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Digital Transformation:CITAD Charges Federal Government To Ease Community Networking

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5 years ago

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Malam YZ Yau

 

The center for information technology and development CITAD has urge the federal Government to ease Community Networking for easy access by rural dwellers.

The executive Director of CITAD Malam YZ Yau stated this while addressing a Press conference in Abuja .

Below is the full statement

“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:

1. 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
2. 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
3. Follow-up communications to find out if the NCC had commenced the process of getting a policy for Nigeria
4. 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
5. Submission of a policy briefing notes to the Minister at his request, providing pathways for the development of the national community networks
6. Making further submission during the consultation processes for the policy on the 5G licensing
7. 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
8. Addressing a series of press conferences to drive the point that Nigeria needs a policy for community networks to address the digital divide

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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:

1. The development and steady implementation of the Federal Government National Digital Economy Policy NS Strategy (NDEPS)
2. The implementation of the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024) by NITDA
3. The articulation of a new National Broadband Plan and Policy
4. Developed a vibrant digital ecosystem that supports Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDE) and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in a way that engenders innovation
5. Provisioned robust digital platforms to support government digital services and drive the digital economy
6. 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:

1. Call on the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy to set up a mechanism for the development of a National Policy for Community Networks
2. 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
3. Enjoins the Galaxy Backbone PLC to provide communities with access to its backbone for them to use as their community networks getaways.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. Call on the private sector operators in the sector to as, their corporate social responsibility support communities building community networks.
7. Call on all other stakeholders, including political office holders to support communities to go digital as critical contribution to community development.

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APC Denies Plot to Assassinate Atiku, Urges Security Agencies to Question Timi Frank

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14 hours ago

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October 20, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations that the Nigerian Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, and called on security agencies to invite Timi Frank to substantiate the claim.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, dated October 20, 2026, the council said:

“Our attention has been drawn to the statement by Timi Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress, alleging that the Nigerian Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the ADC. This is a grave allegation that Mr Frank must prove. We thus urge security agencies to invite him to substantiate the allegation, given its gravity and the urgent need to preserve life.”

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The council also rejected any involvement by the presidency or the APC Campaign Council, stating:

“We categorically reject the claim that the presidency of Nigeria or the APC Campaign Council is involved in any plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any opposition figure.”

It further dismissed as false claims that security personnel attached to Atiku had been withdrawn, saying the former vice president is protected by the police and the Department of State Security. According to the statement, President Bola Tinubu recently directed security agencies to reinforce and increase protection for all presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates across the country.

The council said security around the ADC presidential candidate had never been compromised and that, as a former vice president, Atiku enjoys two levels of state-funded security protection, which the statement said Tinubu had increased ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It urged candidates, parties and supporters to be factual and responsible in public statements and to avoid utterances that could trigger avoidable tension, accusing Frank of “typical opposition rabble-rousing.”

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Kano Youths Condemn Lawmaker Over Alleged Mockery of Governor Yusuf

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14 hours ago

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October 20, 2026

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Concerned youths of Gama Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State have condemned the member representing Nassarawa Local Government in the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Bello Ali Yusuf, over an alleged act of mockery directed at Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The youths, in a gathering on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, said they were displeased with the lawmaker’s reported action of holding the ear of a live rabbit in the presence of his supporters, which they alleged was intended to ridicule the governor.

Addressing journalists during a peaceful press briefing, the youths described the incident as disrespectful to the office of the governor and contrary to the cultural values and traditions of Gama Ward and the wider Kano community.

According to the group, the alleged conduct was undemocratic and unbecoming of an elected representative, adding that public officeholders should demonstrate maturity, decorum and respect for democratic institutions in their political engagements.

The Concerned Gama Youth further expressed concern that the incident could create unnecessary political tension and undermine the prevailing peace in the state.

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They maintained that political disagreements should be handled through constructive engagement and democratic processes rather than actions they considered capable of ridiculing public officeholders.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that the group also reaffirmed its support for Governor Yusuf, commending his administration for what it described as people-oriented projects executed in Gama Ward and other parts of Nassarawa Local Government Area.

Specifically, the youths highlighted the construction of the road linking Gwagwarwa to Gama Hotel, describing the project as an important intervention that had improved transportation and eased movement within the community.

While addressing the press the group’s Secretary-General, Comrade Auwal Garba Gama, the road had also contributed to economic activities and improved access for residents.

The youths said the project demonstrated the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development and the welfare of residents of Gama Ward, adding that they appreciated the administration’s efforts to address the community’s needs.

Consequently, the group called on the leadership of the Kano State House of Assembly to investigate the incident and take what it described as immediate and decisive disciplinary action against Bello Ali Yusuf.

The youths argued that the alleged conduct had the potential to bring the legislature into disrepute, urging the Assembly’s leadership to ensure that elected representatives upheld the standards expected of public officeholders.

They also appealed to community leaders, political stakeholders and residents of Gama Ward to continue supporting the governor’s administration while maintaining peace and mutual respect despite political differences.

The group urged residents to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could escalate political disagreements, while calling on them to pray for the success of the governor’s administration.

The secretary also reaffirmed the group’s solidarity with Gama Ward, Nassarawa Local Government Area and Kano State.

 

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‎IITA Trains Over 1,800 Farmers on Modern Farming Techniques in Kano

Published

2 days ago

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October 19, 2026

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‎The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in collaboration with Nigeria’s Ecological Project Office (EPO), has trained more than 1,800 farmers in Kano State on modern farming techniques aimed at increasing crop yields and improving food production.
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‎The programme covered farmers from 16 local government areas in Kano South Senatorial District, equipping them with modern agricultural practices to improve farm productivity and address challenges associated with farming, particularly during the dry season.
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‎The training and demonstration of improved farming technologies took place in Hamdullahi community, Albasu Local Government Area, where farmers were introduced to improved crop varieties and other techniques for achieving higher yields.
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‎Speaking at the event, IITA Project Coordinator, Professor Lucky Omoigui, said the training was designed to enhance farmers’ knowledge of improved seed varieties and modern agricultural practices.
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‎He disclosed that more than 1,800 people had benefited from the programme, expressing optimism that the knowledge gained would encourage dry-season farming and boost food production.
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‎Omoigui urged the participating farmers to apply the knowledge acquired to improve their farming practices and increase crop yields.
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‎As part of the programme, the farmers visited demonstration farms, where they were shown modern techniques for cultivating crops, including cowpeas, maize, soybeans, groundnuts, sorghum and rice.
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‎Speaking on behalf of EPO, Bashir Ibrahim Umar said agriculture plays a vital role in poverty reduction and job creation, particularly for young people in Nigeria.
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‎He stressed the need for sustained farmer awareness campaigns and access to agricultural knowledge to encourage the adoption of modern farming technologies and improve livelihoods.
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‎Also speaking, Garba Ayuba, who represented the Chairman of Albasu Local Government Area, Garba Aliyu Hungu, expressed satisfaction with the programme and urged farmers to put the techniques they had learnt into practice.
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‎Similarly, the Gaya Zonal Director of the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Danjuma Uba, commended the farmers for their interest in learning modern agricultural practices.
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‎He emphasised that collaboration between agricultural development agencies and farmers was essential to ensuring the sustainable adoption of modern farming technologies.
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‎In his remarks, Alhaji Saidu Abdulkadir Hamdullahi, whose farm was used to demonstrate the improved crop varieties, said some people had previously doubted the possibility of achieving successful crop production during the dry season.
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‎However, he expressed surprise and delight at the results achieved on his farm, saying the experience had boosted his confidence in dry-season farming.
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‎He thanked IITA and its partners for the training, noting that the programme had improved farmers’ knowledge of seed planting, fertiliser application and other modern agricultural practices.
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‎According to him, the new knowledge would help farmers increase productivity and improve their income.
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‎The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector by encouraging farmers to adopt modern technologies to improve food production and reduce poverty in Nigeria, particularly in areas facing water shortages.

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IITA Technical Support through the Ecological Project Office to promote the best climate-smart agricultural practices around the dams to boost food production and increase the income of smallholder farmers in the Kano South Senatorial District

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is collaborating with the Ecological Project Office (EPO) to leverage the Federal Government’s rehabilitation and expansion of irrigation infrastructure in the Kano irrigation project, covering Tiga Dam, Challawa Gorge Dam, and Kafin-Chiri Dam in the Kano South Senatorial District, to promote sustainable irrigation and dry-season farming to boost agricultural productivity and increase the income of smallholder farmers. The collaboration under the project “Community-based Engagement on Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity Restoration for the Kano Irrigation Scheme” is being implemented across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) surrounding the dams (comprising Ajingi, Garko, Bunkure, Doguwa, Tudun Wada, Karaye, Gaya, Albasu, Kibiya, Rogo, Kiru, Wudil, Bebeji, Sumaila, Takai, and Rano), covering 155 communities.

The project interventions aim to boost year-round farming by combining irrigation with climate-smart practices to increase productivity and income, enhance food security, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. A total of 1,890 farmers, 20% of whom are women, have been trained in Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), climate-smart irrigation and water-harvesting technologies, and youth entrepreneurship in climate-smart agricultural practices across the 16 LGAs to enhance their resilience to climate-related vulnerabilities.

Participating communities have witnessed increased farming activities and improved access to and use of climate-smart agricultural technologies, contributing to increased productivity, income, and food security.

 

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