INTRODUCTION
On the 14 th of September, 2022 the Centre for Information Technology and Development held
the 4 th Women Internet Governance Forum as part of the 2022 Internet Governance Forum
activities. The event which is being held annually is part of the Nigerian Internet Governance
Forum (NIGF) pre-event activities., This year, the event theme was Making the Internet for
Livelihood, Love and Life: Tackling Gender and Child Abuse Online and was held online with a
limited physical attendance/participation in Kano. The theme was a well thought one, looking
at the global happenings around gender and child abuse online which has become a norm by
the perpetrators. Madam Marry Uduma, Coordinator, West African Internet Governance Forum
served as the Chairperson with Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, Chairperson, Ndukwe Kalu Foundation as
the Keynote Speaker while Jan Moolman, Co-Manager: Women’s Rights Programme,
Association for Progressive Communications served as the Guest Speaker.
Also, two technical sessions were held on Gender Violence Online and Child Protection Online.
At the two sessions, distinguished personalities and experts on Gender Based Violence and
Child Protection spoke and shared their experience and knowledge with the participants. The
first session which was titled Dealing with Gender Violence Online was chaired by Professor
Amina Kaidal of the University of Maiduguri while the speakers at this session were Zainab
Aminu, CITAD Technical Officer, Mrs. Martha Alade, Founder, Women in Technology and Msen
Nabo, Digital Media Associate at Connected Development.
The second session which focused on Dealing with Child Protection Online, had Hajiya Suwaiba
Muhammad Dankabo, Programmes Manager at ActionAid International as chair while Aminu
Adamu Naganye of the Star Newspaper, Harira Wakili, a Gender and Human Rights Activist and
Barrister Aisha Mahdi of Green Edge Attorneys served as the speakers.
OPENING SESSION
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of CITAD, Y.Z Ya’u started by explaining the
purpose of this year’s WIGF during which he stated that, the essence of organizing the forum
was to encourage discussion, especially among women, on Internet governance and harvest
strategies for addressing issues that tend to reinforce the marginalization of women in the
digital space. Mr. Ya’u further stated that the WIGF focuses on two specific issues:

2

1. Issues of Gender Based Violence: in this regards, Mr. Y.Z said a lot of young women have
   suffered and still suffering from different kind of gender violence from people whose aim was
   to deter them from using the Internet. He also lamented that in some cases these young
   women face gender violence by their social media friends. Moreover, the Executive Director
   also said many women especially political aspirants are being abused and castigated on social
   media based on their gender, which contributes in furthering the political marginalization of
   women.
2. Child Abuse Online: on this, the Executive Director stated that the Federal Government of
   Nigeria has set up panel to advise on a policy framework on how to address this issue. Speaking
   further on this, Ya’u hoped the forum would give the participants a chance to harvest strategic
   ideas that can help in shaping the policy, raise awareness and involve other stakeholders in
   trying to sanitize the digital ecosystem so that the women in particular can be able to make
   effective use of the Internet in the country, have access to educational materials and ability to
   use the Internet without being harassed or intimidated.
   Speaking about the importance of the Internet, Mr. Ya’u stated that Internet allows individuals
   and academics to make research when there is accessible and safe Internet. Fearing that some
   factors may hinder the proper use of the Internet, Ya’u advocated that factors which inhibit
   people from using the Internet needed to be removed and issue of affordability should also be
   addressed. He observed that women find it more difficult to access the Internet than men due
   to the economic disparity that exists between two.
   Moreover, Ya’u said the aims of the forum were to: improve user security competence among
   women, ensure women are able to use the Internet safely & secure their communications and
   that their privacy is well respected. At the end, he emphasized that “we must take Internet as a
   right for everybody in the country”
   Giving her remarks at the Forum, the West African Chair of the Internet Governance Forum,
   Mrs. Marry Uduma said in discussing about children and women on the net, we need to first
   understand that these category of people are already being marginalized and a huge gap exists
   in the society. She also stated that women and children are every day being abused and
   violence being meted on them online but little is being done to curtail the situation. Further,
   the West African Chair said, these categories needed to be encouraged and supported to use
   the Internet without being harassed and their rights not being violated in order to benefit from
   the ample opportunities the Internet presents. At the end she encouraged the participants to
   actively participate at the forum.
   The Keynote Speaker at the Forum, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, Chairperson, Ndukwe Kalu
   Foundation mentioned that in the early days of the Internet, it has been a concern to the whole

3

nation. Discussing on the responses to Gender Abuse Online and the multiple questions to
address bordering around gender violence online, the keynote speaker said, there is need to
develop campaigns messages to counter the misusers of the Internet and contributed to the
current processes of developing national strategy on child protection online. The speaker also
stated that the essence is to find ways on how to address physical and online abuse, and how to
protect vulnerable people from being harmed on the Internet. For this, she said more budget
need to be allocated to this area.
Mrs. Odusote went further to state that under United Nations Charter for Child Protection,
every child is expected to have a fundamental right to education, a right to health and a right to
livelihood, children are supposed to be allowed to speak and to be heard, but a lot of
constraints are preventing them from being able to fully access their fundamental rights
especially in Africa due to the cultural issues. Speaking about the ample advantages of the
Internet, Mrs. Odusote said if there was no Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic, many
people could have lost their lives. The Internet had also served as school for many children
during the lockdown, however, it also came with many disadvantages where some people used
it to abuse children.
Buttressing child abuse further, the keynote speaker said child and women abuse is a daily
reality in Nigeria; six out of ten children experience one form of abuse or the other, one in four
girls, and ten percent of boys have also been abused according to UNICEF data. She said
Technology when use in the right way has a potential to broaden opportunities and reduce the
level of abuse if there are proper guidance. The keynote speaker also lamented that many
opportunities are still not fully explored, but people tend to use the negative side of the
Internet, bullying others and amplifying hate speech on social media platforms.
On the negative consequences of child abuse on education, Mrs. Odusote said report has
shown that one in five children skipped school due to abuse, and of recent, kidnapping of
school children has also brought a lot of problem to children education in the country.
Discussing about the strategies to follow in preventing gender abuse and safety promotion
among children, the speaker said, for that, educational institutions must to be protected as well
as ensuring privacy of children online. For this, government must ensure all the necessary
regulations are in place and civil society organizations need to intensify advocacies to relevant
government agencies on the issues. Also teaching digital literacy and online safety skills will go
a long way in addressing the menace.
Moreover, there was need to articulate and introduce policies on how to prevent the abuses,
promote parental care education, enlightenment on online activities for the children and
women need to be properly educated. There is need for guidelines on installation of

4

appropriate technology and software to prevent children falling into the traps of their abusers.
And creating trauma management techniques and advocacy for protecting young people online
will go a long way in finding the solution to the problem.
In her contribution, the Guest Speaker, Ms. Jan Moolman started her contribution by saying
that the journey for the improvement of women’s rights especially on the Internet is a difficult
one, looking at how the Internet impact the lives of women from the ICT to digital technology,
from the focus of ICT for Development from the 1990s to 2000s and even in the contemporary
discussion regarding privacy, disinformation, misinformation, censorship and hate speech, the
role of women in influencing, shaping and benefiting from digital technology is getting much
more grounded, and this recognition is largely due to the consistent work of organizations and
people in the global south that consistently call for inclusion, diversity and bringing gender
approaches to all the work that concerned human rights, both online and offline. Information
around gender based violence has been at the core of this work and has duly serve in bringing
different actors into the same room to find solution, the speaker added. She went further to
say that it took many years of lobbying and advocacy and work within women movement,
including building knowledge, research, campaigning, sharing experience and finally getting a
common language to get recognition on violation women experience when they are online. And
this work and persistency led to the 2018 adaptation of the UN Human Rights Council first ever
UN resolution on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls in digital
context and other different resolutions including the recent one in Africa has brought more
relief to women and girls in the continent.
Speaking on the issues APC and its partners pay more attention to when it comes to women
rights and digital technology, Ms. Moolman mentioned the followings:

1. Joy, hope and Justice: according to the Guest speaker, for people who experienced
   violence online, there is hope they can find joy with regards to connection, information,
   solidarity, friendship, fun and even in some cases love. And for this, APC and its partners
   think it is important to encourage people to continue the work they are doing and to
   keep women safe and in a productive way on the digital space.
2. Access: Even though women face many forms of violence online but there is need to
   ensure they have access to online platforms as easily and affordable as possible in order
   to carry out their normal activities. Emphasizing on how women are being marginalized
   when it comes to accessing the Internet, the speaker said, the 2019 ITBU report stated
   that globally only 48% of women are online and in the global south this is even lower at
   28%. This according her shows that there is wide gap between the connected and
   unconnected in the society. And unless we are able to address the issue of accessibility,
   many women and marginalized communities will remain in darkness and their voices
   silent.

5

3. Third is about companies that own social media platforms that are regulating contents
   that lacks clarity and consistency and which upon violate the rights of people without
   accountability or remedy. These companies are determining online discourses with
   focus on profits at the expense of users’ privacy and rights.
4. The fourth is about how feminists’ movements online and offline are expanding and
   taking new forms. These groups are upon targeting for gender based violence online
   and it sometimes manifest to offline spaces.
   FIRST TECHNICAL SESSION: DEALING WITH GENDER VIOLENCE ONLINE
   CHAIR: Professor Amina Kaidal
   PANELISTS: Martha Alade, Zainab Aminu, Msen Nabo
   The first technical session was on Dealing with Gender Violence Online. The session which was
   chaired by Professor Amina Kaidal of the University of Maiduguri had Mrs. Martha Alade,
   Founder of Women InTechnology, Zainab Aminu, Gender Technical Officer, Centre for
   Information Technology and Development and Msen Nabo, Digital Media Associate at
   Connected Development.
   In her presentation, Zainab Aminu started by defining the Gender-Based violence which
   according to her refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender and
   rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms.  Mss. Aminu said Gender-
   based violence (GBV) is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health and
   protection issue, which is estimated that one in three women experiences sexual or physical
   violence in their lifetime.
   Zainab further stated that gender violence is not a new phenomenon; it has been existing since
   time immemorial which can include sexual, physical, mental and economic harm inflicted in
   public or in private and threats of violence, coercion and manipulation. Mss. Aminu also said
   gender violence can take many forms such as intimate partner violence, sexual violence, child
   marriage, female genital mutilation and so-called ‘honour crimes’ while its consequences are
   devastating and can have life-long repercussions for survivors. 
   Speaking about the impact of cyber violence, the speaker said it differs according to the victim’s
   gender. She gave an example with a study conducted by the Pew Research Centre which
   revealed that 38% of harassed women found their most recent experience with online
   harassment extremely or very upsetting, compared to only 17% of harassed men. The research
   further said that compared to male users, who tend to be more concerned about damage to
   their reputation, females are more likely to fear physical harm. This corresponds to the nature
   of online abuse these groups experience. Where men and boys are more likely to be victims of
   defamation and libel, women are more likely to be subjected to derogatory remarks or sexual

6

images and threats, such as non-consensual pornography. She gave another example with
another study which found that female college students (age 18-24) who were victims of offline
stalking were three times more likely to be stalked online than their male counterparts. The
study also found that “while particular variables influence victimization risk among females,
virtually none of the variables in the analyses produced statistically significant relationships
with victimisation among males”.
Moreover, Zainab said key distinction between offline and online gender-based cyber violence
is that it is significantly more difficult “to permanently remove abusive or triggering content
from the Internet, which obliges the survivor to re-experience their victimisation all over again.”
This can exacerbate the psychological impacts of these forms of violence, such as flashbacks of
the incident and/or perpetrator, as well as increase the victim’s isolation period.
Discussing on the long term negative impact of gender violence online, Zainab said the greatest
impact that women experience is self-censorship. Women start censoring themselves online.
And that is what the abusers want. Another impact she said is that online violence attempts to
keep women from major sectors of the public sphere because public only take physical violence
seriously. The third impact is that some women leave the online platform [after being
harassed]. The forth impact which is being associated with online violence is public health issue
and the effects which results in physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm, and erodes
self-esteem.
Offering some solutions on how one can protect selves online, Zainab Aminu mentioned the
followings:
• Creating a strong password 
• Having different passwords for different accounts
• Downloading apps from authentication platforms and using two factor verification
• Logging out of accounts when not in use
• Not using public WIFI for sharing sensitive information 
At the end the speaker said, to stop gender violence online, there is need for public awareness
in order for people to understand it consequences which in many cases metamorphosed to
offline.
The second speaker, Mrs Martha Alade started by quoting the 1993 UN Declaration on the
Elimination of Violence against Women which defines ‘violence against women’ as an act of
gender-related violence (GBV) that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual,
psychological or economic harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion
or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life [or online].

7

Discussing on the different types of Gender Violence Online, Mrs Alade said it includes; Doxing
(leaking unauthorized info to public), Sexist abuse, Hate speech, Threat to free expression,
Threat to privacy, Impersonation, Defamation, Gender-based discriminatory memes,
Cyberstalking, Online misogyny etc. On the category of people that experience Gender
Violence, Mrs Martha said women and girls from marginalised communities are the easy
targets and their voices are often unheard. Mrs Alade also said, in most of the times, girls in
local communities are being violated but they are not even aware they are being violated. She
gave a scenario on a case they worked on which happened to a small girl in a community they
are working in and the girl was abused but due to lack of proper awareness about the issue she
was not even aware she was abused until she was examined then it was discovered the girl was
violated.
At the end, the speaker said, to stop gender violence the followings need to be considered

1. Education in local languages
2. Increase Sensitization/Advocacy – culturally responsive and relevant
3. Consent and privacy
4. Human Rights Enforcements by Public and Private
5. Employ AI for Filtering offensive contents
6. Content Enhancement
7. Enable more support and help channels for victims
8. Drive programs that amplify voices of the marginalized women and girls
9. Support NGOs working around the subject

The third at this technical session, Miss Msen Nabo, Digital Media Associate at Connected
Development said appealing to governments to take the issue of GBV more serious is
something its advocates need to take beyond social media and also people’s attitudes need to
be changed. Mss. Nabo also stated that Gender Violence especially online is something that
people come across everyday but most of the times the victims ended up being punished by the
society. The gender activist said when victims of gender violence try to speak out against the
violence mated on them they usually receive silent feedback or they are advised to keep mute
in order to protect their image.
Mss. Msen went further to say that a clear example where government is an accomplice to this
act is the case of Kano State where the State House of Assembly refused to domesticate the
Child Protection Act even though the state is ranked among the states with high rate of gender

8

based violence and child abuse. According her, this need intense advocacies and awareness
creation.
Speaking further on how people violate others on social media platforms, Mss. Nabo stated
that sharing someone’s pictures, address, videos without his/her consent are all forms of
violence online and these types of violence can turn to offline. And for this, she suggested that
advocacies and awareness creation need to be carried out in order to stop it.

SECOND TECHNICAL SESSION: DEALING WITH CHILD ABUSE ONLINE
CHAIR: Hajiya Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo
PANELISTS: Barrister Aisha Mahdi, Harira Wakili, Aminu Adamu Naganye
The second session was moderated by Hajiya Suwaiba Y. Dankabo of ActionAid Nigeria and the
Three (3) distinguished personalities and experts on Gender Based Violence and Child
Protection spoke and shared their experience and knowledge with the participants.
A Gender and Internet Right Advocate, Harira Abdulrahman Wakili started her presentation
with explaining the ample opportunities the Internet presents to the young generations, Mss.
Wakili said nowadays Internet offers limitless opportunities to young people through
computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, and televisions, children learn, imagine and develop
their social networks. But she cautioned that these platforms need to be used in the most
appropriate way, where she stated that when these are used in the right way – and accessible
to all – the Internet has the potential to broaden horizons and ignite creativity. She also said
that with these opportunities come serious risks. Harira added that cyberbullying and other
forms of peer-to-peer violence can affect young people each time they log on to social media or
instant messaging platforms. Speaking about what children can be exposed to on the net, Miss
Wakili mentioned that when browsing the Internet, children may be exposed to hate speech
and violent content – including messages that incite self-harm and even suicide. According to
her, what happens online reflects the realities children face every day – at home, at school and
in their wider communities. In conclusion, Ms. Wakili emphasized that every child must be
protected from violence, exploitation and abuse on the Internet.
The Second speaker at this session was Barrister Aisha H. Mahdi of Green Edge Attorneys, who
emphasized that with the widespread use of the Internet, the advancement in technology and
the proliferation of Internet-enabled devices have created borderless and unlimited access to
information. Barr. Aisha said progress brings by the Internet has given the bad eggs in the
society the opportunities to exploit, put the children at risk, and make them vulnerable to
abuse. She said that there is an urgent need to balance the immense benefits of technology,
commercial interest and ensuring online safety of children with appropriate safeguards and
strong legal and institutional framework. Speaking on the safety on children online, the speaker

9

said there is a growing concern about the safety and privacy of children online which is amongst
the problems identified by relevant stakeholders in Nigeria.
Discussing about the Internet penetration in the country, Barrister Mahdi said as Internet
penetration increases, more children are connected to the grid, and this gives the children
better understanding of technology than the average adult. The speaker also mentioned that
new phones, smart toys, computers, and privileges for using a device give birth to new
responsibilities. Speaking about the exposure of the children to social media, Aisha stated that
the increased use of social media and online services allows children to share and consume
tremendous volume of personal information online. And at the same time the children use the
Internet as a means to learn, share and participate in civic life.
The legal practitioner added that in Nigeria, Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 8
of the Child Rights Act provide for children’s right to privacy. And Section 23 of the Cybercrimes
Act 2015 punishes child pornography. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act also
criminalizes cyberbullying and cyber stalking that could affect children. According to her,
though the Act punishes consumption of such contents and provides for other offenses, there is
no other specific legal guidelines or direction to protect the online safety and privacy of the
Nigerian child. Giving recommendations on how to safeguard children online, Barrister Aisha
Mahdi said:
i. Nigeria needs an online privacy protection law for children which will seek to protect
the personal information of children on websites, online services and applications
and it should be binding on online service providers collecting the personal data of
children to ensure consent management.
ii. Service providers should require the consent of the parents or guardians if the data
collection affects a child below the established age.
iii. There is need to digitalize the Nigerian courts and repeal some laws to ensure
efficient and quick judgments related to children abuses

Sharing his experience at the forum, a Kano based journalist, Aminu Adamu Naganye of The
Star Newspaper said Internet Service Providers and Electronic Service Providers need to ensure
their platforms are secure and do not put children at risk. He added that Service providers
should implement privacy and security by design and default. Service Providers have to do
more in creating and ensuring age-appropriate contents by managing content and dealing
effectively with abuse, misuse of their platforms and illegal contact with children.
Aminu Naganye said the legal framework alone cannot guarantee complete protection for the
Nigerian child. Excessive regulation will stifle children’s participation and access to the immense
benefits of the Internet. Speaking further, Mr. Naganye said there is need for increased digital
literacy for both children and their parents/guardians. According to him, providing this will
ensure children implement best privacy preferences, understand the implication of oversharing,
and have good online behavior. Another recommendations the journalist gave was that
parents/guardians should ensure they always install safety tools on their wards’ devices which
will protects children from inappropriate behavior and laying their hands on inappropriate

10

online contents. It will also prevents disclosure of personal information and assist parents and
guardians manage time spent on the devices.

CLOSING
Following the presentations, participants asked questions and made comments as well offered
specific recommendations that would help in making the Internet safer for both women and
children. This segment also allowed the presenters to clarify on some of the issues they raised
and positions advanced as well as father interrogated some of the proposed solutions to the
challenges that women and children face online. Participants agreed that there was need to
carry both the discussion and the proposed solutions offline to reach more people and
especially engage government and other stakeholders to respond to these challenges so that
both women and children would use the Internet safely and productive to ensure that it serves
their needs.
The organizers also promised to distill the recommendations and issue a communique as the
outcome of the Forum while exploring all possibilities to continue to engage both the
participants at this Forum as well as other stakeholders to mount a sustained public awareness
on the issues and an advocacy for action to address the problems,

A non-governmental organization, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with support from Association for Progressive Communications (APC), has organized an interactive session with female journalists of eight (8) northern states to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.

During the session which took place at Sands and Duns Hotel Damaturu, Yobe state, CITAD Gender Officer, Zainab Aminu said the contribution of the girl child to society-building is invaluable, and it is evident across all major spheres, including education, politics, decision making, media, business and even much more.

Aminu added that despite the odds and unfavorable conditions, there is a lot to celebrate about the girl child this year. “They have been worthy ambassadors and we are proud of them all.” She stated.

She also called on stakeholders, parents and government to give adequate attention to girls’ education, as well as ensure a secure and favorable environment for their learning.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Our Time is Now, Our Rights, Our Future’ a Kano based journalist Hannatu Sulaiman Abba, said it was a call for the girl child to be free from all forms of biases and her rights restored.

Hannatu also urged mothers to pay attention to their girl child, teach them to develop the ability to think critically and ensure they have equal participation in decision making, either within the family or at the community level.

The female journalists were drawn from eight (8) northern states of Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa and Plateau.

International Day of the Girl Child is observed on October 11 every year and was first observed on October 11, 2012 by the United Nations. This year commemorates the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl.

The day focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their rights.

The theme of International Day of the Girl Child this year is: “Our time is now—our rights, our future.”

INTRODUCTION
On the 14 th of September, 2022 the Centre for Information Technology and Development held
the 4 th Women Internet Governance Forum as part of the 2022 Internet Governance Forum
activities. The event which is being held annually is part of the Nigerian Internet Governance
Forum (NIGF) pre-event activities., This year, the event theme was Making the Internet for
Livelihood, Love and Life: Tackling Gender and Child Abuse Online and was held online with a
limited physical attendance/participation in Kano. The theme was a well thought one, looking
at the global happenings around gender and child abuse online which has become a norm by
the perpetrators. Madam Marry Udoma, Chair West African Internet Governance Forum served
as the chair with Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, Chair, Kalu D Foundation as the Keynote Speaker while
Jan Moolman, Co-Manager: Women’s Rights Programme, Association for Progressive
Communications served as the Guest Speaker.
Also, two technical sessions were held on Gender Violence Online and Child Protection Online.
At the two sessions, distinguished personalities and experts on Gender Based Violence and
Child Protection spoke and shared their experience and knowledge with the participants. The
first session which was titled Dealing with Gender Violence Online was chaired by Professor
Amina Kaidal of the University of Maiduguri while the speakers at this session were Zainab
Aminu, CITAD Technical Officer, Mrs. Martha Alade, Founder, Women in Technology and Msen
Nabo, Digital Media Associate at Connected Development.
The second session which focused on Dealing with Child Protection Online, had Hajiya Suwaiba
Muhammad Dankabo, Programmes Manager at ActionAid International as chair while Aminu
Adamu Naganye of the Star Newspaper, Harira Wakili, a Gender and Human Rights Activist and
Barrister Aisha Mahdi of Green Edge Attorneys served as the speakers.
OPENING SESSION
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of CITAD, Y.Z Ya’u started by explaining the
purpose of this year’s WIGF during which he stated that, the essence of organizing the forum
was to encourage discussion, especially among women, on internet governance and harvest
strategies for addressing issues that tend to reinforce the marginalization of women in the
digital space. Mr. Ya’u further stated that the WIGF focuses on two specific issues:

2

1. Issues of Gender Based Violence: in this regards, Mr. Y.Z said a lot of young women have
   suffered and still suffering from different kind of gender violence from people whose aim was
   to deter them from using the internet. He also lamented that in some cases these young
   women face gender violence by their social media friends. Moreover, the Executive Director
   also said many women especially political aspirants are being abused and castigated on social
   media based on their gender, which contributes in furthering the political marginalization of
   women.
2. Child Abuse Online: on this, the Executive Director stated that the Federal Government of
   Nigeria has set up panel to advise on a policy framework on how to address this issue. Speaking
   further on this, Ya’u hoped the forum would give the participants a chance to harvest strategic
   ideas that can help in shaping the policy, raise awareness and involve other stakeholders in
   trying to sanitize the digital ecosystem so that the women in particular can be able to make
   effective use of the internet in the country, have access to educational materials and ability to
   use the internet without being harassed or intimidated.
   Speaking about the importance of the internet, Mr. Ya’u stated that internet allows individuals
   and academics to make research when there is accessible and safe internet. Fearing that some
   factors may hinder the proper use of the internet, Ya’u advocated that factors which inhibit
   people from using the internet needed to be removed and issue of affordability should also be
   addressed. He observed that women find it more difficult to access the internet than men due
   to the economic disparity that exists between two.
   Moreover, Ya’u said the aims of the forum were to: improve user security competence among
   women, ensure women are able to use the internet safely & secure their communications and
   that their privacy is well respected. At the end, he emphasized that “we must take internet as a
   right for everybody in the country”
   Giving her remarks at the Forum, the West African Chair of the Internet Governance Forum,
   Mrs. Marry Uduma said in discussing about children and women on the net, we need to first
   understand that these category of people are already being marginalized and a huge gap exists
   in the society. She also stated that women and children are every day being abused and
   violence being meted on them online but little is being done to curtail the situation. Further,
   the West African Chair said, these categories needed to be encouraged and supported to use
   the internet without being harassed and their rights not being violated in order to benefit from
   the ample opportunities the internet presents. At the end she encouraged the participants to
   actively participate at the forum.
   The Keynote Speaker at the Forum, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, Chair, Kalu D Foundation mentioned
   that in the early days of the internet, it has been a concern to the whole nation. Discussing on

3

the responses to Gender Abuse Online and the multiple questions to address bordering around
gender violence online, the keynote speaker said, there is need to develop campaigns messages
to counter the misusers of the internet and contributed to the current processes of developing
national strategy on child protection online. The speaker also stated that the essence is to find
ways on how to address physical and online abuse, and how to protect vulnerable people from
being harmed on the internet. For this, she said more budget need to be allocated to this area.
Mrs. Ibukun went further to state that under United Nations Charter for Child Protection, every
child is expected to have a fundamental right to education, a right to health and a right to
livelihood, children are supposed to be allowed to speak and to be heard, but a lot of
constraints are preventing them from being able to fully access their fundamental rights
especially in Africa due to the cultural issues. Speaking about the ample advantages of the
Internet, Mrs. Odusate said if there was no internet during the COVID-19 pandemic, many
people could have lost their lives. The internet had also served as school for many children
during the lockdown, however, it also came with many disadvantages where some people used
it to abuse children.
Buttressing child abuse further, the keynote speaker said child and women abuse is a daily
reality in Nigeria; six out of ten children experience one form of abuse or the other, one in four
girls, and ten percent of boys have also been abused according to UNICEF data. She said
Technology when use in the right way has a potential to broaden opportunities and reduce the
level of abuse if there are proper guidance. The keynote speaker also lamented that many
opportunities are still not fully explored, but people tend to use the negative side of the
internet, bullying others and amplifying hate speech on social media platforms.
On the negative consequences of child abuse on education, Mrs. Odusate said report has
shown that one in five children skipped school due to abuse, and of recent, kidnapping of
school children has also brought a lot of problem to children education in the country.
Discussing about the strategies to follow in preventing gender abuse and safety promotion
among children, the speaker said, for that, educational institutions must to be protected as well
as ensuring privacy of children online. For this, government must ensure all the necessary
regulations are in place and civil society organizations need to intensify advocacies to relevant
government agencies on the issues. Also teaching digital literacy and online safety skills will go
a long way in addressing the menace.
Moreover, there was need to articulate and introduce policies on how to prevent the abuses,
promote parental care education, enlightenment on online activities for the children and
women need to be properly educated. There is need for guidelines on installation of
appropriate technology and software to prevent children falling into the traps of their abusers.

4

And creating trauma management techniques and advocacy for protecting young people online
will go a long way in finding the solution to the problem.
In her contribution, the Guest Speaker, Ms. Jan Moolman started her contribution by saying
that the journey for the improvement of women’s rights especially on the internet is a difficult
one, looking at how the internet impact the lives of women from the ICT to digital technology,
from the focus of ICT for D from the 1990s to 2000s and even in the contemporary discussion
regarding privacy, disinformation, misinformation, censorship and hate speech, the role of
women in influencing, shaping and benefiting from digital technology is getting much more
grounded, and this recognition is largely due to the consistent work of organizations and people
in the global south that consistently call for inclusion, diversity and bringing gender approaches
to all the work that concerned human rights, both online and offline. Information around
gender based violence has been at the core of this work and has duly serve in bringing different
actors into the same room to find solution, the speaker added. She went further to say that it
took many years of lobbying and advocacy and work within women movement, including
building knowledge, research, campaigning, sharing experience and finally getting a common
language to get recognition on violation women experience when they are online. And this
work and persistency led to the 2018 adaptation of the UN Human Rights Council first ever UN
resolution on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls in digital context
and other different resolutions including the recent one in Africa has brought more relief to
women and girls in the continent.
Speaking on the issues APC and its partners pay more attention to when it comes to women
rights and digital technology, Ms. Moolman mentioned the followings:

1. Joy, hope and Justice: according to the Guest speaker, for people who experienced
   violence online, there is hope they can find joy with regards to connection, information,
   solidarity, friendship, fun and even in some cases love. And for this, APC and its partners
   think it is important to encourage people to continue the work they are doing and to
   keep women safe and in a productive way on the digital space.
2. Access: Even though women face many forms of violence online but there is need to
   ensure they have access to online platforms as easily and affordable as possible in order
   to carry out their normal activities. Emphasizing on how women are being marginalized
   when it comes to accessing the internet, the speaker said, the 2019 ITBU report stated
   that globally only 48% of women are online and in the global south this is even lower at
   28%. This according her shows that there is wide gap between the connected and
   unconnected in the society. And unless we are able to address the issue of accessibility,
   many women and marginalized communities will remain in darkness and their voices
   silent.

5

3. Third is about companies that own social media platforms that are regulating contents
   that lacks clarity and consistency and which upon violate the rights of people without
   accountability or remedy. These companies are determining online discourses with
   focus on profits at the expense of users’ privacy and rights.
4. The fourth is about how feminists organizing online and offline are expanding and taking
   new forms. These groups are upon targeting for gender based violence online and it
   sometimes manifest to offline spaces.
   FIRST TECHNICAL SESSION: DEALING WITH GENDER VIOLENCE ONLINE
   CHAIR: Professor Amina Kaidal
   PANELISTS: Martha Alade, Zainab Aminu, Msen Nabo
   The first technical session was on Dealing with Gender Violence Online. The session which was
   chaired by Professor Amina Kaidal of the University of Maiduguri had Mrs. Martha Alade,
   Founder of Women InTechnology, Zainab Aminu, Gender Technical Officer, Centre for
   Information Technology and Development and Msen Nabo, Digital Media Associate at
   Connected Development.
   In her presentation, Zainab Aminu started by defining the Gender-Based violence which
   according to her refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender and
   rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms.  Mss. Aminu said Gender-
   based violence (GBV) is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health and
   protection issue, which is estimated that one in three women experiences sexual or physical
   violence in their lifetime.
   Zainab further stated that gender violence is not a new phenomenon; it has been existing since
   time immemorial which can include sexual, physical, mental and economic harm inflicted in
   public or in private and threats of violence, coercion and manipulation. Mss. Aminu also said
   gender violence can take many forms such as intimate partner violence, sexual violence, child
   marriage, female genital mutilation and so-called ‘honour crimes’ while its consequences are
   devastating and can have life-long repercussions for survivors. 
   Speaking about the impact of cyber violence, the speaker said it differs according to the victim’s
   gender. She gave an example with a study conducted by the Pew Research Centre which
   revealed that 38% of harassed women found their most recent experience with online
   harassment extremely or very upsetting, compared to only 17% of harassed men. The research
   further said that compared to male users, who tend to be more concerned about damage to
   their reputation, females are more likely to fear physical harm. This corresponds to the nature
   of online abuse these groups experience. Where men and boys are more likely to be victims of
   defamation and libel, women are more likely to be subjected to derogatory remarks or sexual

6

images and threats, such as non-consensual pornography. She gave another example with
another study which found that female college students (age 18-24) who were victims of offline
stalking were three times more likely to be stalked online than their male counterparts. The
study also found that “while particular variables influence victimization risk among females,
virtually none of the variables in the analyses produced statistically significant relationships
with victimisation among males”.
Moreover, Zainab said key distinction between offline and online gender-based cyber violence
is that it is significantly more difficult “to permanently remove abusive or triggering content
from the Internet, which obliges the survivor to re-experience their victimisation all over again.”
This can exacerbate the psychological impacts of these forms of violence, such as flashbacks of
the incident and/or perpetrator, as well as increase the victim’s isolation period.
Discussing on the long term negative impact of gender violence online, Zainab said the greatest
impact that women experience is self-censorship. Women start censoring themselves online.
And that is what the abusers want. Another impact she said is that online violence attempts to
keep women from major sectors of the public sphere because public only take physical violence
seriously. The third impact is that some women leave the online platform [after being
harassed]. The forth impact which is being associated with online violence is public health issue
and the effects which results in physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm, and erodes
self-esteem.
Offering some solutions on how one can protect selves online, Zainab Aminu mentioned the
followings:
• Creating a strong password 
• Having different passwords for different accounts
• Downloading apps from authentication platforms and using two factor verification
• Logging out of accounts when not in use
• Not using public WIFI for sharing sensitive information 
At the end the speaker said, to stop gender violence online, there is need for public awareness
in order for people to understand it consequences which in many cases metamorphosed to
offline.
The second speaker, Mrs Martha Alade started by quoting the 1993 UN Declaration on the
Elimination of Violence against Women which defines ‘violence against women’ as an act of
gender-related violence (GBV) that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual,
psychological or economic harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion
or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life [or online].

7

Discussing on the different types of Gender Violence Online, Mrs Alade said it includes; Doxing
(leaking unauthorized info to public), Sexist abuse, Hate speech, Threat to free expression,
Threat to privacy, Impersonation, Defamation, Gender-based discriminatory memes,
Cyberstalking, Online misogyny etc. On the category of people that experience Gender
Violence, Mrs Martha said women and girls from marginalised communities are the easy
targets and their voices are often unheard. Mrs Alade also said, in most of the times, girls in
local communities are being violated but they are not even aware they are being violated. She
gave a scenario on a case they worked on which happened to a small girl in a community they
are working in and the girl was abused but due to lack of proper awareness about the issue she
was not even aware she was abused until she was examined then it was discovered the girl was
violated.
At the end, the speaker said, to stop gender violence the followings need to be considered

1. Education in local languages
2. Increase Sensitization/Advocacy – culturally responsive and relevant
3. Consent and privacy
4. Human Rights Enforcements by Public and Private
5. Employ AI for Filtering offensive contents
6. Content Enhancement
7. Enable more support and help channels for victims
8. Drive programs that amplify voices of the marginalized women and girls
9. Support NGOs working around the subject

The third at this technical session, Miss Msen Nabo, Digital Media Associate at Connected
Development said appealing to governments to take the issue of GBV more serious is
something its advocates need to take beyond social media and also people’s attitudes need to
be changed. Mss. Nabo also stated that Gender Violence especially online is something that
people come across everyday but most of the times the victims ended up being punished by the
society. The gender activist said when victims of gender violence try to speak out against the
violence mated on them they usually receive silent feedback or they are advised to keep mute
in order to protect their image.
Mss. Msen went further to say that a clear example where government is an accomplice to this
act is the case of Kano State where the State House of Assembly refused to domesticate the
Child Protection Act even though the state is ranked among the states with high rate of gender

8

based violence and child abuse. According her, this need intense advocacies and awareness
creation.
Speaking further on how people violate others on social media platforms, Mss. Nabo stated
that sharing someone’s pictures, address, videos without his/her consent are all forms of
violence online and these types of violence can turn to offline. And for this, she suggested that
advocacies and awareness creation need to be carried out in order to stop it.

SECOND TECHNICAL SESSION: DEALING WITH CHILD ABUSE ONLINE
CHAIR: Hajiya Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo
PANELISTS: Barrister Aisha Mahdi, Harira Wakili, Aminu Adamu Naganye
The second session was moderated by Hajiya Suwaiba Y. Dankabo of ActionAid Nigeria and the
Three (3) distinguished personalities and experts on Gender Based Violence and Child
Protection spoke and shared their experience and knowledge with the participants.
A Gender and Internet Right Advocate, Harira Abdulrahman Wakili started her presentation
with explaining the ample opportunities internet presents to young generations, Mss. Wakili
said that growing up internet offers limitless opportunities through computers, smartphones,
gaming consoles, and televisions, children learn, imagine and develop their social networks. But
she cautioned that these platforms need to be used in the right way, where she stated that
when these are used in the right way – and accessible to all – the internet has the potential to
broaden horizons and ignite creativity. She also said that with these opportunities come serious
risks. Harira added that cyberbullying and other forms of peer-to-peer violence can affect
young people each time they log on to social media or instant messaging platforms. Speaking
about what children can be exposed to on the net, Miss Wakili mentioned that when browsing
the internet, children may be exposed to hate speech and violent content – including messages
that incite self-harm and even suicide. According to her, what happens online reflects the
realities children face every day – at home, at school and in their wider communities. In
conclusion, Ms. Wakili emphasized that every child must be protected from violence,
exploitation and abuse on the internet.
The Second speaker at this session was Barrister Aisha H. Mahdi of Green Edge Attorneys, who
emphasized that with the widespread use of the Internet, the advancement in technology and
the proliferation of Internet-enabled devices have created borderless and unlimited access to
information. Barr. Aisha said progress brings by the internet has given the bad eggs in the
society the opportunities to exploit, put the children at risk, and make them vulnerable to
abuse. She said that there is an urgent need to balance the immense benefits of technology,
commercial interest and ensuring online safety of children with appropriate safeguards and
strong legal and institutional framework. Speaking on the safety on children online, the speaker

9

said there is a growing concern about the safety and privacy of children online which is amongst
the problems identified by relevant stakeholders in Nigeria.
Discussing about the internet penetration in the country, Barrister Mahdi said as internet
penetration increases, more children are connected to the grid, and this gives the children
better understanding of technology than the average adult. The speaker also mentioned that
new phones, smart toys, computers, and privileges for using a device give birth to new
responsibilities. Speaking about the exposure of the children to social media, Aisha stated that
the increased use of social media and online services allows children to share and consume
tremendous volume of personal information online. And at the same time the children use the
Internet as a means to learn, share and participate in civic life.
The legal practitioner added that in Nigeria, Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 8
of the Child Rights Act provide for children’s right to privacy. And Section 23 of the Cybercrimes
Act 2015 punishes child pornography. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act also
criminalizes cyberbullying and cyber stalking that could affect children. According to her,
though the Act punishes consumption of such contents and provides for other offenses, there is
no other specific legal guidelines or direction to protect the online safety and privacy of the
Nigerian child. Giving recommendations on how to safeguard children online, Barrister Aisha
Mahdi said:
i. Nigeria needs an online privacy protection law for children which will seek to protect
the personal information of children on websites, online services and applications
and it should be binding on online service providers collecting the personal data of
children to ensure consent management.
ii. Service providers should require the consent of the parents or guardians if the data
collection affects a child below the established age.
iii. There is need to digitalize the Nigerian courts and repeal some laws to ensure
efficient and quick judgments related to children abuses

Sharing his experience at the forum, a Kano based journalist, Aminu Adamu Naganye of The
Star Newspaper said Internet Service Providers and Electronic Service Providers need to ensure
their platforms are secure and do not put children at risk. He added that Service providers
should implement privacy and security by design and default. Service Providers have to do
more in creating and ensuring age-appropriate contents by managing content and dealing
effectively with abuse, misuse of their platforms and illegal contact with children.
Aminu Naganye said the legal framework alone cannot guarantee complete protection for the
Nigerian child. Excessive regulation will stifle children’s participation and access to the immense
benefits of the internet. Speaking further, Mr. Naganye said there is need for increased digital
literacy for both children and their parents/guardians. According him, providing this will ensure
children implement best privacy preferences, understand the implication of oversharing, and
have good online behavior. Another recommendations the journalist gave was that
parents/guardians should ensure they always install safety tools on their wards’ devices which
will protects children from inappropriate behavior and laying their hands on inappropriate

10

online contents. It will also prevents disclosure of personal information and assist parents and
guardians manage time spent on the devices.

CLOSING
Following the presentations, participants asked questions and made comments as well offered
specific recommendations that would help in making the internet safer for both women and
children. This segment also allowed the presenters to clarify on some of the issues they raised
and positions advanced as well as father interrogated some of the proposed solutions to the
challenges that women and children face online. Participants agreed that there was need to
carry both the discussion and the proposed solutions offline to reach more people and
especially engage government and other stakeholders to respond to these challenges so that
both women and children would use the internet safely and productive to ensure that it serves
their needs.
The organizers also promised to distill the recommendations and issue a communique as the
outcome of the Forum while exploring all possibilities to continue to engage both the
participants at this Forum as well as other stakeholders to mount a sustained public awareness
on the issues and an advocacy for action to address the problems,

Girls are poorly placed to benefit from the knowledge economy in developing countries. As such they have less access to skills training and development that would enable them to gain employment in the ICT sector. When females are employed, they generally work at lower levels, with less pay and this discourages them from participating optimally in science and technology education. These disadvantages further prevent girls and women from benefitting equally from the opportunities offered by the new technologies that would enable them to participate in the knowledge economy.

Concerned about the decline in the number of school girls opting to study technology-related disciplines and who work in technology focused organizations in most countries worldwide, 28th of April 2022, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) in collaboration with Dala Ina Mafita organised an awareness programme to mark the International Girls in ICT Day. The event was held at the Guidance Standard School, Goron Dutse, Kano. The participants were girls from different community-based associations as well as students of public secondary schools in the state.

Observed in more than 166 countries across the globe, the Day, an initiative of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the International Girls-in-ICT Day was backed by all ITU members.

The Day was aimed at creating global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the field of information and communications technology (ICT).

Access and Safety was selected as the 2022 thematic priority as part of the initial step for girls to be able to access the digital environment in a safe way. 

Speaking at the event, CITAD Executive Director representative Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai, said the Centre partnered with the organisers to expose participants to the various career opportunities available in the ICT sector, apart from encouraging them to aspire to such jobs.

Yakasai, told the participants who were drawn from different communities in Kano that the world now revolved around ICT and that the future holds a lot of promises for them should they go into the ICT sector.

CITAD Gender Officer Zainab Aminu, said that while significant progress has been achieved with increasing the participation of girls in the gender gap in ICT remains unacceptably wide, with representation continuing to be disproportionately higher for males than for females, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Zainab, expressed concern that the gap was even wider in Nigeria, relative to countries like Ghana and South Africa. She reaffirmed that investment in early ICT education, affirmative action on the hiring of women in STEM and a reorientation to change the sociocultural beliefs and practices that deter women’s participation in STEM, as approaches that should be explored to reduce this gap.

The Chairperson of International Federation of Women Lawyers – FIDA, Kano State Branch, Barr. Bilkisu Ibrahim Sulaiman, noted that the global event presented a platform for various stakeholders to not only highlight the gender digital divide but proffer solutions and build partnerships that will help accelerate the movement towards the increased involvement of girls in ICT. She expressed appreciation for CITAD in continuous support for the Girls in ICT initiative and commended the CITAD sensitization lecture which will provide an opportunity for girls to gain a first-hand experience of working in the ICT sector.

Next was an interactive session with Engr. Kamaluddeen Umar leading the session, said empowering girls to choose a career in ICTs is not just good for girls and their families, it can be a major accelerator of socio-economic development at the national level.

According to him, the Day serves to inspire both government and the private sector to find ways to equip girls and young women with the skills they need to become ICT professionals.

At end of the sensitization participants asked some questions relating to the presentations made and they fed their curiosity. 

Within the past two weeks, the organization has recorded two very disturbing contents on the internet, both of which degrade and dehumanise women and the individuals involved.

The first was a posting of sexual escape of students of Chrisland, Lagos in faraway Dubai which went viral, leading to the suspension of academic activities in the school. While the second concerned a lady in Ado-Ekiti who was invited to a hotel room by her friend who had arranged with his three accomplices, gang-raped her and also posted the act on the internet.

A third case was a lady who was kidnapped for money, it occurred earlier last month in Abuja when a man on social media invited her to his hotel, kidnapped her and demanded 50 Million ransom from her parents.

In a speech delivered by Engr. Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, Executive Director of Centre for Information Technology and Development noted that, there have been many other such cases in which social media friends lured their female friends only to rape them and in some instances, kill them to cover up the crime.

“Cases of young girls falling victims of this technology assisted crime have been on the rise and are contributing negatively to the efforts to address and overcome the gender dimension of the digital divide in the country, which casts women on the negative side of the divide and making it difficult for them to access and make use of the opportunities and benefits digital technology offers for educational advancement, economic empowerment and social inclusion.

“CITAD has for the past five years been engaged in monitoring and countering gender violence online and take this very serious, because we have in an earlier research found that gender-based violence online has been a major factor inhibiting factor for the effective use of digital spaces by girls and women in the country as they have internalised the fear that harmful content online has induced in them”. He said.

Eng. Yunusa further explained that harmful content online is targeted at female politicians and women in careers such as female journalists and academics, with the aim of discouraging them from those spaces, thus furthering their marginalization in those spheres.

Women are cyberphobia as result of gender violence – CITAD

In addition, parents and husbands are also using the same excuse to prevent their daughters and wives from using the internet. Unfortunately, in the world we live today, we must all make use of the internet.

Eng. Yunusa revealed that the country and society that suffer from this criminal misappropriation of the powers of the internet. As learning, commerce, social interactions and government services move online.

Women constitute slightly more than half of the population of the country, as the majority of these women are remaining offline as a result of gender violence online and other harmful contents, which means that a large population of Nigerians are left behind.

“In this situation, Nigeria cannot achieve the sustainable development goals as most of them require effective deployment and use of the internet.

“Girls are at a disadvantage in getting admission to higher education because they have been prevented from learning to use digital skills which are necessary for passing the entrance examinations to the higher institutions in the country.

“Yet here in the North we complain of a lack of sufficient number of female doctors and other health related professionals, even when we deny girls the opportunity to learn digital skills to gain admission to study for the medical profession”. He added.

Women are the majority of citizens who are identity excluded in Nigeria and consequently also financial services excluded, making it difficult for them to access financial services and progress in business.

Lack of identity also is inhibiting their ability to exercise their freedom of movement as some important modes of travel cannot convey people without authenticated identity.

Technology as National threat to gender – CITAD

The Centre for Information Technology and Development confirmed that technology assisted gender violence online making it a serious national problem that the government has to consider and take necessary means to address it.

The Executive Director expressed their empanelling of a Committee by the Federal Government to study and propose solutions to ensuring the protection of children online.

CITAD recommend solutions to technology-assisted gender violence

In this respect CITAD will like to call on the federal government as well as state governments to as a matter of national urgency:

Set up a panel to study and propose solutions to technology-assisted gender violence, including proposing legislations on how to deal with it. In making this call, we would like to caution against throwing the baby with the bathwater. Government should not use this as an opportunity to inhibit access to the internet for citizens but rather improve on how citizens are able to access and safely use the internet.

The Federal Government should incorporate safety and privacy online in the computer studies curriculum of secondary schools. In this way, computer studies can then not just be done to get a credit for admission to higher institutions but also to get life skills that will prepare the students for successful immersion into the digital world.

While we have made computer studies compulsory at secondary schools, we have not incorporated safety issues in the curriculum. These gaps should be addressed quickly because learning computer studies is not just for passing examinations but to gain skills that are needed to fit into the digital world of today.

Lot of the criminal uses of the internet is related to poor understanding of digital rights. In particular, the government itself has not shown proper appreciation of the importance of digital rights. Without a bill of digital rights, the use of the digital space can be counterproductive as we see it now. In this respect, the National Assembly should quickly pass the Digital Rights Bill and the President should sign it.

The federal government should also come up with a national digital inclusion agenda that will address the many challenges that inhibit the effective access to and use of the internet. This will contribute greatly in addressing the various dimensions of the internal digital divide in the country.

Text of press conference addressed by Y. Z. Yaú, Executive Director, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at CITAD, Kano

Members of the press, I welcome you to this press conference on an issue of national importance. This is the issues of technology-assisted gender violence. By technology-assisted gender violence we mean the way in which technology is deployed specifically to harm women and girls, including harassment online, rape, kidnapping and killing facilitated via interaction and use of digital technology. 

Within the past two weeks, we have two very disturbing contents on the internet, both of which degrade and dehumanise women and the individuals involved. The first was a posting of sexual escape of students of Chrisland, Lagos in faraway Dubai which went viral, leading to the suspension of academic activities in the school. The second concerned a lady in Ado-Ekiti who was invited her to a hotel room by her friend who had arranged with his three other friends and not only gang-raped her but also posted the act on the internet. A third case in which a lady was kidnapped for money occurred earlier last month in Abuja when a man the lady befriended on social media invited her to his hotel, only for him and his friends to kidnap her, demanding N50million from her parents as ransom.  There have been many other such cases in which social media friends lured their female friends only to rape them and in some instances, kill them to cover up the crime. 

Cases of young girls falling victims of this technology assisted crime have been on the rise and are contributing negatively to the efforts to address and overcome the gender dimension of the digital divide in the country, which casts women on the negative side of the divide and making it difficult for them to access and make use of the opportunities and benefits digital technology offers for educational advancement, economic empowerment and social inclusion. 

CITAD has for the past five years been engaged in monitoring and countering gender violence online and take this very serious, because we have in an earlier research found that gender-based violence online has been a major factor inhibiting factor for the effective use of digital spaces by girls and women in the country as they have internalised the fear that harmful content online has induced in them. In another research, we found that harmful content online is targeted at female politicians and women in career such as female journalists and academics, with the aim of discouraging them from those spaces, thus furthering their marginalization in those spheres. For example, female politicians are subjected to social media abuse and intimidation and that in many of cases, they were forced to drop out of contesting of elections because of this. In addition, parents and husbands are also using the same excuse to prevent their daughters and wives from using the internet. Unfortunately, in the world we live today, we must all make use of the internet. 

In all these cases, it is the country and society that suffer from this criminal misappropriation of the powers of the internet. As learning, commerce, social interactions and government services move online, it means that those left behind digitally or are unable to access and use the internet, will equally be left behind in those other spheres. Women constitute slightly more than half of the population of the country. As majority of these women are remaining offline as a result of gender violence online and other harmful contents, it means that a large population of Nigerians is left behind. In this situation, Nigeria cannot achieve the sustainable development goals as most of them require effective deployment and use of the internet. Girls are at disadvantage in getting admission to higher education because they have been prevented from learning to use digital skills which are necessary for passing the entrance examinations to the higher institutions in the country. Yet here in the North we complain of lack of sufficient number of female doctors and other health related professionals, even when we deny girls the opportunity to learn digital skills to gain admission to study for medical profession. Women are the majority of citizens who are identity excluded in Nigeria and consequently also financial services excluded, making it difficult for them to access financial services and progress in business. Lack of identity also is inhibiting their ability to exercise their freedom of movement as some important modes of travel cannot convey people without authenticated identity. 

It is for these reason that we at CITAD takes the issue of technology-assisted gender violence online as a serious national problem, that the government has to consider and take necessary means to address it.  We note the recent empanelling of a Committee by the Federal Government to study and propose solutions to ensuring the protection of children online. While we welcome this action, we would like government to also consider and act in the same manner with respect to gender violence online. It is important to reflect that technology-assisted gender violence is pernicious as it is not easily visible, making the victims to suffer doubly as victims of violence and as victims of stigmatization when they report and make their suffering public. This is why victims do not report, allowing themselves to suffer in silence. 

In this respect CITAD will like to call on the federal government as well as state governments to as a matter of national urgency:

1. Set up a panel to study and propose solutions to technology-assisted gender violence, including proposing legislations on how to deal with it. In making this call, we would like to caution against throwing the baby with the bathwater. Government should not use this as an opportunity to inhibiting access to the internet for citizens but rather improve on how citizens are able to access and safely use the internet. 
2. The Federal Government should incorporate safety and privacy online in the computer studies curriculum of secondary schools. In this way, computer studies can then not be just done to get a credit for admission to higher institutions but also to get life skills that will prepare the students for successful emersion into the digital world. While we have made computer studies compulsory at secondary schools, we have not incorporated safety issues in the curriculum. This gaps should be addressed quickly because learning computer studies is not just for passing examinations but to gain skills that are needed to fit into the digital world of today.
3. Lot of the criminal uses of the internet is relating to poor understanding of digital rights. In particular, government itself has not shown proper appreciation of the importance of digital rights. Without a bill of digital rights, the use of the digital space can be counterproductive as we see it now. In this respect, the National Assembly should quickly pass the Digital Rights Bill and the President should sign it.
4. The federal government should also come up with a national digital inclusion agenda that will address the many challenges that inhibit the effective access to and use of the internet. This will contribute greatly in addressing the various dimensions of the internal digital divide in the country. 

Ugo Aliogo

The Coordinator of Nigerian School of Community Networks(NSCN) Haruna Adamu Hadejia, has called on the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, to ensure full implementation of the draft National Policy on Community Networks.

Hadejia, who disclosed this yesterday in Lagos at a media briefing enjoined the Galaxy Backbone Plc to provide communities with access to its backbone for them to use as their community networks getaways.

He urged the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to support the upgrading of the many communities’ digital centres they set up in the country to serve as basis of community networks for communities that desirous and passionate to set up such in their communities.

He  appealed to the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) to develop guidelines and regulations for the operation of community networks in the country and to allow communities to access and use TV White Space (TVWS) for the purposes of setting up community networks

He further explained that NITDA needs to work with communities at grassroots level to drive digital literacy which is critical for the effective utilization of digital technology and which is the foundation upon which the digital transformation agenda of the country would rest.

He urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to sustain evidence-based advocacy for the establishment of CNs across the country.

Hadejia called on the private sector operators to as, part of their corporate social responsibility to support communities to set up community networks.

According to him, “We call on all other stakeholders, including political office holders to support communities to go digital as critical contribution to community development. We also call on the private sector operators to see community networks as complimentary, but not competitors. Community networks have failed to take roots in Nigeria because we do not have a national policy to guide their emergence and provide a supportive environment for communities to leverage various opportunities to bridge the connectivity gaps.

“Community networks are telecommunication infrastructure designed, deployed and managed by communities to meet their communication need. Globally these community networks are helping many countries such as in Kenya, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico to address the internal dimensions of their digital divide.

“The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has said there are 114 communities where GSM signals are either weak or not at all. These are called underserved and unserved communities. These communities could, if there is a policy that would provide clear rules for interconnectivity, frequency and spectrum allocation and use, etc, could mobilize their own resources and create their communication infrastructure to address their need.

“The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has in the last eight months, been engaging the policy makers especially the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, the telecommunication regulators, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other stakeholders in the country such as NITDA, USPF and Galaxy Backbone with the aim of arriving at a consensus on developing a national policy for community networks. They all agreed on its desirability, noting that community networks will help greatly in accelerating efforts of government to address the digital divide and to prime the country to achieve its digital transformation agenda.”

By Rabiu Musa

HOTPEN – The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has organized a 2-days training for selected youths from Kano South Senatorial District on the use of Social Media for Accountability in Rano local government area of Kano state.

The training, themed; “Social Media for Accountability”, allowed the participants to acquire relevant skills on the use of social media for accountability and the areas of deploying various platforms for networking, political participation, holding leaders accountable, content creation, entrepreneurship, and a host of others.

During the training, the Centre’s Campaigns and Communications Officer, Mal. Ali Sabo who doubled as the resource person took the participants with lessons on social media best practices within the purview of global digital trends.

The participants also gained knowledge and learned the basic rudiments on the best practices on building and maintaining an online presence for monetary gain with an emphasis on YouTube. Mal. Ali has also taught the participants how to create powerful and captivating written and visual content, which according to him, enhances effective communication, particularly for businesses with their target audience.

The participants were also equipped and exposed to the various features of social media platforms and their usage, techniques of social media engagement, and how to lend a voice on governance by leveraging the technology and its trends.

In his remarks, the CITAD’s Admin and Documentation Officer, Mal. Buhari Abba, who is also the Project Officer, Journalists for Accountability said the Centre organized the 2-days training to educate the youth on the effective use of social media to seek accountability as well as for the improvement of personal and professional development.

A participant at the training, Mukhtar Lawal Abdullahi Rano commended the Centre for organizing the training which, according to him, has exposed them to the use of social media Instrumentalities to hold leaders accountable and improve their lives.

Another Participant, Binta Wada Abubakar acknowledged the giant stride of the organizers. She said the training has positively impacted her life with first-hand knowledge on how to use social media to demand accountability from leaders and participate actively in any issue of national importance on social media.

Text of Press Conference addressed by Y. Z. Yaú. the Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) at Treasurers Sites and Conference, Abuja on February 10, 2022

Last week, precisely on February 2, 2022, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) convened a meeting of stakeholders in the telecommunication sector on the need for a National Strategy for community networks to address the various dimensions of the digital divide in the country. The meeting, which was attended by over 40 people including people from government agencies, representatives of private sector, development partners, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), professionals, civil society organizations, community based organizations piloting community networks and academics, had the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Prof Isa Ali Pantami, represented by the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, Engr Abdulaziz Aliyu delivering the keynote address.

Participants at the meeting affirmed the viability of community networks as one of the innovative strategies that is being used by many countries across the world in addressing their connectivity gaps, especially where mobile network operators (MNOs) have found too unprofitable, either because the populations are spare, communities are poor or they are hard to reach. The understanding is that there is need for new business models of small, flexible and nibble providers to fill the gaps that bigger players (MNOs) cannot fill.

Participants also realised that unleashing the potentials of community networks to address connective gaps requires a robust policy on community networks. Unfortunately, as of now, Nigeria does not have such a policy.

In the meeting, CITAD recounted the efforts it had made so far in advocating for a national policy on community networks. These efforts include:

Meeting with the team of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) to explore ways on how a community networks policy could be articulated for the country

Submission of a position paper to the NCC on its request, making the case for a policy regime and providing policy experiences from other countries

Follow-up communications to find out if the NCC had commenced the process of getting a policy for Nigeria

Meeting with the Hon Ministry for Communication and Digital Economy, robbing minds on the how the community networks sub-sector could be catalysed through policy making

Submission of a policy briefing notes to the Minister at his request, providing pathways for the development of the national community networks

Making further submission during the consultation processes for the policy on the 5G licensing

Meetings with a number of IT related agencies such as National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Galaxy Backbone, etc as part of an advocacy drive on the need for such a policy

Addressing a series of press conferences to drive the point that Nigeria needs a policy for community networks to address the digital divide

Participants, including the Representative of the Hon Minister agreed that it was urgent that Nigeria had its policy for community networks. In particular, the Representative of the Minister averred that if all that was needed to catalyse the emergence and growth of community networks in the country, then the matter was simple since the Minister for Communication and Digital Economy is well known for his proactiveness in articulating policies for the digital space in Nigeria.

We at CITAD acknowledge the various efforts that the Minister in particular has put in repositioning the country for a digital transformation. We note for the example that in the last couple of years, he has led in the following, among others:

The development and steady implementation of the Federal Government National Digital Economy Policy NS Strategy (NDEPS)

The implementation of the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024) by NITDA

The articulation of a new National Broadband Plan and Policy

Developed a vibrant digital ecosystem that supports Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDE) and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in a way that engenders innovation

Provisioned robust digital platforms to support government digital services and drive the digital economy

We conclusion of the development of the National Start-up Bill which is being transmitted to the National Assembly whose key objective is to create laws that will support the growth of the tech start up ecosystem in the country.

All these policies, laws and initiatives are important digital transformation elements for the country. However, with the digital divide in the country, the good objectives of these policies and programmes will be difficult to achieve. In particular, a large number of people in rural areas and hard to reach communities will be left behind as the experience has shown that even when broadband is rolled out, economic and accessibility factors are key hindrance to their affordability in these communities. The initiatives have not, in a fundamental way addressed the issues of bridging the connectivity gaps in the over 114 underserved and unserved communities in the country. It is instructive that the number of unserved and underserved communities is the result of the pain taking work of another government agency, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). Community networks remain the tool to unleashing the creativity of citizens, mobilising their resources, skills and other endowments to meet their collective digital communication challenge by themselves without asking for government to fund such bridging efforts or waiting for MNOs who are reluctant to do so because what is left are the unprofitable leftovers.

It is in this connection and in furtherance of the voice of the stakeholders meeting, we would like to renew our call on the government to as a matter of urgency provide the country with a national policy on community networks. The advantages are too numerous that we should not give to farther procrastination.

In particular, we would like to:

Call on the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy to set up a mechanism for the development of a National Policy for Community Networks

Call on the NCC to develop guidelines and regulations for the operation of community networks in the country and to allow communities to access and use TV White Space (TVWS) for the purposes of setting up community networks

Enjoins the Galaxy Backbone PLC to provide communities with access to its backbone for them to use as their community networks getaways.

The USPF to support the upgrading of the many community digital centres they set up in the country to serve as nucleus of community networks for communities that desirous and passionate to set up such in their communities

NITDA to work with communities at grassroots level to drive digital literacy which is critical for the effective utilization of digital technology and which is the foundation upon which the digital transformation agenda of the country will rest.

Call on the private sector operators in the sector to as, their corporate social responsibility support communities building community networks.

Call on all other stakeholders, including political office holders to support communities to go digital as critical contribution to community development.

The program was hosted by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with 50 participants from different communities within and outside Kano state.
Opening Statements
The meeting was opened by Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai on behalf of the Executive Director of CITAD. In his statements, he hinted the importance of the program, orientating the applicants on the project’s expectations while congratulating them as successful applicants. He emphasized that the issue of women’s participation in ICT and digital entrepreneurships in Northern states continued to be of serious concern. However, due recognition needed to be given to the progress that has been made on the new project, where 50 successful applicants out of 596 applicants is a clear example that the women and girls need to tighten up their belt in order to become self-sustainable.
Yakasai added that, being a project supported by EU/ACT, it doesn’t mean we empower women and girls by giving the money, but only empower them with skills and mentorship on how to promote their businesses off and online and to become relevant in digital entrepreneurship. For emphasis to women participation, this gives a clear impression that there is need of participation of young women and girls and people with disabilities in our localities to have a democratic society free of hunger which is achievable through initiatives like this. Said Ahmad.
He finally urged that the applicants should be punctual, avoid irregularities or inconsistency in attending the training, avoid inclusion of uninvited applicants and must have a sound character and be focused. He pointed out that women’s movements should also be seen as having a representational role to play; both in terms of substantive and descriptive representation.

Malam Ibrahim Nuhu, the Program Officer of the project, thanked the EU/ACT British council for collaboration with CITAD to support the training. In his statement, after presenting the concept of the project, the courses to be offered and the duration, he identified major achievements and challenges in promoting women’s equal participation in processes at all levels. He finally explained three (3) major project expectations at the end of the training in context of the project, the participants should have the necessary required skills in order to be able to impact on other women and girls in the society at any time and any moment.
Should have a relative knowledge on ICT and entrepreneurship skills
Should register their business names with Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) and other concerned regulatory agencies related to their businesses to have a legal back up and;
The participants should be participating in e-mentoring and be meeting from time to time for mentoring to discuss on how to expand their businesses, and search for other job opportunities.
Malama Zainab Aminu, the Gender Officer, presented on some factors that hinders northern women in acquiring skills based on experiences are bigotry, extreme poverty, lack of education, lack of parental and husband supports due to culture and tradition that exposed them to gender discrimination and the necessity of the mechanisms is for promoting women in entrepreneurship skills even in their homes. The Digital Livelihood Training will be an one of the effective agents for this transformation. She also mentioned some mechanisms for increasing women’s participation in ICTs and entrepreneurships acquisition skills;
Mindset and zeal: When we change our negative thinking to positive, it increases attention and social movements.
Timing is an important consideration, is a sign of gaining momentum
Training and skill development: Training and mentoring will increase efficiency and ensure sustainability.
The training arrangements was briefed by the Training Officer of CITAD, Kamilu Isa on how it is commencing and the rules behind the training to ensure safety and avoid any irregularities that may hinder the objective to be achieved.
The Project finance officer, Kamal Alhassan Garba explained on how to go along with the logistics in order to adopt clear and transparent rules to ensure effective training by paying them transport fare weekly.
On the part of visitors, Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim Gashash, from EU/ACT gave some encouraging advises to the participants around putting their best to learn what is the skills and become changed at the end of the program from local business owners and idle women to an established modern entrepreneurs. She sighted some examples of some few achieved women and encouraged these set to emulate the passion and become one of them. A session for question and answers was provided, the beneficiaries asked some questions and made comments of appreciations and their questions were cleared by the CITAD officials. They also contributed in encouraging themselves to increase the era of enterprise.

Challenges:
Some of the issues that occurred during the meeting were absence of invited concerned guest and government officials, which also leads to late commencement.

Recommendations:
Use ICT training as a tool in education and training efforts, in particular to overcome the digital divide between men and women in the use of new technologies and to provide women with equal access to information.
The beneficiaries should ensure that they have equal opportunities during training, such as providing access to the ICT facilities, spending weekly transport fare wisely and ensure punctuality and regularity.

The session closed at 2:47pm, refreshments served and transport fare to be paid via banks.

Introduction:
The training is part of the continuation of providing support to micro-organizations toward the establishment of the community networks in the identified seven communities of Bauchi, Kaduna and the FCT. It was attended by the media (print and electronics), the CBOs and other professionals that made various presentations during the weeklong programme.
The project has three segments and these are defined as Work packages 1-3: Work Package one: enhancing the capacity of the meso organization (which is CITAD) to provide training, mentoring and other support for the micro-organizations. Secondly, Work Package 2: training, mentoring and support for seven micro-organizations to aspire to build and or consolidate on their community network projects. The last segment is Work Package 3: work with various stakeholders to address legal, regulatory and policy issues that inhibit the flourishing of community networks in the country.
Therefore. This training of organizations falls under the second package and it was a planned event that drew carefully selected participants from seven communities under the project (Leleyi Gwari, Pasepa, Tungan Ashere, Dakwa, Itas, Jama’are and Fanstuam). Being part of the capacity building programmes (under WP2) for micro-organizations, apart from the physical training CITAD is deploying a longer period of online interaction that will go beyond the physical training and will continue with another stage of mentorship.
Keynote address was made by the representative of Galaxy Backbone, while goodwill messages were delivered online by Miss Edith and in attendance, by another representative of Fantsuam Foundation, Kaduna.
Objectives:
To introduce community organizations (micro-organizations) to the fundamentals and technical aspects of community network
Create synergy among the micro-organizations to advocate/influence establishment of community network
Expose trainees to sustainability strategy toward establishing and managing community networks
Methodology:
The training was conducted through series of presentations, demonstrations, group works and interactions at plenary between trainees and trainers. This method allowed for flow of lessons and sharing of experiences among micro-organizations.
The school was run on two sessions per day, morning and afternoon. This is to provide enough time for assimilation of the various courses taught. At interval, two breaks were observed for brain refresher.

Opening remark:
The Executive Director In his opening remark and background of the project, Engr Y Z Ya’u, stated that over the last 2 years CITAD has been working tirelessly to catalyze the emergence of community networks in Nigeria. Considering that, there is no policy to guide the implementation of Community networks in the country, CITAD took a step to engage the regulators such as Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the ministry of communications and digital economy as well as other relevant agencies to ensure that appropriate policy is developed for Community Networks to run in the Country. He also stated that part of the objective of the school is to train champions with technical skills on how they can design, deploy and manage community networks. This made CITAD to deliberately have in the curriculum, sustainability strategy for sustenance of the network even at the exit of CITAD. The school will run in two phases, the first phase is an intensive physical one-week residential training which start today, followed by four-month online training which is part of the phase two activities.
Goodwill messages:
Some of the partners that work with CITAD offered Goodwill messages at commencement of the training. Some of these organizations included the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), Fantsuam foundation in Kaduna and a member of the advisory committee, Mrs Edith Udeagwu. In her remarks, the Fantsuam representative called for scaling up the School of Community Network to a tertiary Institution (level) that will serve as a sole academic environment which will provide the basic skills for establishing and managing community networks across the country.
Keynote address: By Abdul-Malik Suleiman, Group Head, Regional Offices, Galaxy Backbone.
The opening session was also supported with a keynote address by Mr. Abdulmalik Suleman of Galaxy Backbone Abuja. He spoke on “creating policy framework for the emergence of community networks”. The speaker stated that at Galaxy Backbone one of their objectives is to help in connecting the underserved communities. In this regard they were able to make some significant progress where they connected over 13 states across the nation under the first phase of the National Information Communication Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB). He also stated that they have commenced the second phase of the project which upon completion, they hope to connect more communities across the 36 states. Mr Suleiman appreciated the effort of CITAD for setting up the School of Community Networks, which according to Galaxy Backbone is another step that will help to strengthen the impact of shared internet experience and shared Network in the Nation.
Highlights of the keynote includes:
For Galaxy Backbone, one of the objectives of why it was set up, was to help in connecting the underserved communities. The Backbone made some significant progress in this regard with the “connection” of over 13 states across the nation under the first phase of the National Information Communications Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB).
Galaxy Backbone has commenced the second phase of this project which on completion will see it connecting more communities across the 36 states of our dear nation Nigeria.
According to him, the great work the Centre for Information Technology Development (CITAD) has continued to do especially with the setting up of this National School of Community Networks, is another step in the right direction that will help strengthen the impact of shared internet experiences and shared networks in Nigeria.

First School training was presented online by Dr Yusuf Abdulkadir
Topic: What is Spectrum and how it is allocated
(Highlights)

The trainees were taken through “What is spectrum? Categories of spectrum, who allocate spectrum, how it is being allocated, how to manage the spectrum as well as the trading and leasing of the spectrum”.
Trainees understood the categories of bands: –
Low band: this radiation travels long distance with minimal signal interruption.
Medium band: provision of a mix coverage and capacity
High band
Who allocates spectrum?
International telecommunications union (ICU) is responsible for allocating spectrum.
How spectrum is allocated?
Basically, the spectrum is allocated on “economies of scale”. This means that, the international community apply some level of politicking n the allocation of spectrum.
How spectrum is allocated?
This is taken and utilized by individual nations/administrations based on peculiarities.
How do you manage spectrum? These is managed in two ways:
Methods of allocating spectrum:
Dynamic spectrum access
Static spectrum access
Emerging trends in spectrum allocation:
Reduction in requirement for infrastructure in the deployment of spectrum
Extending of spectrum to many unserved and underserved

Motivational theories by participation:
Main aim of the programme e.g, on the about 80 million Nigerians don’t have access to internet. This is a provoking issue that require necessary skills to be injected to larger citizens.
There is need for a more broader awareness creation on the need for community network
(Refer to reading materials on power point)

The Second session of Dr Yusuf (applying spectrum allocation)
This is a continuation of the first session on spectrum and the highlights includes: This part covered areas such as achievements of spectrum allocation, 2G/3G coverage, 4G coverage, value of telecom sector and managing spectrum allocation.
Applying spectrum allocation –
Most of the spectrum allocation in use today are not easily available because they are licensed
For any use to apply and use the unlicensed spectrum, this will require equipment certification and must be complied with technical requirements
There is significant interference in the use of ISM band because anyone can use it and this led to the crowding of the space by users
Spectrum allocation model:
International link
National backbone
Distribution
Access
Licensed shared access (LSA):
Additional licensing with exclusive sharing agreements
LSA is necessary when the spectrum cannot be released within a reasonable time
Licensed-exempt spectrum
Shared use among multiple technology
Idela for local access, short range devices, and opportunistic use for mobile broadband
Spectrum trading and leasing:
Operators are allowed to trade or lease their exclusively assigned spectrum usage rights to other users
Goal to increase efficiency in the use of spectrum
Conclusion: The class was concluded by opening space for interaction. The facilitator appreciated participants for opening space to engage the trainees on spectrum and how they can identify issues for advocacy to support the establishment of effective community network in their respective locations.
Question
Response
Why the issue of license is not protected?

As community representatives, what can people with less technical skills do about spectrum?
Liaison with organist ions like CITAD, making specific requests of information from NCC through associations, etc will open space for link with experts.
On the three bands, what other advantage does the high band have other others?

About ITU – are they in Nigeria? How can our communities get access to it?
How is it useful in Nigeria?
The work of ITU is well known in the telecom industry as a regulatory body. An agenda was drawn for allowing the ITU to effectively work in Nigeria, lately in 2019 and Nigeria is a signatory to it.
The ITU – what is their relationship with government especially on spectrum allocation?
It is largely seen for the purpose of economic gain. The spectrum is mostly allocated based on economies of scale and government focus more on this.

Day-two
7/12/2021

The programmes started with a recap of day-one and some of the areas revised included:
Understanding the international regulatory bodies such as the ITU
Spectrum and how it is allocated
The role of Galaxy in promoting digital inclusion in Nigeria
Spectrum allocation and its management

The second course in the school was introducing trainees to “The TVWS”. This was facilitated by Engineer Kabir Ahmed, (highlights):
TVWS – transmission overview
The TVWS support the provision or access to quality network where obstacles like the hills and valleys doesn’t impact it. But there is density and it may affect it a little (not significantly). The degradation of such obstacles doesn’t affect the accessing of good signals.
For locations where it is remote like rural (living in clusters), it may be difficult because they cannot pay for the services. With TVWS, one tower can serve a lot of clustered communities. The TVWS is meant for not more than 10km (ideal for CN).

WHY TVWS?
The TVWS is considered as an emerging technology to take care of immediate need especially for rural communities with remote or unstable connectivity and in some instances for unconnected areas. This stand to be more useful to the over 60% of the world’s population who don’t have access to modern (education, healthcare, digital communication, business and finance & employment). This alarming percentage require effort to reduce it through provision of alternative connectivity avenue.
WHY TVWS In Africa:
Some of the reasons why internet penetration in Africa is not enough: Many factors contribute to the continued poor or absence of connectivity in some areas/communities. Many reasons that lead to this problem includes – (poverty, corruption, poor awareness, etc). There is a need for additional technology in Africa to support internet access and this justifies the need for the TVWS.
Why CSOs need to advocate for access to internet
It will improve economic growth
Enhance spectrum utilization (a lot of spectrums is under-utilized)
It will help in bridging some educational gaps in rural areas
Another fundamental reason why CBOs should canvass in getting clear definition of using TVWS is
Lack of adequate wireless in the country.
Very high cost of installation
In the process of installation, there are different types of masts relevant for each installation and also specific to location. There is need to consider the following factors when installing mast: –
User need to know that, there are four operators in Nigeria (Glo, MTN, Etisalat and Nmobile)
Whether to apply the concept of c-location (work with multiple service providers)
In terms of users (the antenna has its capacity)
Why are antennas always directional? Satellite technology differs and this is always on two bands. Mindful, user should understand that, weather affects direction in the use of antenna.
A global momentum – worldwide trials and demos. This refers to the deployment of TVWS, and Nigeria has not expressed interests in the use of TVWS for now. Some countries have completed (applied the use of TVWS), some are at planning stage while others are on interest stage. The potentials are available in Nigeria but unutilized.
Completed or on-going
Planned
Expression of interests

The SWOT analysis of TVWS:
The strengths: one of the greatest advantages is the use of telemedicine as introduced by some countries such as India. This leads to –
Extensive nation-wide TV coverage
Digital migration already commenced
The weaknesses: In countries such as Nigeria, the absence of such framework hampers lots of interests from many potential users.
Lack of regulatory framework

Opportunities if the TVWS: Some of the opportunities that can be leveraged upon includes: –
Availability of un-utilized frequencies. Potential users can drive on this and bridge the existing space on TVWS
Enhance education within the rural areas
Platform for new wireless broadband entrance
Threats:
Interference from the existing broadcasting houses. However, this can be avoided when you have your frequency data. Knowledge of availability of such data will avoid duplication in terms of issuing the frequency to another service provider.

In Nigeria and at present, only university of Ilorin is about to set up the use of TVWS in their school campus.

Comments:
Question/observation
Responses
Comments
What can the coalition (CBOs) do to avoid collision with the big players in the course of advocating for establishment of community networks in the country?

Evidence-based advocacy can help in dousing possible resistance by some big-wigs in the telecom industry. Also, dialogue/interface between communities and others such as service providers, NCC etc will reduce blockages.

More players may be encouraged to come in because they have the capital, just to make profit. The application of TVWS will generate innovation, just by trying to apply the TVWS. The network gap needs to be addressed.
NCC has presently issued out a draft document to the application of the technology (TVWS).

There is need for local content research that suits our (Nigerian) society.
Supportive regulatory environment.
Stakeholder engagement (engage the community members).
Financial support from individual, government and service providers.

As an alternative source of power to support the establishment of community network and reduce cost of running engines, renewable energy is desirable in the country.

General recommendations:
Organizations should support the development of TVWS usage condition for regularization
USPF should support the use of TVWS IN THE COUNTRY (especially for rural communities). The fund needs to work for communities
Monitor the trials of existing TVWS in any part of the country (by government to entrench compliance)
Detailed study of rural issues needs to be conducted. This refers to proper mapping of communities (to provide all the necessary details/needs of communities)
CBOs to advocate to State governments on the need to allocate budget line to support deployment and use of TVWS
The telecom sector (public and private) should seek funding from sources such as the Worl Bank, etc
Train and develop human resource for TVWS deployment
Setting standards for use of TVWS by regulatory body, NCC
Monitoring the network performance. This can be conducted independently by organizations like CITAD and other NGOs for a more reliable report/outcome
Group work segment:
The trainees were grouped into three, each with a specific task for delivery. Presentations were later made at plenary. Generic question was given to all groups as outlined below:

It is expected that all groups will identify problems in their communities when deciding to apply the TVWS as a solution to a problem. The groups below are expected to areas to be studied are:

Address the problems,
Benefits of TVWS to communities,
Implications

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups are to work on
Education
Disaster
Health

Presentations: Group one (Education) and the Contents are;
Deployment
Strengths
Challenges and benefits
Solutions to the identified problems/challenges

Stakeholders include government agencies, community leaders, students, teachers, etc.
ISSUE
STRENGHS
CHALLENGES
BENEFITS
SOLUTIONS
Education

Lack of policy

Economic growth
Improvement of education in the community

Need for spectrum database
Proper management

Group two
(Disaster)
This group used a community called KIYAWA as a case study to identify the relevance of applying TVWS especially in a disaster-prone situation in the community. Some of the stakeholders identified by the group includes the SEIMU, LG Chair, traditional leaders, religious groups, NCC, NITDA, NGOs/CSOs, etc.

Deployment of the TVWS: this can be through
Advocacy
Fund raising
Community mobilization
International donors
Political office holders
Identified beneficiaries:
Farmers
Towns neighboring Kiyawa community

Comments/questions:
In a more-simpler tone, the deployment of TVWS can reduce the sufferings of communities due to disaster through the use of the TVWS. This is possible because it can aid the use of antenna to provide the necessary network in a community that will further, be used to communicate or seek for help/assistance in a state of need.

Group three Health
ISSUE
STRENGHS
CHALLENGES
BENEFITS
SOLUTIONS

Lack of advocacy by the CSOs to attract support

Corruption
Lack of connectivity

Uncompleted projects by governments

Research

Reduction in digital barrier

Promotes distance learning opportunities

Proposal on health issues for support

Building the capacity of CSOs/CBOs

Addressing the issue of digital literacy

Social media campaign

Abolishing of favoritism in health sector

Conclusion:
A video was played that depicts the relevance of TVWS especially in Africa where the digital gap is wide and the need to bridge the gap came out from the clip, vividly. The video highlighted how the application of TVWs became useful in a disaster community, educationally disadvantaged communities and similar communities that require quality education. The outcomes of the video are expected to serve as advocacy issues for the Micro-organizations toward a successful community network.

Afternoon session
“VSAT Installation”
Engineer Bello Abdulhamid

VSAT Installation and its maintenance:
Highlights of the topics included: How VSAT looks like, categories of VSAT hardware, how it is installed, managed and the requirements for installation.

The VSAT is technically referred to a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) and is purposely designed to provide internet services to all users. The users can both be in rural or urban depending the location of the user.

How small is the VSAT?
Facilitator used images to demonstrate what a VSAT looks like and how it is installed. The weight of the outdoor hardware may be anything from 50kg to 500kg including the mouthing hardware. It is characterized by a very small “aperture” and the cost of equipping the aperture is higher than the cost of its maintenance. This need to be understood by potential users.

There are two groups of VSAT hardware:
Outdoor unit assembly
Indoor unit assembly

Few things to consider before installation of VSAT and these are:
Equipment needed for the installation (specific)
Knowledge of installation
Equipment required for the installation
Outdoor unit (dish, the radio, receiver, the modem, need for a clear sky to avoid obstruction,)
Indoor unit ()
While there is need for any installer to have a compass that will aid him/her to know the direction of signal.

Comments/question:
VSAT Installation is covered/regulated by private sector
VSAT is powered by sun with a guarantee of up to 15 years
One of the advantages of VSAT is its installation in a place where there is no internet. The VSAT will provide better access to the use of internet provision. Here, one can use his google internet to identify the best place suitable for the installation.
Why do user encounter disconnection when there is cloud?? This was responded thus: that analogue signals have tolerance than the digital. This means that, the analogue digital provision tolerates cloud and thunder especially during rainy season. There is less obstruction unlike the digital signal which easily responds to cloud and other environmental factors that distracts network. Each particular signal has a specific location or direction.

(See full reading materials provided for full lectures)
Day-three
ICT Policy landscape in Nigeria and community networks (opportunities and challenges)
Engr Usman Maaruf Yakubu

Background of the presentation: this presentation comprises of about 20 different areas under the telecommunications. They are (National Digital Economy Policy & Strategy, partnership, infracos, regulatory landscape, NCC Act, ICT structure, postal services, ICT structure in Nigeria broadcasting, ICT structure in Nigeria NITDA, community network – a way to bridge the digital gap, the SDGs, benefits of CN, Challenges of CN, characteristics of CN and Why Community Networks in Nigeria, Challenges in the Regulatory Terrain and How ready is the Terrain, start-up barriers, Registration, Licensing, Permitting, and Compliance, Taxes, Regulatory/Licensing, and Import Fees, financing, Spectrum Difficulties, Spectrum Scarcity and Inefficient Use of Spectrum, Expense of Spectrum Access, What laws do you need to comply with,

Highlights:
Communities need structure and most be organized before they get a recognized and acceptable community network. There must be adequate information about any community before establishing a community network center. This information must be holistic that can depict what a community is generally (socially, economically, politically).

About six bodies are involved in the development and implementation of ICT policy in Nigeria. They are (NCC, NITDA, NBC, NIPOST, NiComSat and the federal ministry of communication and digital economy). However, there are distinct differences between one and another. For instance, NIPOST regulate activities such as postings of letters and other local dispatches from one place to another within Nigeria. NBC regulate the activities of media especially the radio and television. While, NITDA and the federal ministry of communications and digital economy regulates activities that revolve around service provision like the network coverage provided by companies such as MTN, Glo, Etisalat, etc.

Policymakers and regulators can help reach the next billions unconnected through innovative changes and through community network initiatives, helping to close the digital divide. To unleash the full potential community networks, policymakers should consider innovative ways to license Community Networks and provide meaningful access. This includes:
Streamline or Eliminate Onerous Regulatory Requirements, especially those that are not applicable to small, community-based networks.
Provide Tax, Customs, Regulatory, and Licensing Fee Exemptions. These fees and duties are difficult for community network operators to afford and can delay or prevent their development.
Enhance Transparency. Regulators should provide clear, public guidance on the specific policies and regulatory requirements (and exemptions) for community networks.
NB:
ICTs contributed about 12.45% in the 2020 budget of the FGN.

National digital economy policy and strategy: The federal government has put in place the following polices to regulate various activities under the ICTs.
Solid infrastructure (provides protection against network/service interference)
Service infrastructure
Indigenous content development and adoption
Digital society and emerging technologies
Soft infrastructure (this covers issues such as providing protection against abuse of person’s rights), ethics

Generally, for any community network to effectively be operated and managed, it must be fully owned by the community. This also means that they have to be into business because the NCC considered registration of communities with such intent only when they are into making sales/profit.

Regulatory landscape: It needs to be noted that, there were previously total fixed telephone lines and there were less than 400, 000 lines in years back. This is more evident prior to 1999 and regular internet users were less than 200, 000 at that time. While, in year 2000, the FGN adopted the national IT policy called NIT policy. To open and operate a business café, NCC provides license, etc. This provided opportunities for individuals to come into the communications industry more than before.

Practical session on searching for NCC Act (online).: nccarena

Lesson conclusion:
The session was closed with a call to trainees to understand that, there is a law which prescribes cyber criminality. The journey of Nigeria’s movement to the digital age is quite not steady due to weak political will and this requires deliberate and collective effort to move the process forward. There is need also, for mix of technology to for fiber optics to connect communities that are digitally disadvantaged.

Technology options
By Engr Rabiu Haruna

Trainees were taken through the various options available and other issues around community networks. As a base for understanding the subject, trainees were (as an illustration) exposed to the shift made from the analogue system to a more digital age, eg. the use of 090 in the telephony industry which marks a new shift in technology. Also, the frequency and techniques in usage differs and the limitation in capacity as well.
The technology shift tries to achieve much especially on the movement in the generations from 1st to today’s 5G. lots of changes from the previous mechanical and electrical gadgets are also clear examples of shift from the analogue age to present digital generation. Mobile network serves as a hub for linking the user and the service provider. However, there are at times that no service provider can provide up to 100% network without interference. Some of the constraints of which are purely natural. Some issues can however, be resolved e.g, study and adjustment of the transmission power, etc.

Questions/observations
Responses
Comments
Between the space and water, which one electric current flow/move faster?

For any internet service provision, there must be service provider’s issuance

Any mechanism to serve as an alternative to communities that are not connected especially where even the fiber is difficult to be shared?

Spectrum management is the sole responsibility of the government. the operator must certify all the needed requirements.

Micro-organizations should be a bit more critical/proactive on advocacy around community network (the sustainability aspect)

For sustainability purpose, there is need to agree on a reasonable (affordable) fee that community members will be charged for any service to be rendered by a CN. This charge/proceed will be used to sustain the CN.

The towers around our neighborhood are meant to provide the necessary networks needed to our phones/cell phones

The service provider has a duty to make profit and make his business sustainable

Various types of electromagnetics:
Electrical and electromagnetic telecommunication technologies include the following:
The telegraph
Telephone
Teleprinter
Microwave transmission, fiber optics, communications satellite and the internet amongst others
Types of electromagnetic radiation:
Radio
Microwaves
Infrared
Visible light, etc
Group work and outcomes:
The facilitator grouped trainees into three and assigned different tasks which was later presented at the plenary. Questions, observations and comments were made thereafter;

Group two task:
List the different types of transmission networks available>

Group three task:
List the different types of radio access>
GRAN
GERA
GRAN
VRAN

Some challenges of the telecommunication industry:
Poor or weak private investor’s participation in the country to support effective communication especially in the less advantaged communities
Weak willingness by government to support and protect public telecoms interests
Artificial low price in the telecoms sector
However, government is advised to have a regulated minimum price level to balance the sides of both service provider and customer.

Next steps: As part of the MoU signed between CITAD and the micro-organizations, the following were the next steps
CITAD will continue to provide mentoring to the organizations
CITAD to conclude the remaining courses not covered during the physical session at second phase
Micro-organizations will lead in community mobilization to further secure and consolidate community buy-in and support for the local community network initiative
Be responsible for preparing and submitting regular report of activities to CITAD
CITAD will provide training schedule for the second phase

End of training:
The training came to an end on day-four with the administration of post training evaluation forms to trainees. This was aimed at measuring their level of understanding/comprehension of the programme and what they actually learned as take-away. Similarly, a commitment form was signed by the trainees with a view to encourage them to be more proactive on promoting the initiative. The commitment charter is to trigger responsiveness from the trainees on their expected roles toward supporting the establishment of the Community Network. Study materials were provided to the trainees for further readings.

Mr Eseyin of Fantsuam foundation Kaduna offered vote of thanks on behalf of other trainees and the programme closed at about 5:00pm. The school sessions were covered on video, pictures and audio.

Annexes:
S/N
Description
Facilitator
MoV

1
Policy regulations in Nigeria
Engr Usman Ma’aruf Yakubu, NITDA, Abuja

2
Technology Options
Engr Rabiu Haruna

3
TVWS
Engr Kabir Ahmed

4
Applying Spectrum
Dr Yusuf Abdulkadir, NCC, Abuja

5
Copy of pre-Training evaluation form
CITAD Team

6
Keynote Address
Engr Abdilmalik Suleman – Galaxy Backbone, Abuja

7
Reading list
CITAD Team

8
Agenda for the training
CITAD Team

9
VSAT installation and Maintenance
Engr Bello Abdullhamid

10
VSAT installation
Engr Bello Abdullhamid

11
Press conference
Engr Y Z Ya’u, CITAD

12
Media clip
Daylight publishers

13
Media clip (radio)
Freedom radio, Kaduna

14
Media clip
NNN, Kaduna

15
CITAD Restates Need to Develop Guidelines, Regulations for Operation of Community Networks in Nigeria

CITAD Restates Need to Develop Guidelines, Regulations for Operation of Community Networks in Nigeria

16
PRESS RELEASE: CITAD Urges Urgent Intervention in Community Network to Bridge Digital Divide

https://techmirrormag.com.ng/index.php/news/digital-divide-citad-network

17
CITAD Advocate for National Policy on Community Network to bridge digital gap
The Campus Watch

CITAD Advocates For National Policy On Community Networks To Address Digital Divide

18

114 communities don’t have GSM signals in Nigeria —CITAD

19
114 Communities Don’t Have GSM Signals on Nigeria —CITAD
Nigerian Tribune Newspapers

114 communities don’t have GSM signals in Nigeria —CITAD

20
CITAD Launches the Nigerian School of Community Network
Nigerian Tracker

CITAD Launches the Nigerian School of Community Network

Pre-training evaluation form,

Post training evaluation form

Abbreviations:
NSCN Nigerian School of Community Network
TVWS Television White Space
CITAD Centre for Information Technology and Development
WP2 Work Package two
FCT Federal Capital Territory
CBO Community Based Organization
NCC Nigerian Communications Commission
A4AI Alliance for Affordable Internet
LSA Licensed Share Access
ITU International Telecommunications Union
SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
NITDA National Information Technology Development Agency
IT Information Technology
ICTs Information and Communication Technologies
NIPOST Nigerian Postal Services
NICTIB National Information Communication Infrastructure Backbone

The Centre for Information technology and development (CITAD) as part of its project on
Supporting Community-led Approaches to Addressing the Digital Divide in Nigeria which is
part of larger project on community networks coordinated globally by the Association for
Progressive Communications (APC) and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and
Development Office of the UK Government, convened a one-day consultative meeting  on
Gender and  Community Networks. Community networks are telecommunications
infrastructure deployed and operated by a local group to meet their own communication
needs and also a communications infrastructure, designed and erected to be managed for
use by local communities. This communication needs can be voice, data, e-learning etc. and
can be a point of convergence for communities to come together to address their common
community problems. The meeting, attended by over 25 CSOs, Media Personnel, Women
Led-groups and CSOs from different parts of the country was held in Bafra International
Hotel, Kaduna, Kaduna State on January 15, 2022. It was also meant to generate more
voices about the need to develop policies that address the gender digital divide in Nigeria.
Additionally, it was aimed to continue the effort toward working with the Nigerian
Communication Commission to develop a national policy on community networks.
The meeting featured five presentations as follows:
1. Understanding Community Networks
2. Gender and Digital Marginalization in Nigeria
3. The Policy in Nigeria as relates to Community Networks
4. What CITAD is doing in the Relation to Community Networks?
5. Gender Issues and Community Networks
Observations
Participants observed that:
1. Women are digitally marginalized in the digital space which creates a huge gap in the
society
2. Most of the policies relating to digital technology in the country are not gender
responsive as a result of the marginalization of women in the policy and decision making
processes
3. Women voices are not heard in terms of making contributing on how to address the
gender digital divide in the country
4. Gender and women marginalization starts from girl-child
5. Online harassment discourages women effective participation in digital space
6. Security agencies pay less attention to online sexual and gender based violence against
women

7. Community networks constitute an important strategy to promote digital inclusion in the
country
8. The country currently does not have a policy to allow for the emergence and
sustainability of community networks.

Recommendations
Participants, believing that women participation in the community networks have immense
benefits in terms of bridging the digital divide in the country, made the following
recommendations:
1. Government should as a matter of urgency come up with a National Policy on Community
Networks to create the conducive environment for that will catalyze citizens’ action of
address their digital marginality
2. The ICT policies should be gender friendly, allowing for equal access to participation and to
use and benefits of digital technology
3. . Women need to be claim a space in the policy making processes so that their experiences
and challenges could be given the attention they deserved in the quest for gender digital
justice
4.  Women should be allowed to present their issues and chance to provide possible to their
problems
5.   Women should organize vigorously to ensure that their numerical strengthen counts in
policy outcomes in the country
6.  In pushing  for a policy on community networks, women should play a leading role to ensure
that the community network initiatives to do replication and reinforce the gender blindness
of existing policies in the digital space
7. Social Media influencers should do more on creating awareness to people in the rural
communities
8. Government and other stakeholders to address online gender violence as well as the
prevalence of harmful contents on the internet that inhibits women effective engagement in
the cyberspace

Resolution
The participants unanimously resolved to form a Platform of Women Activists for
Community Networks  with the following objectives:
1. Popularize the importance of women participation the emerging community networks
initiatives and see it as tool to bridging the gender digital marginalization in the country
2. Sensitizing their community members, social media followers as well as their
organizations about the importance and benefits of women engagement with community
networks initiatives
3. To advocate stakeholders involved to come up with a national gender based policy
framework for community networks in the country

4. to advocate for more women to engage digital technology general,, including the safe and
secure use of social media platforms
5. Support effort by all stakeholders to address the multifarious dimensions of the digital
divide in Nigeria.
6. campaign for special initiatives for the massive digital literacy among girls in secondary
schools so that the digital bridging process should begin at that level
Signed
Harira Wakili, Community Mobilization Officer
Yemi Balogun, Yemi Balogun Media

By KATO P. LADAN, Kaduna

Worried by the statistics that over 100 million Nigerians lack access to Internet connectivity in 114 communities across the country, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Pantami to set up a national policy for the development of Community Networks.

Executive Director CITAD, Yunusa Zakari Yaú made the call at a press briefing in Kaduna on Wednesday.

“Call on the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy to set up a mechanism for the development of a National Policy for Community Networks,” he said.

CITAD also called on the NCC to develop guidelines and regulations for the operation of community networks in the country and to allow communities to access and use TV White Space (TVWS) for the purposes of setting up community networks.
” Enjoins the Galaxy Backbone PLC to provide communities with access to its backbone for them to use as their community networks getaways.
“The USPF to support the upgrading of the many community digital centres they set up in the country to serve as nucleus of community networks for communities that desirous and passionate to set up such in their communities.
“NITDA to work with communities at grassroots level to drive digital literacy which is critical for the effective utilization of digital technology and which is the foundation upon which the digital transformation agenda of the country will rest,” it further called.
Similarly, the group tasked  the private sector operators in the sector to as, their corporate social responsibility support communities building community networks.
“Call on all other stakeholders, including political office holders to support communities to go digital as critical contribution to community development,” he said.
The Executive Director explained that at the 16th edition of the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF)   commenced two days ago at Katowice, Poland, with the general theme of “United Internet”.