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CITAD , Internet Governance Forum Calls For Awareness On Digital Ecosystem

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The Centre for Information Technology and Development in collaboration with the Nigerian Internet Governance Forum has called for a sustained public awareness on the digital ecosystem that will enable women make effective use of the internet in the country,

They made their position known in a Communique jointly signed by Adam Marry Uduma, Coordinator, West African Internet Governance Forum, and Ali Sabo, Program Officer, Digital Rights, Centre for Information Technology and Development, at the end of the 4th Women Internet Governance Forum as part of the 2022 Internet Governance Forum.

The Communique noted that participants at the forum observed that women are being marginalized in the digital space, young women have suffered and still suffering from different kind of gender violence online, and that female political aspirants are being abused and castigated on social media based on their gender.

It is stated government has set up a panel to advise it on a policy framework on child protection online, and that the Internet allows individuals and academics to make research when there is accessible and safe Internet, pointing there is economic disparity between women and men which hinders women access to the Internet.

It decried that little is being done to address women and children abuse online, adding that
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 Communique also observed that majority of the public take only gender based violence offline more seriously, and that in most of the times online violence manifest to physical violence

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It observed that more women leave online spaces due to harassment and that there is lack of proper awareness among young women about gender abuse.

It stressed that legal framework alone cannot guarantee complete protection for the Nigerian child online; Excessive regulation will stifle children’s participation and access to the immense benefits of the Internet.

The Communique said there is the 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.

It also stated that 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.

The Communique therefore disclosed that participants after the forum recommended that:”Government in conjunction with CSOs should mount a sustained public awareness on the digital ecosystem so that women in particular can make an effective use of the Internet in the country, have access to educational materials and ability to use the internet without being harassed or intimidated.

“CSOs should develop campaigns messages to counter the misusers of the Internet and contributed to the current processes of developing national strategy on child protection online.

“Government should allocate more budget in the area of child protection online and women gender abuse.

“Educational institutions should ensure the protection of the privacy of children online.

“Government should ensure all the necessary regulations are in place.

“Civil Society Organizations should intensify advocacy to the relevant government agencies on the issue of child protection and gender based violence.”

The Communique noted that digital literacy and online safety skills should be included in school curriculum.

It urged the government to initiate a program to properly educated and enlightened public on online activities and the danger associated with it.

“Government and stakeholders should provide Trauma management support.

“Call on Government to quickly develop policy on child protection online.

“CSO should develop and implement programs that amplify voices of the marginalized women and girls

“Support NGOs working around child protection and gender violence

“Service providers should require the consent of the parents or guardians if the data collection affects a child below the established age.”

The Communique urged the government to digitalize the Nigerian court rooms and repeal some laws to ensure efficient and quick judgments related to children abuses.

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Kano Government Inducts 70 New State Counsel

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The Kano State Government has formally inducted 70 new state counsel into the Ministry of Justice, in a bid to enhance the state’s justice sector. The induction ceremony took place at the Institute of Anti-Corruption in Goron Dutse.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isah, disclosed this while declaring the ceremony open. He emphasized that the 70 new state counsel will strengthen the state’s justice system, ensuring timely and effective justice services.

Barr. Dederi commended the incumbent administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for employing 70 state counsel, a historic first of its kind since the state’s creation in 1967.

The 3-day induction training program covered essential topics, including court procedures, legal drafting, and advocacy. The training equipped the new state counsel with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively discharge their duties.

In his remarks, Barr. Dederi praised the Kano Ministry of Justice, describing it as a place of pride that produces reputable individuals who excel at state and federal levels. He emphasized that the ministry is not a dumping ground for lazy lawyers, but rather a hub for dedicated professionals.

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Barr. Dederi also commended the expertise of the resource persons and urged the counsel to continue tapping knowledge from their seniors.

The induction of new state counsel is expected to have a positive impact on the administration of justice in the state, ensuring citizens have improved access to justice services and their rights are protected.

The Kano State Government’s efforts to reform the justice sector are yielding positive results, promoting justice, stability, and economic growth in the state.

Earlier, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Barr. Mustapha Nurraddeen Muhammad, delivered a comprehensive overview of the Ministry’s historical background and functions. He emphasized the importance of the new Counsel maintaining sound moral character throughout their service career, setting a high standard for their professional conduct.

Barr. Muhammad also commended Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for his efforts in addressing the shortage of manpower within the Ministry. This acknowledgement highlights the Governor’s commitment to strengthening the Ministry’s capacity and ensuring its effective functioning.

 

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2027: Northern Voters Cannot Be Coerced to Vote for Tinubu – ACF

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The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and other prominent northern figures have rejected a call by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, for the North to wait until 2031 before contesting the presidency.

The northern leaders asserted that the region cannot be coerced into re-electing President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Ganduje had made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre and the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.

He argued that since a northern president—Muhammadu Buhari—had completed two terms, fairness dictated that Tinubu should also serve for eight years.

However, the ACF and other political figures from the North rejected this stance.

Speaking to journalists, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, dismissed Ganduje’s statement as a reflection of the presidency’s “cult-like” nature, where total allegiance is expected.

He stressed that voters cannot be influenced by force.

“He or she or party members cannot influence voters by force. So, what he said was an opinion, and it’s up to the voters to endorse, reject, or modify it. In 2015, we were sold a dummy of anti-corruption. We were sold a dummy of many things, and people have realized that it wasn’t true. Then, of course, the Renewed Hope came in 2023, and the hope is turning into a nightmare,” Muhammad-Baba stated.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, also cast doubt on Tinubu’s chances, sharing a post on his verified X handle titled “2027: South West, Tinubu’s supporters playing with fire – Part 1.”

 

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Nigerian Photographer From Yobe Receives Guinness World Record Certificate

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Yobe state photographer Saidu Abdulrahman presented his Guinness World Record Certificate to Governor Mai Mala Buni at Government House in Damaturu.

The remarkable achievement was recorded by the young man last year when his 897 head shots in just 60 minutes won him the Guinness World Record.

Governor Buni who said it was a proud to the state emphasized that Saidu Abdulrahman’s accomplishment would served as an inspiration to the youth in the state and beyond .

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He encouraged him to continue striving for excellence and to use his platform to motivate others to pursue their dreams despite challenges.

The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting and nurturing talents across various fields, ensuring that as many young achievers would be given the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

The event marked a significant moment of celebration not only for Saidu Abdulrahman but also the state, as it has showcased Yobe’s potential on the world stage.

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