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Fake News, Threat to Nigeria’s Peaceful Coexistence-CDD

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Idayat_Hassan_CDD_Director

 

 

Fake News has been described as a great threat to peaceful co-existence in Nigeria which transcends to political elections and a threat to Democratic Values.

 

The Director Center for Democracy and Development West Africa Mrs Idayat Hassan stated this at the Opening Session of the Hackathon on Combating Disinformation and Fake News in Northern Nigeria .

Mrs Idayat said In recent times, fake news and disinformation around politics, governance, elections and conflict in Nigeria have become common.

She said their commonality is not the only threat to  Nigeria’s democratic values and existence but posed a serious challenge to the mutual and peaceful coexistence of diverse Nigerians.

According to Idayat that is why civil society organization with the mandate of safeguarding and promoting democratic culture, values and existence believed must do everything possible to avert scenario of Fake News and disinformation threatening Nigeria especially the North.

The CDD Director West Africa said the population of Nigerians on different social media platforms is increasing by the day, while that is a welcome development for reasons such as political discussion, expression of opinions, accountability, prompt sharing and exchange of information, etc, it also portends certain experiences or incidences that require robust interventions to make the online space safe and peaceful.

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Police molest and detained  NAN correspondent 

She described disinformation and fake news as having repercussions on societal peace and progress.

According to her Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) became concerned about the rising disinformation and fake news incidences not only on social media platforms, or blog spots but in the mainstream media.

 

Mrs Idayat Hassan pointed out that is the reason why the centre is deploying multiple tools on combating disinformation and fake news in Nigeria, and today’s hackathon is one of them.

‘’For the past two years, CDD has been making efforts to combat disinformation and fake news in Nigeria and recently in Northern Nigeria through the fact-checking, weekly radio programme, jingles on the radio station, social influencers on social media and continuous online campaign, use of native songs to enlighten the populace’’

 

‘’The hackathon which we are kick-starting today is born out of CDD’s desire to generate concrete and realistic ideas or solutions that will help combat disinformation and fake news particularly in Northern Nigeria’’

 

Idayat Hassan believed that opening up for ideas and solutions to emerge from a variety of people is a good strategy to address fake news, that is the reason why CDD announced the call for applications

She added that months back hackathon received in total, two hundred (2000) applications from numerous individuals wanting to showcase their ideas at the hackathon and after review shortlisted fifty (50) young men and women from Northern Nigeria.

 

According to the Director West Africa Out of these twenty (20) participants, three (3) best ideas or solutions will be selected by a team of expert judges over the next three (3) days of brainstorming sessions.

She added that  Prizes have been reserved for the best three (3) ideas that will emerge. The prizes include winning 1000 dollars, opportunity to participate in the regional hackathon as well as fellowship.

The Director CDD West Africa also thanked all participants who join the opening session of the hackathon and wish all the participants well as they showcase their ideas and solutions to combating fake news and disinformation in Northern Nigeria.

 

She concluded that CDD will remain focused and determined in its the pursuit of seeing a society where fake news and disinformation aren’t constructed, shared or promoted.

 

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KANSIEC Appoints Adhoc Staff for Ward Bye-Elections

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Prof Sani Lawal Malumfashi KANSIEC Chairman

 

The Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi, has issued appointment letters to adhoc staff for the upcoming ward bye-elections in three local government areas of the state.

During the presentation of the appointment letters, Professor Malumfashi urged the adhoc staff to justify the trust and confidence the commission has reposed in them.

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He expressed his confidence in their ability to discharge their duties based on their level of education, experience, and track record of honesty and dedication.

The adhoc positions include 3 Returning Officers, 3 Electoral Officers, and 3 Assistant Electoral Officers for Dala (Kofar Mazugal), Dogowa (Maraku), and Ghari (Matan Fata) wards.

In a statement signed by Bashir Habib Yahaya media aid to the executive chairman said the Chairman appreciated security agencies, politicians, and the general public for their support and cooperation. The bye-elections are scheduled to hold on December 13, 2025.

 

 

 

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One Kano Agenda Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity

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Civic platform One Kano Agenda has raised alarm over rising insecurity in Kano State, warning that abductions, attacks, and suspicious activities are threatening both residents and the wider Northern region. The group made the call during a press conference in Kano on Wednesday , stressing that the state’s reputation for peace and hospitality is under strain.

According to the group adressed by its Chairman Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai said credible reports have emerged of unidentified individuals operating commercial motorcycles across several communities, particularly in Kano North.

Many of these individuals reportedly do not speak fluent Hausa, fueling suspicion among locals. The organization commended the Kano State Government for swiftly banning motorcycles in the metropolis and praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s introduction of the Safe Corridor program, which has absorbed over 2,000 youths into community security and intelligence structures.

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According to Abbas initiative said for the first time in Kano’s history that insecurity is being tackled through both rehabilitation and enforcement. Previous administrations, it noted, relied largely on force and political alliances. Residents were urged to report suspicious activities, avoid direct confrontation, and remain vigilant.

Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai further called on Emirate Councils and traditional leaders to strengthen coordination with district and village heads to ensure swift information flow to security agencies. The group also urged community members to cooperate fully with police, vigilante units, and intelligence frameworks, while encouraging security agencies to intensify patrols and surveillance, especially in border and transport areas.

The organization expressed concern over what it described as “reckless politicization” of security challenges by certain media outlets and political actors. It accused some of exploiting the situation for personal gain, pointing to reports of police redeployment from flashpoints to cemeteries, leaving vulnerable communities exposed. “Such actions embolden criminal elements to see Kano as a safe haven,” the group warned.

On recent directives involving a former governor and a senator, One Kano Agenda stressed the importance of due process and professionalism. It urged security agencies to act transparently and in compliance with constitutional provisions, regardless of the individuals’ status.

In its closing remarks, the civic platform announced plans for a “Peace Walk” and “Prayer for Divine Intervention” to unite residents and foster solidarity. Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai said the initiative, it said, would appeal for divine protection over Kano and Northern Nigeria. The group urged stakeholders, especially media and political actors, to prioritize public safety over personal gain.

 

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Kano Hosts 47th National Council on Establishments

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Kano State has successfully hosted the 47th National Council on Establishments (NCE), bringing together senior public service leaders to strengthen policies and reforms in Nigeria’s Civil Service.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the Civil Service as the backbone of governance and stressed that its efficiency is critical to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She announced the approval of new policies on Rewards and Recognition, Incentives and Consequence Management, and Mentoring, as well as continued efforts toward digitalisation and capacity building through ASCON and Federal Training Centres.

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She commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for hosting the Council and for Kano’s worker-friendly policies.

In his address, Governor Yusuf highlighted Kano’s historic contribution to national governance and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to civil servants’ welfare. He disclosed that the state has settled over half of the ₦48 billion inherited retirement benefits backlog, with the balance to be cleared soon. He also noted improvements in promotions, training and working conditions.

Both leaders urged participants to commit to the core values of Accountability, Meritocracy, Professionalism, Loyalty and Efficiency, as deliberations continue.

The Council’s resolutions are expected to strengthen governance and public service delivery across the federation.

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