REPORT OF A 3-DAY CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP ON DIGITAL RIGHTS TO NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION’S STAFF ORGANIZED BY THE CENTRE FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT

Date: 18-20 th July, 2023
Venue: Rockview Hotel, Abuja

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) as part of its commitment to promote
digital rights in Nigeria and ensure the individual users of the internet rights are being safeguarded and
protected, and being that human rights online, are recognized as components of our fundamental human
rights that must be respected by all and be protected by the government from the 18 th -20 th of July, 2023
conducted a capacity enhancement workshop for key staff of the National Human Rights Commission
(NHRC) in Abuja with 18 participants in attendance. The objectives of the workshop were to:
i. Deepen the understanding of the NHRC staff of the concept of digital rights and its dimensions;
ii. Share lessons and learning from across the globe on how digital rights enforcement is
mainstreamed into the enforcement of fundamental human rights;
iii. And enhance the capacity of the commission’s staff to strategize on how they can incorporate
digital rights enforcement in the work of the Commission.

Giving his welcome remarks at the workshop, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights
Commission, Chief Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) started by expressing the Commission’s gratitude to
management and Staff of CITAD for identifying and desiring to expand the frontiers of discuss on digital
rights through awareness creation and capacity building for institutions with the mandate to defend
human rights in the country. Speaking on the importance of protecting Digital Rights of the citizens, the
Executive Secretary said Digital Rights are basically human rights online, and they need to be protected.
He went further to state that digital rights are aspects of fundamental human rights that must be
recognized, respected and protected by all. The National Human Rights Commission was established for
the protection, promotion and enforcement of human rights in the country, which disposes the
Commission to every aspect of activities that impact on human rights, the Executive Secretary added.
Speaking farther on the aspect of Digital rights, Mr. Ojukwu mentioned that digital rights are emerging
discourse on impact of digital technology on every aspect of human endeavor, and the tremendous
potentials for improving human lives and ability to develop.

Lamenting on how the digital rights of the citizens are being abused, the Executive Secretary said
technologies present challenges with negative impacts such as censorship, inversion of privacy, illegal
surveillance and harassment of women and children. However, he emphasized that the Commission’s is in
a position to facilitate the protection of these rights through sensitization, monitoring and enforcement.
At the end he enjoined the participants to make the best out of the opportunity graciously offered the
Commission by CITAD.
Also, giving his welcome address at the workshop, the Executive Director of CITAD, Y.Z Ya’u said the need
for the knowledge of the application of the digital rights abuses by the commission cannot be over
emphasized, as the commission is the one saddle with responsibility to defend the human rights of the
citizens in the country, and digital rights are the extension of those rights into the digital space. The
Executive Director stated that the objective of organizing the workshop is to deepen the understanding of
the NHRC staff of the concept of digital rights and its dimensions; share lessons and learning from across
the globe on how digital rights enforcement is mainstreamed into the enforcement of fundamental
human rights; and enhance the capacity of the commission’s staff to strategize on how they can
incorporate digital rights enforcement in the work of the Commission. Speaking on how the privacy of
citizens are being interfered with in the country, the Executive Director said massive surveillance being
used by the security agencies and others to monitor the activities of the citizens in the country are threat
to the existence of the democratic process in the country.
Moreover, Mr. Ya’u also mentioned that part of the aim of the program and other follow up engagements
is to show how the aspect of digital rights will be mainstreamed into the work of the commission.
Emphasizing on the importance of the digital rights, Mr. Ya’u said digital rights have now become critical
part of the citizens human rights due to the fact that almost all the activities of citizens conducted have
now migrated to digital platforms, and for this the commission need to join other actors to continue
championing the cause for ensuring the passage of the digital rights and freedoms bill in the country.
Offering a goodwill message at the workshop, the Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kole
Ahmed Shettima thanked the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) for organizing
the workshop and described it as timely. According to him, MacArthur Foundation, as an organization,
one of its key areas of concern is how to use technology for public interest, in a way that it promotes
human dignity, protect human rights, protect the most vulnerable and of course ensure that the rights of
citizens are always protected. “Our privacy, our lives, our sources of livelihood and our intellects are also
protected and hence the programme at MacArthur Foundation tagged “Technology for Public Interest”.
He added.
He further stated that it is a well-known fact that some people use technology in a way that is inimical to
rights of individuals. It is also a well-known fact that there are cases of deployment of surveillance
systems by the state governments especially in the Niger Delta without constrains and unfortunately
citizens (and CSOs) have not been really paying required attention to this unfortunate development. This

is because as we are all aware some technologies are being used to track down individuals unwillingly and
many people have lost their lives especially journalists in many parts of the world. It is also worrying to
note that these technologies are in Nigeria and many states are using them and citizens don’t know for
what purpose these surveillance gadgets are being used, he averred.
Dr. Shettima also raised concern on the ways different institutions in Nigeria collect different sort of
biometrics data of citizens which citizens don’t know what they do with it, where they are taking it to and
who they are sharing it with. The Africa Director also noted that there are many laws and regulations that
relate to either cybercrime or anti-terrorism which citizens are not paying much attention to on how
technologies are being used in those laws in order to track down people and violet their rights.
Speaking about Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dr. Shettima said in Nigeria people have not started seriously
talking and thinking about it, but the reality is that many governments (in the world) are really working
hard to make sure that their citizens are protected. This is because it has been used to stereotype people
and harm them, but unfortunately up to now we are far away from engaging in such conversation let
alone of having a regulatory framework on how to use such technologies (AI) to make our lives more
advance and better.
At end, he expressed happiness that the conversation is happening with the NHRC.
On her part, the Executive Director of Association for Progressive Communications (APC) who was
represented by Peace Oliver, the African Regional Coordination of the organization, while giving her
welcome remarks at the training said she was very happy that this training was taking place at this time
when the issue of digital rights abuse of the citizens was increasing everyday and most of the time the
perpetrators are going freely leaving the victims at the mercy of their own self. She added that what she
is particularly happy about the training was the fact that the beneficiary of the training were those who
are responsible of protecting the rights of the citizens in the country. Speaking about how they take the
issue of digital rights, the ED said at APC, digital rights is one of areas the organization holds dear in its
work, and it is what they are advocating for over years.
Speaking on the importance and need for the digital rights, the Executive Director stated that respecting
and protecting the digital rights of the citizens was now a must and responsibility of everyone involve in
this works as the lives of the citizens is migrating to online platforms faster than we imagined. She went
further to said that almost all the activities citizens conducted especially journalists, activists and human
rights defenders are now migrated to internet, hence, the need to ensure the platforms are safe, secure
and friendly to use by all.

TRAINING:
Day One:

On the first day of the training, the participants were taken through the Foundational Basis for Digital
Rights by YZ Ya’u, Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development. Mr. Ya’u
started his presentation by taking the participants through the Changing Nature of Society and how the
internet has change the way we live. He also discussed The Industrial Trajectory, where he discussed 1 st
Industrial, 2 nd Industrial and 3 rd Industrial revolutions. Key Drivers of Earlier Industrial Revolution were also
discussed by Mr. Ya’u. Another topics touched by Mr. Ya’u while discussing the Foundational Basis for
Digital Rights were: Enters the Information Society; The Origins of the Discourse on Digital Rights; What
are Digital Rights; Why Digital Rights Matters; State of Digital Rights in Nigeria; Who are the People
Excluded including Availability of infrastructure, Affordability of digital goods and services, Capacity to use
digital devices. He also went further to discussed Estimating the Digital Excluded in the Country; Major
Challenges to Digital Rights; Some examples of How Digital Rights are abused or derogated in the country
and Status of Digital Rights in Nigeria

After the first presentation by Mr. Ya’u, participants were asked to identify the current Technology Use in
the Work of the Commission. Technology tools such as: Call Center, Internet-Based Complaint Platform,
ICT Unit, E-Library, and Platform for Lodging Complain were mentioned by the staff of the commission
present at the training.
Participants also agreed that the workshop was only the beginning of the engagement with digital rights.
While discussing current uses of technology in the work of the Commission, participants resolved as
followes:

  1. That there is need for more training, especially for staff of the organization at zonal offices
  2. There is need to improve on access to technology across the offices of the Commission
  3. That the online human rights abuse platform of the commission should incorpate use of local
    languages in addition to English
  4. A meeting of all relevant agencies as well as private providers should be convened to discusss
    the issues of digital rights and identify the individual and collective role the stakeholders should
    play in promoting digital rights in the country/
    The second presentation of the day was on Planning for the Monitoring of Digital Rights Compliance in
    Nigeria by Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukhu, Country Director, Lawyers Without Borders, Nigeria. Mrs. Uzoma
    started by defining what digital rights is all about. Then she discussed about Digital Rights in Nigeria –
    Current Reality. Other issues she covered include: Monitoring Digital Rights such as: Freedom of
    Expression; Digital Rights Education; Access to Information & Services; Rights to Privacy; Legal
    Framework. And lastly she touched the Monitoring Index like Patterns, Key Actors, and Legislations in the
    country

The last presentation of the day was on Legal Perspectives on Digital Rights by Barrister Hussain Hussain
of the Eastward Legal Services. Barrister Hussain started by discussing on the Fundamental Rights of the
Citizens. Other issues discussed by Barrister Hussain were: Case Study of Political View on Provision of
Access to the Internet for all; Internet Regularability and Digital Rights; Cyber libertarians; Cyber
paternalists; Network Communitarianism; What School of Thought is Prevalent in Nigeria; How can Digital
Rights be Safeguarded. Incorporated Trustees of Digital Rights Lawyers Initiative & Ors v. NIMC (2021)
LPELR-55623(CA). Limitation to Digital Rights in Nigeria and how to Break the Barrier and Avoid Liability.

Day Two:
On the second day of the training, a recap of what had been discussed on the first day was done, during
which the participants were asked to mention one or two things they learnt in the previous day. After the
recap, Barrister Emmanuel Edet, Director, Legal Services, National Information Technology Development
Agency (NITDA) took the participants through the Protecting Children Online and the Current Policy in the
Country. Mr. Edet started by exploring the origin and need for children to have specific rights; the rights
of a child; Enforcement Measures. He also highlighted the steps taken by relevant stakeholders to enforce
the rights of a child in the country. After that he discussed on Parental Advisory to ensuring the rights of
children are being safeguarded, and continued to highlight what can be done to improve child protection
in digital environment. Other issues discussed by Mr. Edet were: Child Rights as Subset of Human
Rights with particular attention to the rights of special protection and care afforded to minors; History of
Child Rights; Global Outlook on the Rights of a Child; Convention on the Rights of the Child; The African
Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child Rights Act. Moreover, Mr. Edet also touched on the
responsibilities of different stakeholders on the child rights; Mechanisms for Compliance; Parental
Advisory; Child Online Safety Index (COSI). At the end of his presentation he gave some recommendations
on how to ensure every child’s rights is being protect. Some of the recommendations he offered were:
Strengthening of Legal Frameworks and Institutions, Creating sustainable programmes with measurable
objectives, and collaboration i.e. engaging everyone in the process.
The second presentation of the day was on African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms by YZ
Ya’u. On this presentation, Mr. Ya’u focused on the 13 principles of the African Declaration on Internet
Rights and Freedoms such as: Openness, Internet Access and Affordability, Freedom of Expression, Right
to Information, Freedom of Assembly and Association and the Internet, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity,
Right to Development and Access to Knowledge, Privacy and Personal Data Protection, Security, Stability
and Resilience of the Internet, Marginalised Groups and Groups at Risk, Right to Due Process, Democratic
Multistakeholder Internet Governance and Gender Equality. On this presentation, Mr. Ya’u explained to
the participants the importance of each of the principle, how it could be achieved and the contribution
National Human Rights Commission can play to ensure the realization and respect of each of the
principle.

The third presentation was on Gender Violence Online as Digital Rights Abuse by Barrister Mojirayo
Ogunlana-Nkanga, Executive Director and Founder of Digicivic Initiative. Mrs. Ogunlana-Nkanga dwelled her
presentation on Online Gender Based Violence (OGBV), violence against women and how technology is being
used to abused individuals on the basis of either their religion, gender or race. The legal expert also discussed on
the True Nature of Online Violence in the Digital Age and how it is impacted of the lives of the OGBV victims.
Some of the impact according to her are; self-censorship, mental health, reputational damage and insecurity
After Mrs. Ogunlana-Nkanga presentation, it was followed by the Professor Nsongurua J. Udombana, LLD,
FCArb presentation on Enforcing Digital Rights in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges. Professor
Nsongurua focused his presentation on how the commission can use the existing laws in the country to
enforce the compliance of the digital rights in the country. He also discussed on the opportunities that
exist in the country which the commission can capitalize on to defend the victims of the digital rights.
However, the University don pointed out some of the challenges that can hinder the enforcement of the
digital rights in the country. The challenges according him are lack of substantive laws in the country,
overzealous of the security agencies, abuse of the court orders and lack of proper awareness among the
citizens.
The last presentation on the second was on the Draft Digital Rights Bill in Nigeria by Boye Adeboye, Senior
Manager, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN). Mr. Adegoke took the participants through the history of the
draft Digital Rights and Freedom Bill in Nigeria; how it was started, the actors involved, and how it was
rejected by the president in 2018.
Day Three:
On the day three of the training which was the last day of the training, participants were taken through
Digital Rights and Civic Space by Patrick Allam, Legal Officer, Spaces for Change. Mr. Allan started by taking
the participants through the Nigeria’s Digital Landscape; the State of Civic Space in West Africa; The State of Civic
Space in Nigeria; General Limitation of Civil Space; Regulation of Digital Spaces in Nigeria; Key Findings of the
Report on Civic Space Violation, and Modes of Online Attacks. He also discussed Roadmap for Change to Civic
Space violation such as: Regulation, Legislation and Sanction, Import and Export Controls, Increased
commitment to sensitization, capacity building and awareness-creation, lead reforms for accountability
and access, and Pushing for legislative and judicial reviews of repressive laws.
The second presentation on the third was on Digital Identify as a Right: A Look at the State of the NIMC
Registration by Jamila Ahmad, Assistant Director, Office of the Director General, National Identity
Management Commission (NIMC). Mrs. Ahmad focused her presentation on how NIMC is ensuring every
citizen has a digital identity which the commission consider as a right to every citizen. Some of the specific
topics she discussed were: Digital Identity as a Human Right; The Digital Identity?; The Importance of
Digital Identity; Nigeria’s Socio-economic Challenges; Nigeria’s Cyberspace Security Issues; The Role of
NIMC in Bridging Socio-economic and Security Challenges; Digital Identity Vs. Data Protection; Navigating
the Digital Landscape

Moreover, the final presentation at the training was on Data and Privacy Protection in the Context of the
National Data Protection Regulations. This particular presentation was conducted by Hauwa Ibrahim
Hadejia, Legal Enforcement and Regulation Officer at the commission. Miss. Ibrahim dwelled on the roles
and responsibilities of the NPDC in protecting the digital data of the citizens and the newly signed
Nigerian Data Protection Act. Some of the specific areas the presentation paid attention to were:
Individual’s Privacy Online?; Privacy Issues in the Digital Age; Protecting One selves from Privacy Issues;
The Roles of Companies and Governments in Data Protection? Foundations to Data Protection, Risk and
Challenges in Privacy Protection; Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023; The Role of the Nigeria Data
Protection Commission (NDPC), and Expectations of the NDPC.

To conclude the event, the participants discussed on how to promote the passage of the Digital Rights
and Freedom Bill in the country. Some of the points raised were:
i. Advocacy to the concerned agencies like NITDA, NPDC, NCC
ii. Advocacy to the National Assembly’s relevant committees i.e. House Committee on Human Rights
for their buy-in.
iii. Advocacy to Ministry of Justice
iv. Awareness creation among the citizens especially social influencers to help in pushing for the
passage of the bill
v. Engagement with social influencers to help in amplifying the message
vi. Robust engagements with media house
Observations:
 That national security has always been the basis for the violation of citizens’ digital rights
 That technology giants are the ones governing and censoring the digital space not the
government
 That children are one of the categories of individuals that are vulnerable online

Recommendations:
 There is a need for more sensitization on data protection on digital rights in Nigeria
 Complaints channeling platforms should be provided with the automated language
translation package
 There is a need for more training for staff of National Human Rights Commission on the
newly emerging digital rights
 There should be a fora that will bring together critical stakeholders on board to discuss
and come up with a well formulated and well-thought-out policy frame that can be
translated into law or at least policy direction framework

 The staff of the commission should be trained on how to handle online complaint
platform effectively
 NHRC should collaborate with relevant sister agencies such as NDPC in the area of
training and signing of MoU that will facilitate the protection of digital rights of
Nigerians
 There is a need for more concerted effort on the part of the relevant stakeholders in the
area of legislative buy-in and lobbying

REPORT OF LEARN AND TEACH OTHERS (LATO) ON MICROSOFTPACKAGES (MS WORD AND EXCEL) ORGANISED BY CENTRE FORINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT (CITAD) AT LEA

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) had on 18 th April, 2023
organised a one-day capacity building for 15 teachers of LEA Primary school Kilankwa II,
Kwali Area Council, FCT. The training came after the school management requested for their
skills to be enhanced, as the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) donated 8 sets of
computer systems to the school and no other teacher could type except a beneficiary of the
digital skills training held at Leleyi Gwari ICT centre Mr. Ishaya Micah who is also a staff of
the school has been the only person who types all school work. The objective of the training
is to equip the teachers with the basic knowledge of MS Word and Excel.
Giving an opening remark, CITAD sponsorship officer Mubaraq Ekute gave a brief about
CITAD as a Non-Governmental organization, that builds the capacity in areas of research,
advocacy and promotes good governance while leveraging on technology. He stated that the
aim of the training is to equip staff of the school on how to use Microsoft Word and Excel,
this is necessary as it aids the school management activities such as typing of question papers
and computing school result records as it provides an accurate and reliable results irrespective
of number of students.
Mrs. Yesmin Salako CITAD programme officer who facilitated the training enjoined all staff
to give their maximum cooperation and ensure to step down the knowledge learnt to other
staff of the school. Topics such as introduction to MS word, the steps on how to lunch MS
word, overview and working environment of MS word. The teachers were also shown how to
type, edit, format the MS word document and save a document using MS word applications
on their smartphones. There was a 15 minutes break for the staff to eat and pray.
After the break Mrs. Yesmin Salako continued the session on MS Excel. Topics such as
overview of MS Excel, formatting tools, workbook, sheets and also basic result computation.
In his closing remarks while thanking CITAD Mr chindo bitrus ndanson the Head Master of
LEA primary school Kilankwa II stated that it is a government policy that all civil servant
must be computer literate and was very grateful that the 15 teachers who participated in the
training can now compute students results and hopes by the end of the term each staff woud
be able to compile a comprehensive, accurate and reliable result. However, the school
requested for more trainings like such to continue to enhance their skills and make them
better.
The training was successful as most of the teachers were able to download the WPS
application on their smartphones so they could continue to practice what they have learnt.

REPORT ON ADVOCACY VISIT TO ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL (AMAC) CHAIRMAN OFFICE

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) paid an advocacy visit to the Chairman
of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu on Thursday 23 rd
March 2023. The visit was birthed of the abandoned electrification project at Tungan Ashere
community AMAC, FCT which was approved for work by the previous chairman around October
2021, the project began by planting poles in the community but was later abandoned without fixing
the wires and connecting the community to electricity which was the major aim of the project.
The visit had in attendance CITAD programme officer Yesmin Salako, Technical officer Usman Isah,
Tungan Ashere community leader, Youth leader and also women leader for inclusiveness. The
meeting lasted for about thirty (30) minutes at the chairman’s office.
The chairman welcomed the team and requested to know the aim of the visit, Yesmin provided an
overview of CITAD and how it has successfully implemented projects in FCT rural communities one
of which is Tungan Ashere community. The community leader revealed that Tungan Ashere has
never witnessed electricity and were excited when the process started about two years ago,
however it was abandoned just immediately it began. The community members had tried severally
to engage the government but their effort was futile. They hope this visit would reactivate the
process of the electrification project.
Yesmin Salako reiterated that CITAD was glad to have been welcomed by the chairman and hope this
would enhance change and development on power supply in the community.
The chairman said it is sad to note that some areas in the FCT are still living in darkness and
promised that before May 2023 light would be restored in Tungan Ashere.
The meeting ended with a presentation of souvenir on CITAD’s publication and then a group
photograph was taken.

INVITATION FOR PARTICIPATION 2ND ROUND OF DIGITAL CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION FOR YOUNG WOMEN (DICI-YOW)

The centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with support from Lenovo Foundation is starting women-focused incubators entitled Digital Creativity and Innovation for Young Women (DICI-YOW). The goal of the initiative is to create jobs for women and girls while the specific objectives are:

  1. To provide digital skills training for 200 girls (100 per year)
  2. To produce 80 digital entrepreneurs (40 per year)
  3. To create 160 new digital jobs for girls (80 per year)

The Programme consists of four phases and will last 10 months as followed:

Phase 1: Basic Digital Skills (one month)

Phase 2: Advanced Digital Skills (1 month)

Phase 3: Business Ideation (2months)

Phase 4: Incubator (6months)

Expected outcome:

As an incubator programme, its beneficiaries will at the end harvest some digital businesses providing goods or services to the public

Target Beneficiaries

  1. Beneficiaries must be girls between the ages of 18-30
  2. They must have a minimum secondary school education
  3. Must be capable of communicating in both written and oral English
  4. Must be interested in building and running a business of their own
  5. Participants must be based either in Kano, Bauchi or Gombe states. In addition, participants should ordinarily be residents in either Kano or can make arrangements to accommodate themselves in any of these three places for the duration of the programme.

Invitation

Interested girls who meet the criteria above are invited to apply. Applicants should include photocopies of their credentials, an indication of their interest in the application letter. 

The application should be submitted using the link below or via apps@citad.org on or before March 10, 2023.

https://forms.gle/M5vWwEG7o9gvdeeH6

Note:

Progression into the different phases of the programme is based on performance.

BAUCHI FEMINIST INTERNET SCHOOL

THE 5th BAUCHI FEMINIST INTERNET SCHOOL: CALL FOR APPLICATION 

Introduction 

The fifth Bauchi Feminist Internet School (BaFIS) organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) will hold in February, 2023. The objective of the BaFIS is to produce digital inclusion champions who will join other champions for bridging the gender digital divide in the country. The three-day school  offers intensive training on various topics regarding access to and use of the internet as well as internet governance and policy making in the arena from feminist perspectives. 

Alumni will be expected to, after the training, undertake the following activities:

  1. Contribution to expanding the base of knowledgeable gender digital inclusion activists by Stepping-down the training to at least 10 other persons, majority of who should be females 
  2. Undertake advocacy visits to relevant government officials/agencies to solicit their support for the national digital inclusion agenda 
  3. Will write and share an article of not less 1000 words on how digital inclusion agenda can be realized in the country 

Application for participation from interested persons is hereby invited. Applicants should meet the following criteria:

  1. Must be digitally literate and has active social media handles/profiles 
  2. Must have some previous gender advocacy experience 
  3. Working with a gender-focused or women-led organization will be an advantage 
  4. Note that participants will be made up of 70/30 female-to-male ratio

Interested persons should submit their applications to citad.org/bafis  or register on the  link (https://forms.gle/o5MZQTiGTFLbG2E6A) on or before January 13, 2023

Selected persons will be accommodated in Bauchi and be provided with meals; however, they will be responsible for their transportation. The best-performing alumni in terms of a step down and advocacy output stands a chance to be sponsored to the 4th Kano Social Influence’s Summit, holding in July, 2023

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpENERd3whDJ9sODhK8gf9n9Q2spKM56gLHR53o-4nvEgUgw/viewform?embedded=true

16 Days of Activism: CITAD, NAPTIP, others take campaign to Kano streets

By News Desk

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), National Human Rights Commission, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other civil societies added their voices to the call against gender-based violence during an awareness walk on the streets of Kano.

The campaign is part of activities to commemorate the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Speaking on the awareness walk, the CITAD gender officer, Zainab Aminu said it was organized to create awareness of the threat of gender-based violence in the society.

Zainab said the recent increasing cases of gender-based violence gave cause for concern, submitting that the civil societies and media had a great role to play in educating the people, particularly victims, to speak out.

The gender officer also decried the rising cases of GBV in Kano, saying that, the Centre had recorded over 800 cases of rape, domestic violence, sexual abuse and online harassment from January 2022 to date.

She urged Kano State House of Assembly to domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill (VAPP), and the Kano State Child Protection Bill, to enhance the fight against sexual and gender based violence.

Zainab Aminu stressed that, if passed, the laws would go a long way in curbing the menace, where perpetrators would be prosecuted to have a safer society.

Gender-based violence must be put to a stop because it is an evil act. It ranges from rape, battery and child molestation, among others “

Also speaking, Head of Department Sexual and Gender Based Violence, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person’s (NAPTIP), Kano zonal command, Hajiya Rasheda Aminu Ibrahim highlighted that, lack of VAPP Act in Kano limits the prosecution of SGBV offenders.

She said, NAPTIP zonal command which compromise of Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kaduna and Bauchi states, was committed to eradicating sexual and gender based violence, child labour and molestation, human trafficking among others.

Responding, Deputy speaker Kano state house of assembly who doubles as Chairman house standing committee on Women Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru Hassan Dashi reiterated the house commitment in passing the bill within the shortest period.

He said, a public hearing on child protection bill was organized by KNHA to collate inputs from the public, stressing that, the delay was to consult the different sects in line with cultural and religious teachings.

The road walk, organized by CITAD in collaboration with NAPTIP, Civil Defence, YOSPIS, Girls Gate Initiative, Bridge connect Africa initiative and CELOHA, witnessed large turnout of young men and women carrying placards with different inscriptions on the need to eradicate SGBV.

CITAD Holds Interactive Session With Female Journalists To Commemorates Int’l Girl Child Day

A non-governmental organization, Centre for Information Technology and Development CITAD with support from Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is organizing 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.”

Invitation for Participation in a Three-Day Workshop on Data Analysis Using Stata for Humanities and Social Sciences

Introduction

There has been a major improvement in the quality of data analysis in quantitative research in the social sciences across the world. This is largely due three factors. First, the availability of computer hardware and software which has simplified data analysis. Second, major developments in the underlying statistical theories and better upstanding of thematic issues, various subject matter theories and their adaptation for applied research. Third, availability of research data. We have developed the ability to collect or tease out high quality social research data at individual household, firm, national and global levels.

However, to effectively use quantitative data analysis a researcher has to get several things right. The data has to be effectively harnessed and explained. The appropriate theory has to be used as a foundation for this endeavor.

While theory is being effectively taught in our universities, applied data analysis is still very weak at best and completely absent in most places.

This is where CITAD is going to make an intervention, by organizing a three-day hands-on workshop on applied data analysis using Stata. The first workshop will be an introductory course with emphasis on primary data analysis. In future it will become a data analysis training series. Other types of data analysis such as advanced primary data, time series data, panel data, multi-criteria data, big data, simulation, Bayesian analysis will be taught.

The main objectives are to improve the quality of degree research findings. This will translate into better policy recommendations that will lead to implementation of evidence-based policies in Nigeria.

Stata statistical software will be used for the workshop because it is suited for primary data analysis. Other types of software will be introduced for later depending on the type of type to be covered by future workshops.

Duration: Three days intensive hands-on workshop

Software: Stata17

Target participants: Postgraduate students of Nigerian public universities

Venue: CITAD Head office

Date: Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th October, 2022

Proposed topics

  • Introduction to social statistics
  • Types of social data
  • Introduction to Stata
  • Data management
  • Descriptive statistics
  • Graphics
  • Contingency table
  • Measures of central tendency and dispersion
  • More on descriptive statistics
  • Inferential statistics
  • Causal relationship
  • Correlation
  • Regression analysis

If you will like to participate please go the following website https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JdIxzh1wrCg6U59Qaf_fryIS29K0Yx66dV65AbC9FY4/edit

 to complete data form.

Application deadline: Monday 3rd October 2022

Requirements

Prospective participant must be:

  1. A dully registered graduate student of social sciences and humanities in any public university in Nigeria. Academic staff of any public owned tertiary institution can also apply. Evidence will be required during the selection process.
  2. Computer literate.
  3. Willing to devote three days needed for the workshop.

The workshop is free as part of CITAD’s educational services. However, participants from outside Kano will be responsible for their travel and accommodation.

CITAD EMPOWERS PEOPLE WITH VISION IMPAIRMENT ON DIGITAL SKILLS AND USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ADVOCACY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

People living with disabilities are not only economically marginalized and politically excluded but also lack the voice to make effective demand for inclusion and accountability on matters that affect them. In many states, such people have no access to educational institutions, no appropriate policies to address their needs and concerns at schools and in places of work and they face outright discrimination in matters of admission to high education and in places of employment. Although they have been associations, most of the associations by people with disabilities have taken the form of seeking for economic support rather than address the systemic constrains that make them to remain economically marginalized and generally excluded from political processes. At the national level, advocacy has resulted in the establishment of the National Commission for Disabilities. However, at state levels, there are hardly policy responses to their plight. Educational institutions lack policies to ensure that campuses are conducive for people living with disabilities. In its effort to support associations of people living with disabilities to project their voice and demand for accountability and inclusion as well as help them to sustain that voice, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has on Saturday, 27th August, 2022 conducted a one-day Training Workshop on Digital Skills and use of Social Media for Advocacy and Accountability for People with Vision Impairment in Kano. The workshop was organized for the Visually Impaired Educational Forum of Special education School Tudun Maliki, Kano (VIEFSESMT) aimed to catalyze a voice for the demand for inclusion and accountability of people living with disabilities Kano State.In his welcome remark, Sagiru Ado Abubakar who coordinates the activities of PWDs in CITAD said that the training workshop was part of ‘Disabilities, ICTs and the Quest for Inclusive Development’ forum held on June this year at CITAD Annex, Women Development Centre, Court Road, Kano to discuss challenges that people living with Disabilities face in accessing and using ICTs. He informed the participants that CITAD wants see PWDs discussions on social media on issues that touch their lives and advocate for inclusion and accountability in governance issues. He added that during such engagement with PWDs there will be weekly interactive radio programs to create and support voice of PWDs demanding for accountability and inclusion.CITAD Communication and Campaign Officer, Malam Ali Sabo represented the Centre Executive Director at the event. Sabo said that the training is one of CITAD’s initiatives aimed at addressing the exclusion of people with special needs on access to digital skills and the use of social media for advocacy. He stated that the training will support the physically challenged in the society and prepare them to be independent and self-reliant and demand accountability from the leaders to seek alternative means through social media. He finally encouraged the participants to make use of technology as powerful tool for public opinion that they could compel leaders to be accountable.The first presentation talked about the concept of accountability, it explained that accountability as about using power responsibly. It involves taking account of the needs, concerns, capacities and disposition of affected parties, and explaining the meaning of, and reasons for, actions and decisions. Therefore, it also about the right to be heard and the duty to respond, based on the following five dimensions: Transparency, Participation, Learning and Evaluation, Staff Competencies and Attitude, Complaint and Response Mechanism (CRM).Buhari Abba Rano made the second presentation on the use of social media platforms for advocacy and accountability. He explained social media platforms as interactive digitally-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation or sharing/exchange of information, ideas, career interests, and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks. When using social media, Rano said that make sure you can answer questions like:Why am I using this platform?Who will I reach on this platform?What post types work best on this platform?How are my posts unique to this platform?If you have a hard time answering these questions, it might be time to dig deeper into why you’re investing time there. Answering these questions will also help you develop your strategy for that platform.The last presentation was on Content Development by Ali Sabo. He explained that Social Media Content plays a crucial role in achieving social media objectives such as brand recognition, thought leadership, audience engagement, and lead generation. He added that, he content allows you to cement your position as a go-to destination for your target audience, whether it is for mobilization, advocacy, entertainment, education, or inspiration. According to Malam Ali effective Social Media content will help you to build long term relationships with your audience.