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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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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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Almajiri Returns Lost Phones Worth Over 2.5 Million Naira

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Haruna Adamu left who found the phones ,right Ibrahim Muhammad Abdullahi the owner

Haruna Adamu, a 37-year-old resident of Kano who recites Quran at Tsangayar Malam Sani, has returned lost phones worth over 2.5 million Naira at Masjidurrahma Mosque in Kano.

The owner of the phones, Ibrahim Muhammad Abu Abdallah, recounted that after prayers, the Muazzin usually cautioned people to take care of their pockets. However, upon checking his pockets after prayers, Abdallah realized his two phones, worth over 2.5 million Naira, were missing. He recalled having visited the mosque’s toilet during that time.

The two phones, both with two terabytes of storage, were essential for Abdallah’s work, and he expressed immense gratitude upon their recovery through Haruna Adamu after forgetting them inside the toilet . He acknowledged that losing the phones could have resulted in a loss of over 20 million Naira due to the valuable data they contained.

The mosque later announced the discovery of the phones, which were found by another worshipperi inside the toilets Mosque , Haruna Adamu , a 37-year-old resident of Tarauni located close to the Mosque. Adamu, who is staying at Tsangayar Malam Sani for Quranic memorization and recitation, returned the phones promptly.

Masjidurrahma is a multi-million Naira Mosque situated along Maiduguri Road,Kano built by renowned businessman AY Maikifi and recently commissioned by Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Saad Abubakar.

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In appreciation, Abdallah later gifted 100 thousand Naira to Haruna Adamu for his honesty. Adamu resides at Tsangayar Malam Sani, where he recites and memorizes the entire Quran in Tarauni local government area.

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Ace Nigerian Journalist and Parliamentarian Dies at 86, Governor Yusuf Offers Condolences

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Late Sidi Ali

 

The First Republic politician and Second Republic parliamentarian reportedly died in Kano on Thursday evening at 86.

Late Sidi Ali was a prolific writer with National dailies and was one of the Nigerian journalist who covered the civil war.

In his later life, he was a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a member of the party’s Elders Committee in Kano State.

The elder statesman spent years serving the Nigerian International Press Centre, Ministry of Information and National Broadcasting Commission, among other critical institutions.

Born in Kano but raised in Ghana, Ali’s wide travels reportedly influenced his love for journalism and communication.

 

In his 2018 birthday message, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari noted that Ali spent most of his life serving the country as a Public Affairs Officer, “most remarkably for ensuring accurate and balanced information on government activities during and after the Civil War.

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has condoled with the families of late Sidi Ali who died Thursday evening at the age of 86.

In a statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described late Sidi Ali as a trusted Public Affairs Officer who worked hard to ensure the flow of true stories during the Civil war.

The Governor also noted the positive contributions of the deceased as a Senator in the Second Republic in shaping the Senate and the overall development of democracy in the country.

On behalf of the Government and people of Kano State, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir extend condolences to his families, prayed for the repose of his soul, Aljannah be his final resting place, the courage and the fortitude to bear the loss.

 

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Nigeria Police Restore Presence to Kano Anti-Corruption Agency, Affirms Chairman Muhuyi Magaji

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Kano, Nigeria –  The Nigeria Police have reinstated their presence at the Kano Anti-Corruption Agency, as confirmed by Chairman Muhuyi Magaji in an address to journalists on Friday morning at his office.

Magaji, while speaking, underscored the importance of the nearly decade-long positive working relationship between the agency and the police. He acknowledged the inherent challenges in combating corruption, emphasizing the vital role of cooperation from security agencies.

“We appreciate their cooperation and the security agencies’ efforts in allaying fears,” Magaji stated, highlighting the ongoing personal audit being conducted. He reassured the public that despite recent developments, critical assignments are being diligently managed by both the police and the agency.

There are cases prone to compromise, but we have remained steadfast in our professionalism, which reflects in our success,” Magaji asserted. He cited instances where states like Bauchi and Benue have expressed interest in emulating Kano’s anti-corruption efforts.

Expressing gratitude to the media for their support, Magaji affirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to its mandate and vowed not to be swayed from their objectives. “We must be resilient and persistent,” he declared, assuring the government and people of Kano State of their dedication.

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts with the police, Magaji attributed the agency’s success to collective support. “There are those who seek to intimidate us, but we are grateful for steadfast partners,” he remarked.

In conclusion, Magaji affirmed the commission’s determination to uphold justice and accountability, pledging to pursue the right course of action regardless of challenges.

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