The strength of ICT amidst the global pandemic of Covid – 19 has been loudly spelt out as it remained unshaken ever since the emergence of this global pandemic but becomes the commodity for every home and organization as it stands the only unaffected medium to share information, transact businesses, entertainments and working as a team. This has no doubt pleased ICT advocates across the global for this supports their campaign and advocacy work for the world to embrace the use of technology tools for better performance and timely delivery of team tasks.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) as a non-governmental and non-for-profit organization has since continue to capitalize on its core mandate; using ICTs for development to initiate engagements to curb the spread of Covid – 19 pandemics. Twitter series is one of such engagements run by CITAD, it comes twice in a week; Tuesdays and Thursdays, lasting for an hour. Resource persons are invited to talk on the chosen topic and they also respond to questions by the participants.

Youth Effort in Combating Covid – 19 at Community Level in Kano is the topic discussed on Thursday, 8^th October, 2020 with Abubakar M. Usman, multi media journalist and a beneficiary of CITAD’s youth leadership training on Covid – 19. He took the participants through the success stories youth effort recorded, taking Kano state as a case study, challenges encountered and what needs to be done to support youth effort to deliver more.

Below is the crude chat as extracted from the twitter flatform:

1. Hello everyone, do join me to welcome our today’s twitter chat guest, Abubakar M Usman, a multi-media journalist and @ICTAdvocates beneficiary of #YLTonCovid19 who will discuss on Youth Efforts on Combatting Covid19 at Community Level in Kano? Thanks to everyone, am glad to be here today
2. Please sir can you start by telling us the kind of activities you are doing at community level? Well, after been trained by @ICTAdvocates I designed my activities to reach 100 people in community for the Sensitization against
3. What kind of activities did you conducted after the training, sir? Considering the kind of community am living in, I re-strategized my activities by inviting 6 youth association leaders for a step-down training.
4. Because I believe using young people for the sensitization would help to reach a number of people at grass root level.
5. After the step-down training, all of them gave me a set date for the step-down training on their various members at organizational level.
6. My activities have been divided into four different days
7. The first activity carried out at Ibn Yasar Islamiyya at Rimin Kebe area of Ungogo local government. 26 students were sensitized, while 4 hand sanitizers & 150 pieces of face mask were distributed to the school authority.
8. While the second group involved 14 elderly men at Galula Primary health care.
9. The third activity according to my work plan, held on 19th Sept. 2020 at Gadar-Katako area of Romin Kebe community, 20 young people were reached for the awareness on the danger of #Covid_19
10. The last activity consists of two groups; the First group consists of 35 women which were sensitized at Galula Primary health care clinic in Rimin Kebe.
11. These are the four different activities I carried in Rimin Kebe to convert the effect of #Covid_19   at the community level.
12. so far how far have your impacts and success stories from the community as a result of the covid 19 awareness in the grass root? Initially, I can say majority members of my community doesn’t believe in the existence of #Covid_19, thanks to @ICTAdvocates intervention. Initially, my intention was to reach 100 people but at the end of the sensitization I reach almost 200 people, while many are asking for more intervention on the Corona pandemic. So, after the Sensitization, we have positive behavioural changes among the community members, like the use of face mask, observing social distancing and many more protocols of #Covid_19
13. Can you tell us the perception of the community people when you started the activities and how you were able to changed their previous belief on the virus? Initially, people didn’t pay much attention on the program, but after I trained those 20 young people, they continue carrying the message to their family & friends, which I believe change their perception on the program.
14. Mr @official_Rabab organizing such sensitizations requires some support, including the financial, materials and even the human resources. So how did you get funds to carry out such activities?
15. what are some of the challenges you encountered at the course of your advocacy and please suggest ways you think, that need improvement? One of the challenges I faced during the sensitization/advocacy is that, the head of the town of Galula didn’t really give us maximum cooperation.
16. I have to write a letter using @ICTAdvocates logo on it for him to allow us to carried out activities in his area, in the future a letter of advocacy or introduction should be given to sub-grantees by @ICTAdvocates because it will help to achieve desired goals.
17. do you think there is still need for youth to do more in their effort to fight #Covid19 in Kano state and beyond? Of course, youth should be carried along to continue passing the right information on #Covid_19, because they have a big role to play in fighting the pandemic.
18. What other external support do youth need to better champion the course of fighting this #Covid19 pandemic? For now, distribution of hand sanitizers and face mask will help a lot, because even after the Sensitization many people are calling me for hand sanitizers and face masks. #CITADagainstCovid19
19. there were lot of misinformation and disinformation at early period of the pandemic, do you come across any in your community? how do you come about it? #CITADAgainstCovid19 Of course I did, some members of my community were saying #Covid_19 only affects rich people while others said NGOs are the one that brought the pandemic into the country.
20. There are many misinformation about #Covid_19 so, government as well as non-governmental organization have to work on this.
21. As we are approaching the end of this discussion, can you tell us the challenges you faced while doing your campaign and some of your recommendations to @KanostateNg and people to ensure we win this fight in the state

 

 

Coviid19 is a world deadly disease that threatened the survival of every human being. From the start of the pandemic in 2019 in Wuhan, China, millions of people have lost their lives, jobs, livelihood and many more. In Nigeria, the pandemic has also affected many ways of our lives being it social, economic or academic with more than 40,000 infection and more than 1000 deaths which resulted to the lockdown of the whole country for many months. Similarly, in Kano state the story is also the same, since before the index case in April the state government has took many measures in order to protect the lives of its people by banning interstate movement.

However, on its efforts to help in eradicating the disease in Kano state, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has been conducting different programs to sensitize community members on the importance of adhering to covid19 protocols. These programs include online campaigns on twitter (Twitter Chat), Facebook, Whatsapp, production of online fliers, radio programs at different radio stations, writing of press releases and training of more than 100 youth on covid19 protocols online.

On the 13^th and 14^th of October, 2020 also the Centre for information Technology and Development with support of MacArthur Foundation and International Institute of Education trained Kano state secondary and primary schools female teachers on Covid19 Protocol. The aims of the training was to equip the teachers with all the necessary knowledge on preventive measures of Covid19 as school resumed; to sensitize the teachers on the importance of Covid19 protocol; educate them on how to take care of themselves and their students.

The training drew 60 female teachers from different schools in the state who are expected to go back and step down the training to their fellow teachers and students.

On his vote of thanks, the Director Recruitments and Training, Kano State Senior secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSMB), Malam Umar Muhammad Yakasai thanks Centre for Information Technology and Development for its tireless efforts in improving the lives of Kano state people. He noted that the Centre has on many occasions been training the staff of the Board on different ICT courses. He went further to call on the trained teachers to ensure they transfer the knowledge to the larger society.

On Tuesday, 6^th October, 2020, on its 51^st edition of twitter chat, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has hosted Malam Abdurrahman Iguda, Public Health Advocate and Climate Action Ambassador as a discussant. Malam Iguda discussed on the topic “Youths Effort in Combating Covid 19 at Community Level (II).”  Since the erupt of the Coronavirus pandemic CITAD embarks on organizing twitter chat discussions and has been inviting eminence people to discuss on different topics related to the pandemic.  Iguda was part of the CITAD’s Youth Capacity Building Training organized by the centre in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation and Centre for International Institute of Education to fight Coronavirus at community level in Kano State.

The chat dwelled deeply on the commitments and campaigns made by youths in Kano since the beginning of this Pandemic to address the risks associated with it in their communities.  The discussant recalled during the early days of the pandemic how friends from Kaduna called him just to hear about Kano and offered suggestions in order to prevent the spread of the virus.  Lots of rumors and misinformation circulated online, me and friends who are known to be social media influencers worked hard in converting the misinformation and share up to date and valid information on COVID19 in Kano state. The discussant stressed that actors should emulate from CITAD experience to support youth in order to do more to fight the pandemic.

 

1. Hello everyone, Do join me to welcome our today’s twitter chat guest, Abubakar M Usman, a multi-media journalist and @ICTAdvocates beneficiary of #YLTonCovid19 who will discuss on Youth Efforts on Combatting Covid19 at Community Level in Kano? Thanks to everyone, am glad to be here today

 

2. Please sir can you start by telling us the kind of activities you are doing at community level? Well, after been trained by @ICTAdvocates i designed my activities to reach 100 people in community for the Sensitization against
3. What kind of activities did you conducted after the training, sir? Considering the kind of community am living in, i re-strategized my activities by inviting 6 youth association leaders for a step down training.

 

4. Because i believe using young people for the sensitization would help to reach a number of people at grass root level.

 

5. After the step down training, all of them gave me a set date for the step down training on their various members at organizational level.

 

6. My activities have been divided into four different days

 

7. The first activity carried out at Ibn Yasar Islamiyya at Rimin Kebe area of Ungogo local government. 26 students were sensitized, while 4 hand sanitizers & 150 pieces of face mask were distributed to the school authority.

 

8. While the second group involved 14 elderly men at Galula Primary health care.

 

9. The third activity according to my work plan, held on 19th Sept. 2020 at Gadar-Katako area of Romin Kebe community, 20 young people were reached for the awareness on the danger of #Covid_19

 

10. The last activity consists of two groups; the First group consists of 35 women which were sensitized at Galula Primary health care clinic in Rimin Kebe.

 

11. These are the four different activities I carried in Rimin Kebe to convert the effect of #Covid_19   at the community level.

 

12. So far how far have your impacts and success stories from the community as a result of the covid 19 awareness in the grass root? Initially, i can say majority members of my community doesn’t believe in the existence of #Covid_19, thanks to @ICTAdvocates intervention. Initially, my intention was to reach 100 people but at the end of the sensitization i reach almost 200 people, while many are asking for more intervention on the Corona pandemic. So after the Sensitization, we have positive behavioral changes among the community members, like the use of face mask, observing social distancing and many more protocols of #Covid_19

 

13. Can you tell us the perception of the community people when you started the activities and how you were able to change their previous belief on the virus? Initially, people didn’t pay much attention on the program, but after i trained those 20 young people, they continue carrying the message to their family & friends, which i believe change their perception on the program.

 

14. Mr @official_Rabab organizing such sensitizations requires some support, including the financial, materials and even the human resources. So how did you get funds to carry out such activities?

 

15. What are some of the challenges you encountered at the course of your advocacy and please suggest ways you think, that need improvement? One of the challenges i faced during the sensitization/advocacy is that, the head of the town of Galula didn’t really give us maximum cooperation.

 

16. I have to write a letter using @ICTAdvocates logo on it for him to allow us to carry out activities in his area, in the future a letter of advocacy or introduction should be given to sub-grantees by @ICTAdvocates bcoz it will help to achieve desired goals.

 

17. do you think there is still need for youth to do more in their effort to fight #Covid19 in Kano state annd and beyond? Of course, youth should be carried along to continue passing the right information on #Covid_19, because they have a big role to play in fighting the pandemic.

 

18. What other external support do youth need to better champion the course of fighting this #Covid19 pandemic? For now, distribution of hand sanitizers and face mask will help a lot, because even after the Sensitization many people are calling me for hand sanitizers and face masks. #CITADagainstCovid19

 

19. There were lot of misinformation and disinformation at early period of the pandemic, do you come across any in your community? How do you come about it? #CITADAgainstCovid19 Of course i did, some members of my community were saying #Covid_19 only affects rich people while others said NGOs are the one that brought the pandemic into the country.

 

20. There are many misinformation about #Covid_19 so, government as well as non-governmental organization have to work on this.

 

21. As we are approaching the end of this discussion, can you tell us the challenges you faced while doing your campaign and some of your recommendations to @KanostateNg and people to ensure we win this fight in the state

 

24^TH September, 2020.

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), held its 48^th Twitter chat on the 24^th of September, 2020. The guest was Abdulazeez Musa Co-founder and programs Manager of WeCan Africa. He discussed on Covid19 sensitization campaigns at community level.

He started by answering the question on what sensitizing people at the grassroots is and how it is being done? Where he said sensitization means making people know about something and as it relates to Covid19, it means creating awareness about issues related to Covid19. He was further asked that as a young person who is passionate about development work and also working on sensitizing people on Covid19 in the community, how you are carrying your activities. He said he made a need assessment in his community and he discovered that the pandemic has had a huge effect on young people and women too because of their vulnerability. So he decided to train them on taking responsibility themselves through sensitizing and teaching them.

When asked on What tools he used during this training and how did he ensure Covid19 protocols are followed throughout the training and does he think community people despite some of them not believing in the existence of the virus are giving him maximum cooperation and to briefly give the effort that has been put in place to fight corona virus in the community level? He said, they trained 30 youth and 30 women and adolescent girls. For the youth, they held the training through the zoom platform to ensure adherence to #Covid19 safety protocols. For the women, they held a physical meeting but putting in place all the required measures Such as use of face mask, washing base, social distancing etc. And also provided them with what will make them develop interest in them and the message they have for them. So they didn’t only sensitize them, they also taught them entrepreneurship skills that will make them live good while also adhering to the safety protocols to stay safe. For all the women and youth trained, they will be certifying them soon with certificates and also have a one day physical training with them on how they can replicate all they were taught and teaching them entrepreneurship skill so that they can live good while staying and also, to mitigate their susceptibility to negative impact of the virus. The 30 women and adolescent girls in Kumbotso were trained on business skills in hand sanitizer and face mask making towards curtailing the spread and negative impact of the Covid-19 on the people of Kano. Supported by @ICTAdvocates @macfound and @IIEglobal, The trainees promised to utilize their learnt lessons on Covid-19 safety protocols and entrepreneurship skills towards living good while staying safe.

In conclusion, he recommends that the government should do more of meaningful engagement and not only media awareness, though it is important. The virus has affected people in different ways, while sensitizing them, they should also be taught skills and human capacity should be built for them and he also appreciates CITAD for given the chance to young individuals like him to inspire change in their communities and the society at large.

ENGAGEMENTS:

 

Mr @Etudaye_MA may we know what sensitizing people at the grassroots is and how it is being done?

@Etudaye_MA Sensitization means making people know about something and as it relates to Covid19, it means creating awareness about issues related to Covid19.

 

@_sabo12Replying to

As a young person who is passionate about development work and also working on sensitizing people on Covid19 in the community, how are you carrying your activities?

@Etudaye_MA I made a need assessment in my community and I discovered that the pandemic has had a huge effect on young people and women too because of their vulnerability. So I decided to trained on taking responsibility themselves through sensitizing them and teaching

@_sabo12 what tools did you use during this training and how do you ensure Covid19 protocols are followed throughout the training?

@_sabo12 and do you think community people despite some of them not believing in the existence of the virus are giving you maximum cooperation?

@Etudaye_MA provides them with what will make them develop interest in us and the message we have for them. So we didn’t only sensitize them, we also taught them entrepreneurship skills that will make them live good while also adhering to the safety protocols to stay safe.

@_sabo12 we are ending this discussion in few minutes sir, what are your recommendations to both government and people on how to reduce the spread of Covid19 in our communities.

@Etudaye_MA I recommend that the government should do more of meaningful engagement and not only media awareness, though it is important. The virus has affected people in different ways, while sensitizing them, they should also be taught skills and human capacity should be built for them.

Here we come to the end of this insightful discussion with @Etudaye_MA on Covid19 Sensitization at Community Level, on behalf of @ICTAdvocate E.D, we thank our guest most sincerely for taking his time & educate us on this topic. Thank you air

@Etudaye_MA I so much appreciate @CITAD for given the chance to young individuals like us to inspire change in our communities and the society at large. Thank you to @yzy to @_sabo12 and to the team. Thanks to@macfound and @IIEglobal. I am so much honored.

 

The guest was Muazu Alhaji Modu, an Expert in Budget Tracking & Mandela Washington Fellow, who discussed on Tracking Covid19 Palliatives at Grassroots

He started by explaining what tracking of Covid-19 palliative distribution means, he said, tracking Covid-19 palliative distribution in grassroots completely different from normal service delivery tracking. This is extraordinary tracking brought by extraordinary circumstance that require extraordinary measures

In the process of tracking COVID-19 palliative distribution we must ensure COVID-19 protocol & guidelines are been observed which includes social distancing, wearing facemask & restriction of movement & burn on large gathering to curb the spread of COVID-19.

He used Yobe State as example throughout the chat. To ensure compliance with the COVID-19 protocol and guidelines while tracking palliative, the guest stated that they recruited Local government volunteer observers across the 17 LGAs of Yobe State. To monitor distribution of the palliative and compliance with COVID-19 protocol in the distributions in the LGA with strict compliance to COVID-19 protocols. The observers in LGAs Monitored and documented methodology used in the selection of beneficiaries, number of beneficiaries in the LGAs, process of the distribution and compliance with the protocols in distribution across the 17 LGAs and shared with the team

To validate the primary data from LGA observers gathered in the field, he said they write Freedom of information act (FOIA) request to @sema_yobe as an agency responsible for the palliative distribution in the state, Yobe Task Force on COVID19, @officialNEDC office in Yobe State requesting breakdown of fund, food and non-food item donation received by state government, breakdown of palliative distribution and methodology.

He stated the importance of tracking palliatives at the grassroots as ensuring  that palliative reach right beneficiaries and to ensure that right beneficiaries are the once that received  the palliative.

 

When he was asked on the issue of ensuring protocols are being observed during the distribution looking at how hungry & desperate people are, he said, is the responsibility of government to ensure strict enforcement of the protocol while distributing palliative also, both government and citizens group strengthen advocacy and sensitization on the effect of COVID-19. He further said “there have been a lot of challenges tracking spending on palliative due to lack of authentic data to engage.”

He advised those willing to follow palliative spending to leverage on Freedom of information Act, to ask question around COVID-19 spending. To ensure that the palliatives are not abused or hoarded, effective use digital technology (social media) to put the distribution process in Spotlight. He emphasized.

Also he stated that they paid advocacy to the relevance authorities like the Executive Secretary @@sema_yobe which is at the same time Secretary of Covid-19 Palliatives distribution Sub-Committee where they further discussed COVID-19 palliative distribution in Yobe state.

 

At the end he started that the palliative don’t reach to the right people, he cited example with his community in Yobe state, he said, it was four pieces of spaghetti and half mudu of rice in Gwange community, polling unit called KULLOMA it was 19 persons were selected to benefit and these persons is the executive of unit was being selected.

 

Engagements:

1. @a_sabo12

Hello everyone, Do join me in welcoming @Muazulittle4, an Expert in Budget Tracking & Mandela Washington Fellow to

@ICTAdvocates‘s Twitter Chat Series on Covid19 who will be discussing on Tracking Palliatives at Grassroots.

2. @Muazulittle4

Tracking covid-19 palliative distribution in grassroots completely different from normal service delivery tracking. This is extraordinary tracking brought by extraordinary circumstance that require extraordinary measures.

As the speaker continues with his presentation  there were questions and comments from the participants, these are as follows:

1. @a_sabo12
   So why do you think it so even important to track these palliatives at the grassroots, sir?
2. @Muazulittle4 Replying to @a_sabo12

To ensure that right beneficiaries are the once that receive the palliative.

1. @Muazulittle4 Replying to @a_sabo12

in the process of tracking COVID-19 palliative distribution we must ensure COVID-19 protocol & guidelines are been observe which includes social distancing, wearing facemask & restriction of movement & burn on large gathering to curb the spread of COVID-19.

1. @a_sabo12to @Muazulittle4 @ICTAdvocates and 11 others

Sir, how can we ensure these protocols are being observed during this distribution looking at how hungry & desperate people are?

1. @Muazulittle4

Government to ensure strict enforcement of the protocol while distributing palliative Also, both government and Citizen Group strengthen advocacy and sensitization on the effect of COVID-19

1. @ChiromaHope

Replying to @Muazulittle4 and @a_sabo12 @Muazulittle4, there have been a lot of challenges tracking spending on palliative due to lack of authentic data to engage. What advice will you give to those willing to follow palliative spending?

1. @teemerh_beekay
   how do we ensure the palliatives are not abused or hoarded sir twitter.com/muazulittle4/s
2. @Muazulittle4 replying to @teemerh_beekay & @ChiromaHope

By Effective use digital technology (social media) to put the distribution process in Spotlight

1. @Danmliki Replying to @Muazulittle4

How might we break the cycle of corruption in distribution of palliative to affected communities areas @Muazulittle4

J.@Muazulittle4 Replying to @Danmliki

Most efficient way of break a cycle of corruption is effective use of media (conventional and social) to the process in the Spotlight

1. @alhajialimella1 Replying to unblock
   @Muazulittle4@a_sabo12and 12 others

Is the palliative get to the right persons?

1. @Muazulittle4 Replying to @alhajialimella1

The answer is no. That why we are more concern with methodology of selection and distribution

1. Replying to @alhajialimella1 @Muazulittle4 and 13 others

The answer is no no even if yes then it was four pieces of spaghetti and half mudu of rice in my community gwange my polling unit called KULLOMA it was 19 persons were selected to benefit and these persons is the executive of unit is being selected

1. @Muazulittle4
   Data very is important in the tracking palliative without right data we unable to understand context
2. Baaba Muhammad Isa Replying to @Muazulittle4

Sir. Is there any punishment set aside for diverting palliatives meant for vulnerables to VIPs?

1. Muazu Alhaji Modu (Little)

@Muazulittle4

All punishment set for corruption, the diversion of palliative is another form corruption

1. @alhajialimella1

Replying to

@Muazulittle4 and 13 others

So I don’t for them and I think is high time for us to be on our two legs to mitigate these act from happening because indirectly is affecting us cause we are part of the community.

1. @Muazulittle4He is strong accountability advocate
   @alhajialimella1

adding some more advice!

1. @ChiromaHope

Well done @Muazulittle4! On behalf of the E.D, @ICTAdvocates we sincerely thank you for the time and knowledge you shared with us. @YZYau @a_sabo12 @kamalkano #CITADAgainstCovid19

1. Muazu Alhaji Modu (Little) @Muazulittle4

Thank you so much for hosting me

Cibiyar bunƙasa fasahar sadarwa ta zamani da ci gaban al`umma (CITAD) ta tallafawa matasa guda 31 da tallafin kuɗi fiya da naira miliyan 5 domin daƙile yaɗuwar cutar korona ko COVID-19 a cikin al’umma.

Jami’in yaɗa labarai na Cibiyar ta CITAD, Ali Sabo, ne ya bayyana haka a jiya litinin a gurin rufe horon da cibiyar ta bayar ga matasan, wanda za su koma cikin al’ummar su domin su yi amfani da abin da su ka koya wajen hana yaɗuwar cutar COVID-19 a cikin al’umma.

Tun da farko cibiyar ta CITAD ta bayar da tallafin ne da hadin gwiwar gidauniyar MacArthur da kuma International Institute of Education.

Ali Sabo ya ce sun baiwa matasa guda 120 horo na musamman, sai dai mutum 31 ne su ka yi nasarar samun tallafin bayan da su ka gabatar da tsari tare da kasafin yadda za su gudanar da aikin da ake buƙatar za su gabatar akan cutar ta COVID-19.

Haka kuma Ali Sabo ya ce za su sanya ido wajen ganin yadda matasan za su yi amfani da tallafin wajen yin abin da aka ba su domin su.

Labarai24 ya tattauna da wasu daga cikin waɗanda su ka amfana da tallafin inda su ka bayyana jin dadinsu tare tabbatar da yin amfani da tallafin a inda ya dace

• “Babu shakka wannan abin alfahari ne la’akari da yadda aka samu matasa maza da mata da su ka samu horo na musamman akan yaÆ™i da cutar COVID-19, wanda kuma tabbas zamu yi amfani da shi a inda ya dace, domin mun samu horon da zamu je mu yi a cikin al’ummar mu” in ji Gazzali Haruna Ibrahim.

Haka shi ma Salim Sani Shehu ya ce tabbas wannan wani abin koyi ne ga sauran cibiyoyin da su ke rajin yaƙi da yaɗuwar annobar COVID-19.

“Wannan shiri da cibiyar CITAD ta yi ya zama abin misali kuma kwaikwayo ga sauran cbiyoyin da su ke rajin yaƙi da annobar cutar korona, domin tabbas CITAD ta yi rawar gani wajen yi mana horo na musamman tare kuma da bamu tallafin domin yin abin da aka bamu horo akai” in ji Salim Sani Shehu.

Isma’il Abdu Bichi, wanda shi ma daya ne daga cikin waɗanda su ka amfana da tallafin ya ce za su yi amfani da tallafin akan abin da aka buƙace su da yi.

“Mun samu horo akan yaki da bazuwar cutar Corona, kuma tabbas wannan horon ya ƙara mana ilimi akan cutar ta COVID-19, kuma za mu koma unguwannin mu domin ganin mun yi amfani da ilimin da mu ka samu akan cutar ta COVID-19” In ji Isma’il Bichi

Taron dai na tsahon kwanaki goma ne, kuma ya gudana ne a dandalin intanet na Zoom.

A ƙarshe Ali Sabo ya ce yana fatan matasan za su cigaba da yin aiki da abin da su ka koya ko bayan ƙarewar tallafin.

The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has supported 31 youths in Kano with N 5,289, 375 for COVID-19 education of the populace so as to reduce spread of the disease.

CITAD Campaign and Communication officer, Ali Sabo  stated this on Monday after an intensive training on how the youth would go back to their communities to train others on COVID-19 preventive measures and ways to encourage testing for the disease in the society.

Ali Sabo said 120 youth were trained for 10 days out of which 31 were funded after submitting proposals on how they intend to train others in the communities and carry out other activities aimed at reducing spread of COVID-19.

‘’They were all encouraged to write and submit proposals on how they intend to step down the training out which 31 were selected and given sub-grant amounting to N 5,289, 375,’’ said Ali.

‘’The maximum of the sub-grant to individual is N170,625. Also we have put in place mechanism to guide them on how to carry out the training for effective goals achievement.’’

He noted that for every activity to be conducted by the youth to sensitize the community must be followed with a report so as to get value for money and reduce the disease.

Ali Sabo implored the youth to sustain the initiative even after the life span of the project.

The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), with support from MacArthur Foundation, has aided 31 young people in Kano State with a sum of N5.3 million so that they may contribute to tackling the spread COVID-19 by engaging members of their communities.

Ali Sabo, CITAD’s communications officer, said on Monday that the youth had been trained on how to organise step-down training in the communities to encourage the public to present themselves for testing.

He added that 120 young people were trained online for 10 days and 31 were funded after their proposals had been reviewed.

“Participants were encouraged to write and submit proposals on how they will spread awareness in the society and 31 qualified. The maximum sub-grant to an individual is N170,000, and guidelines have been provided to guide the training,” Sabo said.

He encouraged the participants to work according to the mandate given to achieve significant results. He also asked them to sustain their advocacy and community engagement even after the training.

Speaking to HumAngle, some of the beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the financial support.

“I feel very glad and overwhelmed. The sub-grant is a form of motivation to me that the world watches the impact I make in my own little ways and I should continue to do more of it,” enthused Abdul-Aziz Musa Etudaye.

“Being selected from a pool of applicants to be part of the over 100 trainees and, later, selected out of it to be part of the 31 sub-grantees is a huge reason to be happy and grateful.”

Etudaye said the pandemic has adversely affected many people in Kubomtso, Kano, where he is from, and he hoped to contribute to making life easier for them. His plan is to empower young residents of the community through training on entrepreneurship “so that their susceptibility to the negative impact of the pandemic can be mitigated”.

Another beneficiary, Isma’il Auwal, said the grant from CITAD and MacArthur has motivated him to work more effectively and promised to conduct follow-ups after his campaign in order to sustain impact.

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), held its 42nd Twitter chat on the 1st of September. The guess was Ibrahim Nuhu a Health Professional and Program Coordinator, CITAD. He discussed on Health Workers Efforts to Living New Normal Amidst Covid19.

He started by talking about the New Normal with regard to COVID 19 Pandemic is looking into the way health professionals are recovering from the depth of challenges imposed by the virus and regaining back to normal working conditions and how difficult the situation was and many health professionals suffer from one form or the other ranging from the fear of stigmatization and economic loss, also the strikes in which unions embark on amidst the need of their Services by the public in some states, it reached a point where health professionals are avoiding to show themselves to the public and the government were not showing rightful concerns over their status, which he said led to threats where families and friends are afraid of coming close to us especially after work.

He was asked that during the early days of this pandemic there were a lot of fears among the citizens, as a health worker how did you manage that with your family & friends? He said we tried to manage that through counselling and awareness to our families for them to know and understand the real situation and accept it.

He added that all the health professionals are giving the fullest to care, prevent, cure, rehabilitate the victims of COVID 19 but the living status of us is not being recognized by the authorities, but now as we begin to resume to our normal life the situation is changing from the side of health workers and the government at all levels despite the challenges on ground.

He was asked on what measures they are putting in place to ensure the safety of their colleagues and general public. He said The measures they take are using the guidelines protocols given by NCDC like social distancing, using protective devices and frequent hand washing to avoid cross infection of the virus and with the New Normal they are advocating for wages increase, provision of PPE from side of the government and favorable working environment so as to get motivated and face the challenges squarely, Also they equally request government to recruit more health professionals in order to breech the gap of those we lost during the pandemic.

In conclusion, he recommended that, People should always abide by the NCDC protocols like using face marks in public spaces, washing hands frequently and Health workers should also use PPE at work and take good care of their clients with no discrimination.

The guest was Mal. Mohammed Chiroma Hassan, ICT officer and Head of Bauchi Office who discussed on the Impact of Technology Tools during Covid19 Pandemic.

The #Covid19 pandemic is revolutionizing digital and online engagements across the globe. And I think it is right to openly confess that #COVID19 has exposed the education divide in Nigeria and we must all work hard to bridge this gap.

When children in some communities in Nigeria are not equipped to adapt or transit to new methods of learning and the new methods remain the only avenue to learn. That is the condition that we describe as “EDUCATION DIVIDE”

In countries such as South Korea they have integrated digital technology into government coordinated containment and mitigation process including surveillance, testing, and contact tracing and strict quarantine

And it appears to be the only entity that resisted the negative impact of the pandemic across the globe.

It is obvious that in 21st century, access to the Internet and digital devices and technical skills is a most for full participation in the society and economy.

It has started already partially here but greatly in developed nations.

The solutions are already in existence, we only need enabling environment (right infrastructures) to transit from the manual ways of doing things.

We have seen how digital health tech facilitated pandemic strategies and responsive ways that could have been very difficult or even impossible to achieve manually.

Yes we can, and that is even the reason for the advocacies and campaigns by @ICTAdvocates for government and relevant Stakeholder to help bridge the digital gap in Nigeria.

Technology Tools are software and hardware’s that aided online and offline computation processes. This include all, digital devices or defined set of instructions (software/applications) that help in computation or automation.

It could be recalled that when the Federal Government of Nigeria locked all schools on 19th March, 2020. Some states such as Lagos scheduled TV and radio shows for students. But the truth is not all the students can join i.e those in rural and undeserved communities.

Unlike Nigeria that is still battling to have access and affordable Internet services, development nations are now working on Big Data (date science) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to facilitate Covid19 preparedness and tracking of people.

Government should introduce reforms in the national curriculum that would help bridge the gap in inequality through capitalizing in public private partnerships.

@NCDCgov, CSOs and other media bodies have tried in feeding citizens with the right information regarding the pandemic and precautionary measures to help curb its spread.

It is also good to note that some people/communities are still left behind despite abundance of information floating in cloud because they have no means to access anything posted online.

This children or communities are left behind in instances like this, and not just education, they are marginalized in so many basic fundamental rights; access to education, health care services obtainable online, information, adding their voices in governance processes & more.

HIS RECOMMENDATIONS ARE:

To digitalise Nigeria, Federal Government should give priority to ICT sector, invest heavily and all relevant actors (CSOs, Telecommunications companies, @NgComCommission, @NITDANigeria and all) should join and develop a nation digital agenda for all by all.

 

ENGAGEMENTS:

@a_sabo12

 

Hello everyone, Do join me in welcoming our today’s guest on

 

ICT officer and Head of Bauchi Office who is going to discuss on the Impact of Technology Tools during Covid19 Pandemic. Welcome sir.

 

 

@a_sabo12

 

 

Mr

 

@ChiromaHope do you think technology can replace our physical activities looking at how it is playing significant role during this Covid19 pandemic? #CITADAgainstCovid19

 

@ChiromaHope

 

Replying to @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 9 others

 

The #Covid19 pandemic is revolutionarizing digital and online engagements across the globe

 

@ChiromaHope @a_sabo12 and 10 others

 

We have seen how digital health tech facilitated pandemic strategies and responsive ways that could have been very difficult or even impossible to achieve manually. #CITADAgainstCOVID19 @macfound @a_sabo12 @YZYau @kamalkano

 

@ChiromaHope

 

@a_sabo12 and 11 others

 

This is because they are not equipped to adopt to new methods of learning. The reasons varies from owning TV set/Radio or lack of basic ICT infrastructure to access the online learnings

#CITADAgainstCOVID19

@macfound

@a_sabo12

@YZYau

 

@a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 10 others

 

It could be recalled that when the F.G of Nigeria locked all schools on 19th March, 2020. Some states such as Lagos scheduled TV and radio shows for students. But the truth is not all the students can join I.e those in rural and undeserved communities

@ChiromaHope

 

Unlike Nigeria that is still battling to have access and affordable Internet services, development nations are now working on Big Data(date science) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to facilitate Covid19 preparedness and tracking of people.

#CITADAgainstCOVID19

 

@ChiromaHope

 

Replying to

 

@a_sabo12

 

@ICTAdvocates

and 10 others

 

And I think it is right to openly confess that #COVID19 has exposed the education divide in Nigeria and we must all work hard to bridge this gap. #CITADAgainstCOVID19

@a_sabo12

@macfound

@APC_News

@ParadigmHQ

@YZYau

 

@a_sabo12

Replying to

 

@ChiromaHope

@ICTAdvocates

and 11 others

 

So what steps do you think we can follow in order to replicate this giant stride looking at how important it is?

 

What do you mean by “Education Divide”, Sir? #CITADagainstCovid19

 

@ChiromaHope

 

Replying to

 

@a_sabo12

 

@ICTAdvocates

and 10 others

@NCDCgov CSOs and other media bodies have tried in feeding citizens with the right information regarding the pandemic and precautionary measures to help curb its spread. #CITADAgainstCOVID19

@a_sabo12

@kamalkano

@macfound

 

@ChiromaHope

 

Replying to

@a_sabo12

 

@ICTAdvocates

and 10 others

 

It is also good to note that some people/communities are still left behind despite abundance of information floating in cloud because they have no means to access anything posted online. #CITADAgainstCOVID19

 

@a_sabo12

@macfound

@YZYau

@APC_News

 

@ChiromaHope

 

Replying to

 

@a_sabo12

 

@ICTAdvocates and 13 others

When children in some communities in Nigeria are are not equipped to adapt or transit to new methods of learning and the new methods remain the only avenue to learn. That is the condition that we describe as “EDUCATION DIVIDE” #CITADAgainstCOVID19

 

@a_sabo12

 

Replying to

 

@ChiromaHope

@ICTAdvocates

and 13 others

 

Comrade as we are heading towards the end of the discussion, what is your final suggestions towards digitalization of Nigeria? #CITADagainstCovid19

 

@realtechmarket

@NITDANigeria

@NgComCommission

@FMoCDENigeria

@DrIsaPantami

@KashifuInuwa

 

@ChiromaHope

 

Replying to

 

@a_sabo12

 

@ICTAdvocates

and 18 others

 

To digitalise Nigeria, F.G should give priority to ICT sector, invest heavily and all relevant actors (CSOs, Telecommunications companies,

 

@NgComCommission

@NITDANigeria

 

and all) should join and develop a nation digital agenda for all by all. #CITADAgainstCOVID19

@a_sabo12

 

1. M Chiroma

 

@ChiromaHope

 

Replying to

 

@a_sabo12

@ICTAdvocates

and 13 others

 

Am excited being with you this afternoon. Bye for now! #CITADAgainstCOVID19

@a_sabo12

@macfound

@YZYau

@APC_News

@ICTAdvocates

 

In continuation of its educative programs on Covid19 in Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) held its 40th twitter chat on the 25th of August, 2020 with guest was Abubakar Sadiq Mu’azu, the executive director, centre for Advocacy, transparency and accountability initiative on the topic “How Citizens can Demand for Accountability on Covid19 Spending”

He started the chat by saying that Members of the community can play a vital role in holding government and intervening partners accountable through many social accountability frameworks.

According to him Citizens’ participation in the process of demanding accountability is key and vital in addressing the pandemic, with many resources being allocated to the health sector to fight against the pandemic and alleviate the suffering of citizens.

He said Citizens can demand accountability through Increased civic and political knowledge; a greater sense of how the allocation is being done in addressing the pandemic. This will help in understanding the context of what has being allocated.

In response to a question on who is responsible in educating the citizens their right to demanding for accountability from government officials, he suggested that; this is a role that civil society groups need to play in supporting citizens to understand the magnitude of engaging government. Citizens need to have an influence in the budgetary process especially releases and implementation.

He opined that as a nation, Nigeria is suffering from weak institutions, making it difficult for us to have adequate information in addressing corruption within the COVID-19 intervention. We need to advocate for in having strong institutions that will support.

He suggested that to some extent the key role citizens can play in demanding accountability in the situation of COVID19 will be through radio programs asking duty bearers questions about some of the key interventions especially Palliative distribution.

When he was asked how citizens can go about demanding accountability on COVID19 spending? He suggest Citizens can go about demanding accountability by engaging duty bearers constructively. Especially through appropriate platforms of both aspect of Government, Executive arm, legislative arm and the judicial arm.

He said Government both at the federal and the state levels have not been doing enough in providing adequate information that will enable citizens to hold them accountable, the office of the Accountant General of the federation is yet to provide citizens with adequate information, making it difficult for a citizens group to hold them accountable. Access to information is one of the major challenges in demanding accountability in the process of COVID-19 intervention especially in the aspect of palliative distribution. This was in response to the question “whether the government is supporting the course of increase in transparency and accountability in the management of COVID19 funds through provision of right information at the right time?”

In another response to the question whether he thinks freedom of information (FOI) can work here? He said FOI to some extend is a tool being used in some states to have access to information, but it has been challenging in implementing the punishment and fines making it easier for many states to bridge the provision of the existing law. There is a need to review the law.

At the end he applaud Civil society groups  for doing a lot in creating awareness and sensitization for Citizens to hold government accountable.

He concluded by saying that in the past weeks, his own organization “centre for Advocacy, transparency and accountability initiative” focus on how to build the capacities of citizens in demanding for accountability.

ENGAGEMENT:

Hello everyone, Do join me in welcoming @ICTAdvocates‘s today guest on twitter chat on #CITADagainstCovid19, @AS_MUAZU, E.D, @CataiCenter, Muaza is an Accountability Advocate. He is going to discuss on How Citizens can Demand for Accountability on Covid19 Spending. Welcome sir.

Abubakar Sadiq Mu’azu

@AS_MUAZU Aug 25

Replying to

@a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 9 others Citizens’ participation in the process of demanding accountability is key and vital in addressing the pandemic. With many resources being allocated to the health sector to fight against the pandemic and alleviate the suffering of citizens. #CITADagainstCovid19

Members of d community can play a vital role in holding government & intervening partners accountable through many social accountability frameworks. In the recent times, many campaigns have being on going on tracking palliatives and support to the ministries addressing #COVID19

Thank you so much for having me to discuss this great topic today. #CITADagainstCovid19

nissimase@nissimase @AS_MUAZU How can citizens go about demanding accountability on COVIR19 spending? @ICTAdvocates @a_sabo12 #CITADagainstCOVID19 Sir, who responsible in educating the citizens their right to demanding for accountability from government officials? #CITADagainstCovid19

Government both at the federal and the state level have not been doing enough in providing adequate information that will enable citizens to hold them accountable. The office of the Accountant general of the federation is yet to provide citizens with adequate information.

Making it difficult for a citizens group to hold them accountable. Access to information is one of the major challenges in demanding accountability in the process of COVID-19 intervention especially in the aspect of palliative distribution. #CITADagainstCovid19 Ali Sabo @a_sabo12

Replying to @AS_MUAZU @ChiromaHope and 3 others Do you think FOI can work here, sir? #CITADagainstCovid19 FOI to some extend is a tool being used in some states to have access to information, but it has been challenging in implementing the punishment and fines making it easier for many states to bridge the provision of the existing law. There is a need to review the law.

Abubakar Sadiq Mu’azu@AS_MUAZU Replying to @AS_MUAZU @a_sabo12 and 10 others To some extend the key role citizens can play in demanding accountability in the situation of COVID19 will be through radio programs asking duty bearers questions about some of the key interventions especially Palliative distribution. #CITADagainstCovid19

Abubakar Sadiq Mu’azu @AS_MUAZU Replying to @AS_MUAZU @ChiromaHope and 4 others Making it difficult for a citizens group to hold them accountable. Access to information is one of the major challenges in demanding accountability in the process of COVID-19 intervention especially in the aspect of palliative distribution. #CITADagainstCovid19

This is a role that civil society groups need to play in supporting citizens to understand the magnitude of engaging government. Citizens need to have an influence in the budgetary process especially releases and implementation. #CITADagainstCovid19 #COVID19 #COVID__19

Abubakar Sadiq Mu’azu

@AS_MUAZU Replying to @AS_MUAZU @a_sabo12 and 10 others The most important role citizens need to play in demanding for accountability is through using d existing structures of demanding access to information especially on allocation 2 d health sector. Allocation to alleviate the suffering of people by using Freedom of Information act. Civil society groups have been doing a lot in creating awareness and sensitization for Citizens to hold government accountable. In the past weeks, our work @CataiCenter focus on how to build the capacities of citizens in demanding for accountability. #CITADagainstCovid19 Making it difficult for a citizens group to hold them accountable. Access to information is one of the major challenges in demanding accountability in the process of COVID-19 intervention especially in the aspect of palliative distribution. #CITADagainstCovid19

Government both at the federal and the state level have not been doing enough in providing adequate information that will enable citizens to hold them accountable. The office of the Accountant general of the federation is yet to provide citizens with adequate information.

Abubakar Sadiq Mu’azu @AS_MUAZU Replying to @AS_MUAZU @a_sabo12 and 10 others To some extend the key role citizens can play in demanding accountability in the situation of COVID19 will be through radio programs asking duty bearers questions about some of the key interventions especially Palliative distribution. #CITADagainstCovid19

As a nation, Nigeria is suffering from weak institutions, making it difficult for us to have adequate information in addressing corruption within the COVID-19 intervention. We need to advocate for in having strong institutions that will support. #CITADagainstCovid19 #COVID19

Here we come to the end of this discussion with @AS_MUAZU On How Citizens can Demand for Accountability on Covid19 Spending, on behalf of @ICTAdvocates‘s E.D, @YZYau

We thank everyone for joining us & most importantly we appreciate Mr. Muazu for taking educating us on this topic

Sagiru Ado Abubakar @sagiru_ado @a_sabo12 @AS_MAAZU @ICTAdvocates @kamalkano As an advocate and someone with pationate accountable mind, how accountable is the recent distribution of govt palliative of Covid 19 for only 5ppl in each polling box? @ChiromaHope #CITADAgainstCovid19

Ever since the arrival of the deadly virus called Covid19; a member from Corona virus family, there have been lots of disinformation and misinformation in circulation regarding the pandemic. According to World Health Organization (WHO) Covid-19 pandemic is accompanied by over abundance of information some of which are accurate and some are not from truth worthy sources, this makes it hard for people to find a reliable guidance they need.  Infodemic is term coined by WHO to describe high float of misinformation at the time of pandemic.

WHO and fact checking organizations across the globe warned that information speeds very fast on internet, but infodemic spreads faster than Covid – 19 viruses and poses greater thread in the fight against the pandemic.  In its series of twitter chats initiated to help fight Covid – 19, the Centre for Information and Development (CITAD) invited Tajudden Idris Wawo, a lecturer from the department of Geography, Sa’adu Rimi College of Education, Kano to clear air on the relationship between weather and Covid – 19 .

He began the discussion by explaining what whether and climate are, the relationship between the virus and weather and justify claims that cold regions in the world have high tendencies to catch the virus while hotter regions are at lesser risk.

Below is the thread of the chat as extracted:

Hello everyone,

Do join me in welcoming our today’s twitter chat guest, @TWawu, a lecturer with Department of Geography, SCOE who is going to discuss on the Relationship between Covid19 and Weather. Welcome ir

 

Thank you

My Name is Tajuddeen Idris Wawo from Saadatu Rimi College of Education Kano department of Geography I’m here to discuss on the Topic relationship between Weather and  Coronavirus

 

 

@a_sabo12 @TWawu @ICTAdvocates Doc. One of the reasons ppl mentioning on low effect of Covid 19 in African Countries is hot weather. What is the real fact on this? @hamzaish

 

This is very true because African countries lies very close to equator and receive high amount of sunshine which makes the temperature to be high

 

Weather has some important components such as follows

a Elements of Weather

b Factors of Weather and Climate

1. Weather and Climate regions in the world

These are some of the important sub topics which comprises weather and Climate

 

Sir @TWawu Will warm weather really kill off Covid-19?

 

Of course yes because we Africans lives in Tropical regions which have high temperature

 

 

There are six weather regions of the world

Tropical regions

Temperate regions

Mediterranean regions

Arid regions

Polar regions

Continental regins

 

Dr, @TWawu Pls, will climate change make the COVID-19 pandemic worse or not?

 

Tropical regions are xterised with high temperature

Temperate regions are xterised wit mild temperature

Polar regions are xterised with ice

Arid means desert region

 

@TWawu is there any relationship between Temperature vs. Case Numbers

 

 

 

Yes as I explained that Asian Countries like China, India are among the countries having the higher number of infected persons because the have low temperature while African countries have the low number of infected persons because the temperature conditions high

 

 

What is the seasonal bahaviour of diseases?

 

Low temperature contributes to the spread of the visus that is why you see that areas having low temperature experience high number of infected persons while area having high temperature like African countries having low infected persons

 

These are some basic issues about weather while COVID 19 is a pandemic diseases which affects all part of the world

 

 

There is Strong correlation between Weather and COVID 19 Pandemic

 

@TWawu Do weather conditions influence the transmission of the coronavirus?

 

Yes of course the variables of Weather which influences the transmission include Temperature, Wind and Humidity

 

 

#CITADActionAgainstCOVID19

Sir @TWawu, some people are relating #Covid19 resistant of most Africa nations to high temperature. Can you please shade more light on this; whether or not the claim is right.

 

@TWawu it is true that cool weather increases the virus. @ICTAdvocates

 

Yes of course because if you look at the areas having the high number of infected persons you will see that they have low temperature that is why the Virus doesn’t kill and spread much in Africa

 

 

@TWawu @ICTAdvocates @a_sabo12 #CITADagainstCovid19 At this point we come to the end of today’s Twitter chat. With this we are saying BIG THANK you Doctor. We hv short of words to express our gratitude 4 your participation. Happy New Hijri Year 1442.

 

You’re highly welcome I’m ready to give you support and contributions as the need arises.

 

 

Corona virus originates from Wuhan in China this is an area where by the temperature is relatively low and going by what has happened as regard to the number of infected people you will find out that the area having cold temperature eg China, India, USA, Brazil Russia  etc

 

Of course yes because we Africans lives in Tropical regions which have high temperature

 

 

 

 

@TWawu Coronavirus seasonality: Is the spread likely to vary?

as occurs with other respiratory diseases such as influenza.

 

 

Yes of course the variables of Weather which influences the transmission include Temperature, Wind and Humidity

 

Low temperature contributes to the spread of the visus that is why you see that areas having low temperature experience high number of infected persons while area having high temperature like African countries having low infected persons

 

 

 

 

Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) initiated a sensitization program on COVID19 in Nigeria. This week twitter chat which makes it the 38th edition held on the 18^th August, 2020 with Comrade Rabi’u Shamma, Founder, Centre for Awareness on Good Governance and Development. The guest discussed on How Civil Society Organizations can Promote Transparency in the Fight against Covid19 in Nigeria. Here is how the discussions went.

 

*Welcome remarks*

@a_sabo12

Hello everyone Please join me in welcoming our today’s guest on @ICTAdvocates ‘s twitter chat on #CITADagainstCovid19, @R_Shamma who is going to discuss on How CSOs can Promote Transparency in the Fight against Covid19 in Nig. Welcome sir.

 

@ChiromaHope

 

Welcome Mr. @R_Shamma! We are all excited to be here with you this afternoon!

 

@mukhtars_s

My pleasure, @R_Shamma maraba! lale!! marhabun!!!

 

@ R_Shamma Response

Thanks, I am glad to be here.

 

Q 1. @ChiromaHope:

 

Mr. @R_Shamma, can you please start the conversation by briefing us on ways civil actors can promote transparency and accountability in the fight against #COVID19 in Nigeria.

 

*Response*

@R_Shamma:

 

Civil society the world over are known to be great pushers of transparency in government spending, transparency is one of the important tenets of good governance

 

Q 2

@ChiromaHope:

 

Mr. @R_Shamma, can you please enumerate the ways these actors employ in achieving their common mandates.

 

*Response*

@R_Shamma:

 

People for example have complained of spending over hundreds of millions of naira on feeding school children, when the children were actually at home

 

3

@mukhtars_s

 

My Chairman @R_Shamma In Nigeria, Private sector and the international community has contributed money and materials to support the fight against COVID-19.

 

*Response*

@R_Shamma:

 

With the increase as a result of donations of funds from the private sector and the international

community and the presidential task force, there is an urgent need to promote transparency in the collection and disbursement of these funds

 

Q 4

@a_sabo12:

 

What ways do you think are best to follow to ensure govt MDAs have become more transparent in way they handle this

pandemic especially in the area of their

spending?

 

*Response*

@ R_Shamma:

Sadly, the roughly more than 500 billion so far spent by government and the donations generated have been marred by secrecy

 

Q5

@a_sabo12

 

Comrade what do you think is the reason behind govt secrecy in this fight?

 

*Response*

@R_Shamma:

 

Certainly there is always the factor of corruption, which has been a cankerworm that

has eaten deep into the fabric of governtment parastatals in Nigeria

 

Q 6

@a_sabo12

 

@R_Shamma What ways do you think are best to follow to ensure govt MDAs have become more transparent in way they handle this pandemic especially in the area of their

spending?

 

*Response*

@ R_Shamma:

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development for example have said to distribute billion of naira palliatives but so far there have been no breakdown of how these spendings were carried out, they usually give a sweeping statement

 

Q 7

 

@ a_sabo12

 

Can we say the money is possibly being diverted for other activities looking at how public requesting the Ministry to provide them with

necessary info but the Ministry has refused to do so?

 

8

 

@a_sabo12

 

What ways do you think are best to follow to ensure govt MDAs have become more transparent in way they handle this pandemic especially in the area of their spending?

 

*Response*

@R_Shamma

 

There is the need to ensure periodic release that can be verified by anyone, their spendings need to also be publish online, the Civil Society groups

must also be incorparated in distributions that has to do with communities

 

9

 

@mukhtars_s

 

In whatever doing there must be a challenge`s.

@R_Shamma In Nig., What challenges do CSOs facing in their effort to promote transparency in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic?

 

*Response*

@ R_Shamma

 

There have been challenges certainly, many of the MDAs have not been responding to request for information even after applying the Freedom of information law, CSOs have also not been carried along in the formation of distribution committees, especially during the COVID19 pandemic

 

Q 10

 

@ChiromaHope

 

Mr. @R_Shamma, there are a number of cries by concern citizens and CSOs over mismanagement of #CovidFunds , the recent been the findings by @CivicHive that N37.

06m spent on the purchase of just 1808 pieces of ordinary face masks.

 

 

@ChiromaHope

 

And the purchase of Prado Jeep at the cost of 39.75m and the description of what the vehicle will be used for is not stated. Plus many

others. And we have not seen any thing beyond having the figures trending on media.

 

*Response*

@ R_Shamma

 

The Covid19 pandemic is another opportunity that the corrupt leadership in Nigeria have used to further milk the country dry, CSO have therefore a very big challenge to demand for transparency in all

government spendings in order to effectively deal

with this global chall enge

 

 

11

 

@ChiromaHope

 

@R_Shamma, what other action can we take aside making this figures known to the public?

 

*Response*

@R_Shamma

 

There is the need for CSOs to track all funds said to be spent on COVID19, either in terms of palliatives or provision of necessary healthcare facilities and if we found anything fishy then we can petition the relevant anti corruption agencies, EFCC and ICPC to

demand for account

 

13

*Conclusion:*

 

@ChiromaHope

 

Mr. @R_Shamma, we have come to the end of this chat. On behalf of our E.D., @YZYau and the entire management of @ICTAdvocates, we

thank you so much for honoring our invitation.

It has been an interesting session

 

@ R_Shamma

 

Thank you very much, it is my pleasure, may we all

rise up to the challenge of ensuring transparency in

governance during and after the covid19 pandemic.

@ICTAdvocates you are doing great, cheers!

 

Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) initiated a sensitization program on COVID 19 in Nigeria. The twitter chat with Abduljalal Nadabo makes it 37th edition of the Twitter Chat on the 13th August, 2020.

The guest was Abduljalal Nadabo (RPH), a Production Pharmacist at RHG Health Pharmaceuticals Limited, He discussed on The Race for the Production of COVID-19 Vaccines and the Fate of Developing Countries. He started by saying, The COVID 19 Pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities and disabilities of even some of the most developed nations on earth. The discussion reminds him of a statement from Chapter 2 of the book “The “Lizard Shape” No Nation can effectively control what it does not produce. Mr. Nadabo defined developing Countries as a country having a standard of living or level of industrial production well below that possible with financial or technical aid, a country that is not yet highly industrialized. He went further to respond to question on developing vaccines, he said it is an extremely tedious process involving many years and stages of research (experimental and clinical) technicalities, intricacies, risky undertakings and copious amount resources. He made reference to Madagascar produced vaccine some months back and it cured COVID 19. He also reference to China, produced a traditional medicine to cure the disease.

 

In responding to another question, he said developing countries have no control over these vaccines because most can neither develop nor produce them nor can they afford to make huge financial deals with Big Pharma corporations, their fate is filled with uncertainties. Africa is far from vaccine race, all efforts are dependent on WHO and other International Organisations. It either you develop the vaccine yourself or invest with Big Pharma if you have the resources.

 

At the end, he summarized the outcome of developing nations with regards to the vaccine race; developing countries should rely on World Health Organisations and other institutions like CEPI, GAVI to be considered for cheaper people’s vaccine, await the controversial Gate’s charity vaccine like the ID2020 conspiracy4, become victims of vaccine hoarding as it has happened in the past. Finally, he said the quest for COVID 19 Vaccine in play is but interplay of international politics and financial interest of pharma corporations, hopes and lots of uncertainties, leaving the developing nations with very limited options available to select at their own peril. This calls for the coming together of the countries to come up with a particular multilateral goal. It is also a wakeup call for developing countries to invest heavily in science if they want to survive through the next century.

 

Engagements:

 

1. Join @ICTAdvocates on its 37th edition of Twitter Chat on Covid19 as it hosts Abduljalal Nadabo (RPh), Production Pharmacist at RHG Health & Pharmaceutical LTD who is going to discuss on The Race for the Production of Covid19 Vaccines & the Fate of Developing Countries @ICTAdvocates have assigned me with the task of discussing this very interesting, yet sensitive topic as it deals with international politics and public health. I’ll try to do justice to it. so follow us…
2. Thank you very much. I’m honoured to be here.
3. The COVID 19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities and disabilities of even some of the most developed nations on earth. The topic of discussion is an interesting one but not a pleasant one if the blatant truth about the situation is to be discussed.
4. The topic of discussion reminds me of a statement from Chapter 2 of the book “The Lizard Shape,” authored by my Professor and Boss, @ProfATMora  “No Nation can effectively control what it does not produce.”
5. I think it provides an inkling of the outcome of developing countries with regards to the race of COVID 19 vaccine. What is a Developing Country anyways?
6. Dictiorary.com defines a developing country as a country having a standard of living or level of industrial production well below that possible with financial or technical aid; a country that is not yet highly industrialized. No examples needed.
7. Developing vaccines is an extremely tedious process involving many years and stages of research (experimental and clinical), technicalities, intricacies, risky undertakings and copious amount resources.
8. Even so, the process is full of uncertainties as only a small fraction of preliminary vaccines (7%) reach human trials and only about 17% pass human clinical trials. Still not a 100% guarantee it will work
9. These uncertain figures give an edge to rich countries, endowed with the advanced technologies to engage in these processes and the resources to sign multibillion-dollar vaccine deals with the Big Pharma corporations
10. But it is also filled with peril for poor countries, which lack the resources to sign these deals, or middle-income states that risk gambling on a small number of tentative vaccines.
11. Now before I discuss firsthand the possible fate of these developing nations with regards to the vaccine race, let’s discuss ‘Political Multilateralism and The Quest for Vaccine Nationalism’
12. When I say “Vaccine Nationalism,” I mean every nation for itself and when I say “Multilateralism, I mean all nations coming unbiased coming together of all the nations to confront the vaccine challenge.
13. Ever since the early stage of the pandemic, many advanced countries, including the US, China, Russia, UK, France, Germany, and Italy, have been making moves, intellectually, politically & financially to either develop or secure a vaccine for the virus.
14. A few days ago, the Russian President announced the registration of the first Corona Virus vaccine. The Chinese are also at the forefront of this race with over 5 experimental vaccines with one already approved for limited use by their military.
15. Carolyn and Eva of the Washington Post in an article, described this race between US and China as this generation’s Sputnik moment as it echoes technological dominance just like the space race after the launch of Sputnik in 1957.
16. In return, of course, the 1st 100 million doses produced will be secured for the Britons. Meanwhile, the same Big Pharma Company had made a separate agreement to make 300 million doses available for the US once it is available.
17. The EU also not left out as in the race because, amongst other individual efforts to develop vaccines, in June they made their own vaccine deals through Inclusive Vaccine Alliance forged by Germany, France, Italy & Netherlands to also secure 400 million doses.
18. Many other countries including Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Singapore and South Korea are also in their own races. These are just a few examples. But the big question here is where do most developing countries fit in this global quest?
19. So, let’s not deceive ourselves about multilateralism is only a political display, it’s every nation for itself out there!
20. The way I see it since developing countries have no control over these vaccines because most can neither develop nor produce them nor can they afford to make huge financial deals with Big Pharma corporations, their fate is filled with uncertainties.
21. On June 18th Aljazeera published a worrisome article ‘the race for the virus vaccine could leave poor countries behind.’ Clearly, the rise of this “vaccine nationalism” threatens the future of developing nations once a vaccine is found!
22. Sir, now that a vaccine is claimed to be registered by Russia. What’s the fate of Developing countries? Are we going to fall our hand waiting anything from them, or there’s still hope about our research
23. @AJNadabo What Is the World Doing to Create a COVID-19 Vaccine? Most countries in the advanced world are busy using every available technology and pumping an enormous amount of resources to secure vaccine deals for its people. The WHO is tracking most efforts on its end.
24. Dr. @AJNadabo, what is your comment on claims by some medical practitioners that Chlorine cures #COVID19 patients?
25. @AJNadabo  Is Covid 19 share similar vaccine with maleria? And Why all treatment given to the Covid 19 patients is similar with that of maleria fever? NO. COVID and Malaria are two different diseases requiring different approaches and treatments. they are nothing alike, I think the only link is the Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine
26.  is there any procedure or procedures before producing any vaccine? Yes. developing a vaccine is a very tedious process involving many intricacies. There are several procedures to it and it requires a minimum of 6 phases over many years. Many are being overlooked due to the urgent global need in terms of COVID’s.
27. Madagascar some months back product vaccine and it cure Covid 19, China has a product from it’s traditional medicine to cure the disease and just last week Russian govt produced it’s own. Why the differences in a single disease?
28. @AJNadabo what efforts does Nigerian pharms are doing to ensure they try to produce vaccine for the control of Covid 19.
29. Many governments have warned that daily life cannot return to normal until their populations have built up antibodies to fend off the virus. So pls, What is the status of a COVID-19 vaccine?
30. @AJNadabo some people have been saying that politics is playing an important role with regards to production of covid-19 vaccine, is that true? This is actually very true, there is a lot of politics with regards to COVID-19 vaccine development. Exemplified by the US, a COVID 19 vaccine can serve as a very good tool for the campaign against next election.
31. The Race for the Production of COVID-19 Vaccines and the Fate of Developing Countries
32. Interesting discussion going on with @AJNadabo, this young & resourceful professional is leading a discourse on the “Race Towards Getting a Vaccine for #COVID19 & the Fate of Developing Countries”. Drop your questions/comments here on the theme of the discussion @YZYau @a_sabo12
33. I’d like to summarize the outcome of Developing Nations with regards to the vaccine race:
34. 1.Rely on WHO and Other International Institutions like CEPI, GAVI (COVAX) to be considered for cheaper ‘People’s Vaccine 2.Reluctantly wait for the Chinese Vaccine with a Latent Price 3. Await The Controversial Gate’s Charity Vaccine linked to ID2020 Conspiracy4. 3.Become Victims of Vaccine Hoarding as it has happened in the past with other infectious diseases like H1N1, or swine flu, pandemic. The quest for Covid19 vaccine in play is but an interplay of international politics, financial interests of pharma corporations, hopes and lots of uncertainties, leaving the developing nations with very limited options available to select at their own peril. This calls for the coming together of the countries to achieve this particular multilateral goal. It is also a wake-up call for developing nations to invest heavily in science if they are to survive through the next century. #CITADagainstCovid19 Thank you!
35. Here we come to end of this discussion with Pharmacist Abduljalal Nadabo (@AJNadabo) who discussed on The Race for the Production of COVID-19 Vaccines and the Fate of Developing Countries. Thank you so much Pharm for taking your time to educate on this topic #CITADagainstCovid19. Thank you very much for having me. I’ll respond to some of the individual questions at my leisure.
36. Dr. Good afternoon, Is African countries part of this race or they should wait for the super power countries? Frankly, Africa is far from the vaccine race. All efforts are dependent on WHO and other International Organizations. It’s either you develop the vaccine your self or you invest in BigPharma if you have the resources.

 

In continuation of its educative programs on Covid19 in Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) held its 33rd twitter chat on the 30th of July, 2020. The guest was Dr. Jide Ojo, a development consultant, author and a public affairs analyst on the topic “How Corruption is Undermining the Fight against COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria”. Dr. Jide started the chat by responding to the question on how deeply corruption has interfere with fight against Covid19 in Nigeria. According to him, the issue of corruption during this COVID-19 pandemic is very heart rending. He said Even Nigerians have queried the FG’s spending on this COVID-29 palliatives especially the homegrown school feeding program. He further stated that if you have been following the news, you would have heard of the N1.32bn NDDC claimed to have spent on COVID-19 palliatives. He went further to cited some examples of states with Covid 19 related cases, among the examples was a case of a Councilor in Niger State who diverted 6 bags of rice and other grains given to him for distribution to personal use.

 

Another one was, few days ago, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly decided to probe over N500m allegedly spent by the State Task Force on COVID-19 headed by the Deputy Governor. He also talked about some allegations level against the federal government, he said all manner of breach of procurement processes were committed due to the emergency nature of containment of COVID-19. Till date, none can say categorically how much cash and in-kind donations have been received by the FG or States on this COVID-19. Yet a lot of donations were received.

 

Another corruption allegations levelled  against the FG is how the Social Register for the 3.6m beneficiaries were compiled and why the distribution across the states was lopsided in favor of some northern states. He said it is also believed that cash disbursement to the beneficiaries of N20, 000 conditional cash transfer is prone to corruption and that payment should have been made via their bank accounts. He also highlights that is it not shocking that Federal Ministry of Agriculture is allegedly doing the procurement for the Federal Ministry of Health. He said this was brought to his attention during a radio program, if this is true, he said it is sad!

 

In answering a question on what strategies can support civil society anti-corruption and social accountability initiatives during & after the pandemic, he responded by saying that  “We need to document and follow through some of the public announcement on donations and make an independent compilation”

He stated that in fairness to the FG, Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 was more forthcoming with information on donations than many of their state counterparts.

 

He also faulted the government by saying that all manner of breach of procurement processes were committed due to the emergency nature of containment of COVID-19.

 

He made some recommendations which include:

The civil society and the media owe it a duty to follow through some of the alleged sharp practices and malpractices that have been committed during this Covid-19 pandemic.

Secondly we need to document and follow through some of the public announcement on donations and make an independent compilation.