers below grade level 12 to stay at home. If government is so concerned about controlling the spread of the virus at work places which have more spaces for social distancing and with individual workers capable of affording to use face masks and hand sanitizers, it is curious that schools should on the other hand reopen. Our schools are not in a position to enforce social distancing given the crowding in the schools. They cannot afford to provide face masks for pupils nor is government providing the schools with adequate and regular supply of hand sanitizers. Parents and guardians, under the present circumstance cannot be expected to bear this burden. The statement read in its closing part.

COVID-19: Kano govt. kicks as CSO calls for schools closure

A Civil Society Organisation, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has urged Kano State government to close schools for some months due to surging daily coronavirus infections.

According to the CSO, the Kano state government has not put enough measures in place to stop the spread of the virus in schools after reopening last month.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, the CITAD Coordinator onCOVID-19 Protocol, Ali Sabo  expressed dismay over the violation of COVID-19 Protocol in most Schools in Kano especially classrooms which are overcrowded, therefore no room for social distance to be enforced.

Solacebase reports that on Sunday 31th January, Kano recorded additional 40 cases of  COVID-19 infections with 2 death.

Ali Sabo said following an assessment and survey carried out by CITAD on COVID-19 protocols in some schools, it has discovered that most schools were not ready for safe reopening.

‘’It is surprising that Kano State Government ordered civil servants to stay at home over the rising second wave of COVID-19 with exception of schools, do people overcrowd offices like students overcrowd classes, Sabo asked?

“Our concern came amid increasing COVID-19 cases and deaths, in the state and country at large, Sabo added.”

CITAD also advised Kano state government to provide more structures in public schools to minimize overcrowding in classrooms and hostels.

However, speaking to Solacebase on the development, Kano State Commissioner for Education, Malam, Muhammad Sanusi Kiru said the state government is not ready to close schools over COVID-19.

Kiru said apart from the state inspectorate division, the federal government team saddled with monitoring, compliance with the protocol and guidelines on COVID-19 protocol have not found our schools wanting.

‘’We believe that as an observer, we ought to have been contacted on what they discovered in our schools before going to the press and calling for schools closure over their findings, with these they are not fair to the education sector,’’ Kiru lamented.

On the issue of overcrowding in schools, the commissioner said that is expected considering the free and compulsory education introduced in the state.

‘’Naturally, you know that enrolment is high and construction of schools or rehabilitation is an annual event, it is something that is inserted in the budget. We are just in the new year, so whatever project we have in the budget, funds are expected to be released anytime from now.’’

‘’Kano has the highest rate of schools enrolment in the country and we have to look at our peculiarity.’’

CITAD Decries Poor Compliance of Covid19 Protocols in Kano Secondary Schools

By Yakubu Salisu, Kano

Centre for Information Technology (CITAD) has decried what it describe poor compliance of Covid 19 protocols in Kano State Secondary Schools thereby exposing students, teachers and other staffs to the risk of contacting the deadly virus.

The Kano Based Non Governmental Organization made this known on Monday during a press conference to make public it’s findings after the Centre with the support of MacArthur Foundation and International Institute of Education conducted a survey to assess the compliance of Covid 19 safety protocols in secondary schools in the State as prescribed by the State Task Force Committee on Covid-19.

According to the Coordinator, Covid-19 Project, CITAD, Ali Sabo, the survey which was carried out in 60 Secondary Schools in the State the Centre found out that there is little observance of social distancing in classrooms, dormitories, sporting arenas and dining halls, while hand sanitizers are only being provided at the gates of the schools but the use of the sanitizers is minimal in other areas of the schools.

Other findings include; failure on the part of teachers to observe social distancing and wearing of face masks, inadequate thermometers for temperature checks, poor or no mechanisms in place by the state government to ensure compliance with the directed protocols in schools.

Furthermore, that schools are poorly financed to provide adequate hand sanitizers and face masks for students and staff on daily basis, insufficient public awareness and sensitization programs in many of the schools and among the students, which still leads to doubt about the reality of Covid-19 amongst the students and teachers.

Sabo said that, their findings indicated that conditions are basis uniform across different types of schools and across different zones of the State that it would appear that the non-compliance with key aspects of the protocols is largely due to the inability of either schools or the students to provide for themselves on protection means such as face masks and hand sanitizers.

The Coordinator explained that based on their findings the Centre call on the State Government to ensure the prompt implementation of the following recommendations in order to safeguard the lives of both students and their teachers; that the state government should provide more structures to minimize congestion in class rooms and hostels, adequate protective materials should be provided.

School authorities should ensure the enforcement of all Covid-19 protocols in their schools by setting up a Covid-19 Task Force Committee in their Schools and there should be regular disinfection of classes, staff rooms, dinning halls and students’ hostels.

Other recommendations include; sustained sensitization to reach all the schools in the State, the State Ministry should establish a mechanism that will go to schools to observe compliance with the protocols.

Speaking further, Ali stated that the Centre finds it difficult to understand the rationale behind the State Government’s decision to keep it civil servants below grade level 12 at home and ask students to resume school where by should a child be infected, such a child is capable of infecting an entire family.

He said CITAD is following with keen interest development in the State Secondary Schools as regards the Covid-19 and would suggest a closure should the situation warrant that because an infected child could infected not just only his or her family alone but a whole lots of other persons.

Land Swap: CITAD calls for suspension of initiative, consultation of FCT citizens

By Chimezie Godfrey

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has advised the government to suspend resumption of the land swap initiative until it has carried out consultations among citizens of the FCT.

This  disclosed in a statement signed by the Sponsorship Officer CITAD, Abuja , Mubarak Ekute and made available to Newsdiaryonline.

Recall  yesterday, the Federal Executive Council at the end of  meeting announced  it  resuming the Land Swap Initiative   earlier suspended by the government.

The objective of the initiative according to government is to address infrastructure gaps in the FCT by providing land to investors who in return will finance infrastructure rollout.

Ekute noted  CITAD has over the last two years engaged rural communities of the FCT who are extremely concerned about the phenomenon of land grabbing  is taking place in their communities.

He lamented that many have lost their land which as farmers, is their only means of livelihood.  Land grabbing is a major threat to food security not only in FCT but all over the country.

 

He said,”While CITAD is happy to see infrastructure deficit being addressed in the FCT rural communities, it would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the following with respect to the land swap initiative:

“The FCT rural communities who are land owners and therefore likely to be dispossessed by the initiative were not consulted before the decision to resume the initiative  taken.

“Government has not made public  findings of investigation of the operation of the Land Swap as it suspected that it was riddled with corruptionGovernment has not  how in the current phase, corruption would be put at bay and how the interests of rural communities would be taken into account in the new phase of the initiative.

“Government has not address any  of land grabbing and land misappropriation and dispossession that occurred in the earlier phase for which FCT rural communities have been the major victims.

“FCT rural communities did not benefit in terms of infrastructure development in the earlier phase, this has led many of the communities hard to reach due to the lack of roads; there is no drinking water; rural schools are scandalous sites and healthcare facilities do not exist.

“In , we would like to advise the government to further suspend the resumption of the land swap initiative until:It has carry out consultations among the citizens of the FCT, particularly rural dwellers.”

Ekute further urged the government to come up with concrete plan for addressing rural infrastructure within the FCT urban area.

“Come up with concrete and realistic plan for addressing rural infrastructure, not just infrastructure with the FCT urban area, Made public report of  investigation of the abuses of the initiative in the first phase, leading to  suspension, Propose clear, adequate and realistic measures to stop and mitigate the problems of land grabbing in the FCT rural communities,” Ekute stressed.

CITAD felicitates with Gamawa on his appointment as Chief of Staff to Bauchi Governor

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has congratulated Dr Aminu Hassan Gamawa over his appointment by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, as the new Chief of Staff to the Governor.

Gamawa, the immediate past Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, was early Monday morning announced as the new Chief of Staff to replace Dr Ladan Salihu, who was sacked alongside other members of the State Executive Council (SEC) last week by the governor.

Felicitating with the new appointee, CITAD in a statement issued on Monday, described Gamawa’s appointment as a testimony of his hard work and people-oriented policies and approach he introduced in discharging his assigned responsibilities.

“This is to, on behalf of the entire CITAD family, congratulate Dr. Aminu Gamawa, who was one of the anti-corruption Social Influencers of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) between 2017 to 2020 and has just been appointed as the new Chief of Staff to Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Muhammad,” the statement read in part.

While praying to Almighty Allah to make it easy for the new Chief of Staff to perform his assignment, the Centre urged him to continue with the good work, which he is known for to ensure the success of the Governor Mohammed-led administration for the benefit of Bauchi State and its people.

CITAD Intensifies ICT Sensitization For Schools At GGSS

In its effort to spread and enhance the knowledge of Information and Communications Technology, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has organized a sensitization program for the Students of GGSS Shekara on the importance of ICT knowledge at a Career Talk Program .

This is coming as Information and Communication Technology is one of the major areas that attracts attention, create jobs and generate fund for many countries in the world.

The program is aimed to induce students to develop an interest in the ICT sector. At the event, Engr. Kamal Umar, Technical Officer, CITAD interacted with the students about the different components of computer including Computer maintenance, hardware and software and also digital entrepreneurship and why they should take a career on ICT. Also, during the Career Talk, Harira Wakili, CITAD Gender Officer and Zeenat Sa’ad, Program Coordinator advised students to widen their knowledge, engages in researches and use the internet in a proper way and how they can benefit and improve their lives rather than social networking.

In his closing remarks, Mallam Abbas Muhammad, one of the Principal officers of the school commended the efforts of CITAD toward sustainable development and helping society through the use of ICT. In another development CITAD visited GSS Gauron Dutse for the same purpose where students of the school also benefited from the career talk program.

Youths Charged To be Active In Leadership

A youth activist in Kano, Mrs Hauwa Mustapha, has advocated for institutional support for the youths at formal and informal levels to build their confidence for political participation.

Mustapha made the call at a virtual conference organised by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with support of Rosa Luxemburg Foundation on Wednesday in Kano.

CITAD virtual meeting focused on youths inclusion in politics and governance with the theme “Critical Knowledge Production Series Dialogue: Youths Political Inclusion: How to Strike a Balance Between Age and Principles.”

In her presentation, Mustapha stressed the need to broaden youths’ engagement beyond the quest for political office, but in policy and programme analysis. “Through formal and informal institutions, the youth can be encouraged and guided on orientation and development of basic skills required for self-development, mental and psychological health.

“There should be a responsible and accountable communication strategy, useful for a diverse local, national and international youth network with common interests,” she said.

Mustapha also traced the Nigerian history and justified how youths were engaged in leadership before, during and after the military rule.

Prof. Murtala Muhammed of Kano University of Science and Technology in his paper, claimed the youths were often excluded from politics for so many reasons. He identified the challenges of youth inclusion in politics to include limited capacity and skills as well as inadequate political knowledge and interest.

He tasked civil societies on adequate socialisation, education, conscientisation and mobilisation for sustainable democracy
and development.

CITAD organised career talk at GGSS, Sani Mai Nagge, Kano.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on Wednesday, 9th June, 2021, held career talk on the computer profession for students of secondary schools.

The career talk which held at Government Girls Secondary School (GSS), Sani Mai Nagge, Gwale Local Government of Kano State is part of the ongoing programme of CITAD to enlighten school communities on the importance of ICTs as well as sensitize students to take career in the computer profession.

 

The event held at the school computer laboratory Hall. The key presentation was made by Muktar Sulaiman who in his speech stressed the need for girls to make effort to acquire ICT knowledge.

 

He said given the current educational backwardness of the north, only by embracing ICTs would we be able to bridge the gap. It is necessary for each and every one of you to acquire ICTs knowledge” Mukhtar Suleiman added.

 

On his part the Training Officer of Centre, Malam Kamilu Isa encouraging the secondary school girls to pursue ICT related careers and this will expose them to new trends in technologies that can be applied in various industry sectors.

 

He added that the application of ICT in learning enables girls and women to have equal quality education, which leads to personal development, allowing them to manage their lives.  There is the need to instill confidence among girls so that they can be as good as men in both using and improving technology.

 

The human resources of the Centre Halima, Sa’idu Nayaya, said that without doubt, the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), sector remains a fast growing area with limitless possibilities for national and international development, and the sector offers enormous empowerment opportunities to diverse people across the globe.

 

He added that it is sad to note that despite the boundless opportunities it presents, fewer girls and young women are actually getting involved in the sector.

 

He also encouraged girls to take to careers in ICT, because it would help solve lots of socio – economic problems.

CITAD Presents Books On Hate Speech, Corruption To Journalists

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has presented hate speech books to journalists in Adamawa State to raise awareness on hate speech and corruption.

CITAD senior programme officer, Isa Garba, said the best way to tackle hate speech and corruption is for the society not to support the perpetrators.

The presentation of the two books: “Context and content in hate speech discourse in Nigeria” and “The compromised state, how corruption sustains insecurity in Nigeria” is in line with CITAD’s culture of documentation of development.

Garba lauded the role journalists play in advocacy and urged them to pass the message to the general public in a simplified manner.

He expessed worry that hate speech has been identified as major cause of religious and ethnic crisis especially among politicians regardless of its consequences on the society.

Garba noted that in order to guard against the intergenerational transfer of hate speech, CITAD adopted a system that crowd source what is perceived as hate speech which is analysed using hate speech monitors.

He said CITAD is championing sensitisation of the public on the effect of such negative tendencies, while urging NBC to intensify efforts and ensure punitive measure on defaulters.

CITAD Presents Books On Hate Speech, Corruption To Journalists

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has presented hate speech books to journalists in Adamawa State to raise awareness on hate speech and corruption.

CITAD senior programme officer, Isa Garba, said the best way to tackle hate speech and corruption is for the society not to support the perpetrators.

The presentation of the two books: “Context and content in hate speech discourse in Nigeria” and “The compromised state, how corruption sustains insecurity in Nigeria” is in line with CITAD’s culture of documentation of development.

Garba lauded the role journalists play in advocacy and urged them to pass the message to the general public in a simplified manner.

He expessed worry that hate speech has been identified as major cause of religious and ethnic crisis especially among politicians regardless of its consequences on the society.

Garba noted that in order to guard against the intergenerational transfer of hate speech, CITAD adopted a system that crowd source what is perceived as hate speech which is analysed using hate speech monitors.

He said CITAD is championing sensitisation of the public on the effect of such negative tendencies, while urging NBC to intensify efforts and ensure punitive measure on defaulters.

Paradigm Initiative Nigeria organizes data protection workshop in Kano

By Ismail Auwal

 

The Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) in partnership with the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has on Tuesday organized a two-day workshop on data protection in Kano.

 

The Program Officer of the PIN, Khadija Usman, in an interview with SAHELIAN TIMES, said that the data protection workshop was organised to increase awareness on data protection law and set the pace for calling for data protection law. This, according to her, will “help protect Nigerians and their data.”

 

Usman further highlighted that personal data is anything that can be used to identify an individual, which includes bank details.

 

“We want to ensure that this information is protected, and it can’t be accessible to those that can abuse it.”

 

“The workshop is about asking for competent data protection. We want to know who has this data? What are they using it for?” she added.

 

Ali Sabo, a staff of CITAD, told our reporter that the workshop aimed to enlighten the participants on the importance of protecting their data, explore the various ways in which personal data is being used, deliberate on how to pursue government to see the speedy passage of the data protection law in the Nigeria, and engage with the NIMC on digital identity ecosystem in Nigeria.

 

Khalifa Muhammad, a participant of the workshop, told our reporter that he has learned and understood data protection policy and what it means to have his data protected.

 

Participants of the workshop were drawn from the media, Civil Society Organization (CSO), and students.

Paradigm Initiative da CITAD sun gudanar da taro akan muhimmancin kare bayanan sirri

A ƙoƙarin su na ganin ƴan Najeriya sun fahimci amfani tare da muhimmancin kariya ga bayanan sirri wato Data Protection, a yau Talata ƙungiyar Paradigm Intiattive Nigeria (PIN) da haɗin gwiwar Cibiyar bunƙasa fasahar sadarwa da cigaban al’umma CITAD, sun gudanar da wani taro na musamman ga ƙungiyoyin cigaban al’umma da ɗalibai akan muhimmancin lamarin.

 

Taron wanda a gudana a Otal din Bristol Palace da ke Kano, ya mayar da hankali akan wayar da al’umma akan alfanun kare bayanan sirri na mutane.

 

Jami’a a ƙungiyar a ƙungiyar ta Paradigm Intiattive Nigeria (PIN), Khadija Usman ta ce sun shirya taron ne dan ƙara wayar da kan jama’a akan dokar kare bayanai wanda hakan zai taimakawa ƴan Najeriya wajen kare musu bayanan su na sirri.

 

 

 

Khadija Usman ta ƙara da cewa akwai buƙatar kare dukkanin wani bayani da za a iya binciko mutum da shi, wanda ya haɗa da bayanin bankin da mutum ya ke amfani da shi.

 

Ali Sabo, wanda jami’i ne a cibiyar bunƙasa fasahar sadarwa da cigaban al’umma CITAD, ya bayyana cewa babban dalilin shirya taron shi ne a ƙara wayar da kan ƴan Najeriya akan muhimmancin kare bayanan sirri, wanda hakan zai taimaka wajen ganin ta yi gwamanati azama kan rattaba hannu akan dokar kare bayanai.

 

Mahalarta taron dai sun bayyana jin daÉ—insu a game da wannan taro da kungiyar Paradigm Intiattive Nigeria (PIN) da haÉ—in gwiwar Cibiyar CITAD su ka shirya.

 

Haka kuma taron ya samu halarcin kungiyoyin fararen hula da na É—alibai da kuma É—aiÉ—aikun mutane.

NGO Advocates Transparency In Nigeria Counter-insurgency Process

 

A Non-governmental Organization (NGO), Centre For Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has advocated for transparency in the process of counter-insurgency efforts in the country.

 

Mr Yunusa Ya’u , The Executive Director, CITAD made the call during the presentation of two books on corruption, insurgency and hate speech on Friday in Bauchi.

 

The two books presented are titled; The Compromised State, ‘How Corruption Sustains Insecurity In Nigeria’ and the ‘Context And Content In Hate Speech.

 

He said there was a need for transparency in all processes of the counter- insurgency efforts in order not to shield any corrupt practice.

 

“It’s imperative to investigate and prosecute all corrupt cases to regain citizens’ trust and reduce excessive.

 

“Prompt payment of entitlement and remuneration of security agencies should be looked into.

 

“Prompt response to information by Community members on suspected cases like activities of the terrorists would go a long way,” he said.

 

Ya’u also expressed dismay over prevalence of hate speech among the diverse people of Nigeria, adding that it has made it impossible for communities to collectively rise up and confront the challenges bedeviling the country.

 

He explained that the books were meant to highlight the challenges of insecurity, corruption and hate speech in the nation.

 

According to him, the three issues were the major constraints facing the country which the government has been unable to surmount.

 

He pointed out that all parts of the country experienced one form of insecurity or another, citing insurgency in the north east, banditry in north west, kidnappings and robbery in other areas.

 

“The second problem mitigating the development of the nation is corruption. Fight against corruption should be intensified so that things could improve for the better in Nigeria.

 

“Proliferation of hate speech has also led to crises and violence in the country,” he said.

 

He added that hate speech divided the country and prevented countrymen from addressing their problems as atrocities were attributed by hate speakers to some section of people instead of viewing them as national issues that should be tackled collectively.

 

He noted that the NGO intervened by highlighting the problems at stake and proffering possible and workable solutions to the problems.

CITAD, Actionaid Nigeria Mark Children’s Day Celebration With Less Privileged Children

 

May 28, 2021

 

 

As Nigeria marks this year’s International Children’s Day celebration, the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has marked the occasion with less privileged children in neglected communities in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

Left(from behind) CITAD FCT State Coordinator for Youth Digital Engagement, Mubarak Ekute and CITAD Programme Officer, Yesmin Salako(far right) in group photograph with some of the children who celebrated the International Children’s Day in Gofidna community in Abuja on Thursday.

The International Children’s Day, which was commemorated on Thursday nationwide, was celebrated with support from Actionaid Nigeria in Gofidna, Gwalada and Dakwa communities all in Abuja Municipal Area Council(AMAC) of the FCT under the Local Rights Programme of the organization.

 

Highlight of the event was an interactive session with children in the communities during the event. The children spoke about their dreams and aspiration for the future after which they were educated on the importance of education for a bright future.

 

Speaking during the session, CITAD Programme Officer, Yesmin Salako advised the school children to take their studies very seriously because it is pathway for greatness.

“You must focus on your education and read hard because you are the future leaders of tomorrow,” she advised.

 

CITAD FCT State Coordinator for Youth Digital Engagement, Mubarak Ekute during the interactive session with the children who celebrated the International Children’s Day in Gofidna community in Abuja on Thursday.

 

In an interview with journalists, Salako frowned against gender discrimination against the girl child who in some cases are denied their rights to education.

She urged parents to ensure both male and female children are given equal access to education.

 

“Students should face their studies because education is key to a successful future.

Parents also should ensure both their male and female children have equal access to education. They should not discriminate between the girlchild and the boy child because they are all the same. They should all be given equal rights and children’s rights should not be violated,” she said.

The programme officer said every child deserved to live a happy life and be merry and have a sense of belonging especially at such an occasion.

 

According to her, Actionaid Nigeria and CITAD considered the neglected communities the right place to mark the Children’s Day celebration to give the less privileged children a sense of belonging.

 

 

CITAD Programme Officer, Yesmin Salako addressing the children in Gofidna community during an the event to mark the 2021 International Children Day Celebration on Thursday in Abuja.

 

“We are a non governmental and development organization that work to better the lives of people who have been deprived. So our coming into this community is to celebrate with children who don’t feel the joy of the Day because their parents are poor can not afford to celebrate with them like their counterparts in the city who are being taken out by their parents for shopping, to eateries and to have fun at amusement parks. We have come here to fill in the vacuum, to celebrate with them and make them feel loved and happy, ” she stated.

 

Salako said CITAD and Actionaid Nigeria have intervened in several ways to ensure the communities fight for their rights and ensured government construct schools in their communities like in Tungan Ashere, where a block of classrooms have been constructed for the community.

 

She pledged that CITAD will continue to do its best to ensure that the rights of children are protected and they are also given the best so that they can have a good future.

 

On his part, CITAD FCT State Coordinator for Youth Digital Engagement , Mubarak Ekute noted that while the children of the rich and those of average status have access to abundant resources and development, children in these communities are less privileged.

 

“They don’t have this kind of opportunity. They are left behind. In a day like this, they will feel lonely, left out and neglected so for us, this is the right place to mark the celebration,” he said.

Advising the children on the need to go to school, he emphasized that they must work hard in school to become great in future.

 

“Make sure at all times that school is the number one priority. If you don’t go to school, you will be the least in the society and not be relevant. It is very important to go to school and learn. You must also respect your parents and elders,” he advised the children.

 

He also advised the children to always remember to wash their hands regularly with soap as part of the measured to cut down the risk of Covid-19 infection and other diseases.

Also in a separate interview with journalists after the event, Ekute said the organizations have contributed in so many ways to the education of children in the neglected communities especially in the areas of ICT.

 

“We have deployed ICT centres in some of these communities and people from the neighboring communities are also coming to acquire computer skills.

The world has now become a global village. With ICT you can bring education closer to the people since they don’t have access to some of those materials.”

 

Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration tagged: “Unite to Reverse the Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Children,” he said the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the poor state of the educational institution, health sectors, insecurity, and other sectors of life, which has a lots of negative impacts on our children.”

 

He harped on the need to step up efforts towards the development of the country’s health and education system for better learning and greater future for the country.

“A better system full of opportunities will lead to a better future for our children and by extension the future of the nation at large. COVID 19 has taught us a better lesson that education cannot be only achieved in the classroom alone.

 

“Investment in technology is also investing in the future of the country. As we celebrate our children today, we must recommit and redouble our efforts and come up with the best framework that will suit the development of our children and also fast-track learning and our health system to build back a better Nigeria,” he said.

 

Ekute appealed to the general public and government to ensure that all children have a better life.

It was the most happiest moment for the children as they were served light refreshments which ushered them into the celebration proper as they dined and wined with representatives of the organizations and the communities.

Zainab Ismail, 10-year-old, says she felt very happy that people from the city came to celebrate the event with them.

 

The Basic 5 pupil of the LEA Primary School, Gofidna, who hopes to become a doctor in future said she will work harder to achieve her dreams.

 

Another child, Abdullahi Musliu, 12 , said she felt delighted that they were given the opportunity to join the rest of the children across the country to celebrate the International Children’s Day.

“I am very happy and so joyful and I thank Actionaid and CITAD for remembering us in this community,” the JSS 1 student aspiring to be a teacher said.

 

Representatives of the communities who were present at the occasion thanked Actionaid Nigeria and CITAD for bringing the celebration to their community.

 

“We sincerely appreciate and thank Actionaid Nigeria and CITAD for always working to protect our interest in this community. Without them, we will not be where we are today. We are happy and grateful that this event is happening in our community. On behalf of the children, we say we are happy and glad to mark this important day with the rest of the country,” one of the community Champions in Gofidna community, Al Mustapha Tekura told journalists.

 

CITAD Slams Politicians For Promoting Hate Speech

By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi
A Non-Governmental Organization, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has blamed some elites and politicians in the country as the major culprits involved in promoting hate speeches.
Yunusa Zakari Yau, the Executive Director of the Centre who made the accusation during a press conference in Bauchi, noted that the press has only been the conduit pipe through which hate speeches are passed.
Yau presented 2 books published by his organization, and expressed dismay over prevalence of hate speech among the diverse people of Nigeria.
He explained that hate speech is one of the major factor heating up the nation’s polity, saying hate speeches has made it impossible for communities to collectively rise up and confront the challenges bedeviling the country.
The Director said, “Today, we would like to present to the public, two books recently published by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)”.
He gave title of the first book as; The Compromised State, ‘How Corruption Sustains Insecurity in Nigeria’, and the second one is ‘Context and Content In Hate Speech, Discourse In Nigeria”
According to him, the two books have identified how challenges posed by hate speech and corruption badly affected the people of Nigeria at the same time suggesting solutions to them
The centre director said that the two books are talking about three related issues which include looking at the nexus between corruption and insecurity.
He recalled that the present administration was first elected in 2015 on the bases of its perceived ability to fight insecurity and corruption, lamenting however that the security situation in the country today has become so pervasive and widespread.
Zakari Ya’u stated that peace building is the collective responsibility of all, pointing out that the fight against corruption cannot be successful without the support of all Nigerians.
He noted that insecurity in Nigeria has become so pervasive in such a way that the country has graduated from cattle rustling to kidnapping of human beings.
“Before now, our fear was the northeast but today no part of this country is safe. If you ran away from Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, you are likely to encounter banditry or kidnapping in other parts of country”.
 He added, “Injustice is one of the factors that breeds insecurity while the fight against corruption has proved unsuccessful because people perceived it to be the sole responsibility of government at the federal level”.