Headlines
CITAD rejects regulation of online TV, radio stations
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has criticized plans by the federal government to regulate web-based television and radio stations.
This was revealed by the Senior Program Officer of the center Isah Garba, who addressed a news conference on Monday in Kano.
Mr Garba said the attempt to regulate online news media is undemocratic.
Kano Focus recalls that Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, had called for the regulation of social media activities including blogging and the operation of online television and radio stations in the country.
Mr Mohammed had said that allowing the social media space to remain unregulated could lead to anarchy because of its tendency to promote hate speech.
Similarly, the federal government had in November directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately come up with regulations for the broadcast of content on the internet and the web to ensure that those who provide broadcast services online do so with responsibility.
It also instructed the commission to introduce fresh regulations that will promote the local broadcast industry and protect it from monopolistic tendencies and also ensure that all anti-competitive behaviors are deterred and sanctioned where they occur.
Mr Mohammed, who gave the directive on November 25th when he received the report of NBC Reform Implementation Committee in Abuja, said he would immediately commence the process of forwarding an Executive Bill for consideration of the Federal Executive Council and further legislative action.
However CITAD said regulating the social media and other online activities would not be a solution to hate speech, noting that fighting hate speech requires a multi stakeholder approach
“We have read the dictatorial directive of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed to National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on the regulation of web-based broadcast medium such as radio and television.
“The directive to regulate mediums is undemocratic and we are therefore opposed to it. Contrary to Minister’s claim of creating jobs, his directive is rather going to be an obstacle to job creation and local content production,” Mr Garba said.
He added that online radio and televisions stations across the country’s cyberspace are innovative in their operations and provide means of living to numerous Nigerians apart from providing relevant and interesting content even in native languages.
He explained that Nigeria’s online population is growing on a daily basis thereby encouraging innovation in online broadcasting and boosting creativity to serve the Nigerian public well.
“Instead of bringing regulation to limit and put obstacles to operators, the Information Ministry and NBC should rather be supportive of peace and national unity promoting content.
“Our monitoring and countering of hate speech has consistently shown ethnic tension and lack of tolerance in some Nigerians as ethnic-based hate speech has been topping our monthly observatory,” the group said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, has announced the reintroduction of remedial programme which was suspended over a decade ago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Vice Chancellor announced the plan at the 59th Congregation meeting of the university on Saturday.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the key factors that prompted the reintroduction including the decline in enrolment in Basic Science programmes.
He said the University has observed a noticeable decrease in student enrolments in these areas, and the remedial programme is expected to address this challenge by preparing students for science-based courses.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that many prospective students from the University’s catchment area struggle to meet entry requirements for science programmes.
The remedial programme will provide these candidates with the necessary academic support to address their deficiencies, thereby increasing their chances of gaining admission into the University.
“We appreciate your support as we work towards reinstating this vital programme, which promises to enhance the academic prospects of our students and contribute to the overall development of Bayero University, Kano,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
KANO FOCUS reports that the reintroduction of the remedial programme is seen as a strategic move to bolster academic performance and widen access to higher education for students within the University’s catchment area.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Tsakuwa Mufarka Development Association appealed to Kano state government to construct a library and renovate the science laboratory at Tsakuwa Senior Secondary School.
KANO FOCUS reports that the secretary of the association, Comrade Abdulrashid Salisu Babah made the request during 2025 budget public hearing held on Thursday.
State Assembly
According to the secretary of the association, Taskuwa Mufarka is calling on Kano state government to construct a road from Tsakuwa to Lahira, Tsakuwa to Sabon Garin Dalladi to Mazabar Gano, Tsakuwa to Mazabar Yargaya, as well as installation of two transformers.
“We are also appealing for the provision of solar-powered lights and sick bay at Tsangaya Islamiyya Boarding Primary School among others.
Kano State House of Assembly
“We pray that Allah will assist this government to make it beneficial to the community,” the association appealed.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano Pilllars will be without the services of eight key players as they prepare to face Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC) in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 clash.
KANO FOCUS reports that the encounter is scheduled for Saturday evening, December 14, 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
Technical Adviser Usman Shariff Abdallah has expressed concern over the absentees but remains hopeful for a strong performance.
In their previous match against Katsina United, the Sai Masu Gida missed seven first-team players, including Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, Zulkifilu Muhammed, and Sudais Ali Baba, all sidelined by injuries.
Meanwhile, club legend Rabiu Ali, Nelson Abiam and Aminu Adam Sani were on national duty with the Super Eagles home-based squad preparing for the CHAN24 playoff against Ghana.
Adding to their woes, dependable center-back Habibu Yakubu will also miss Saturday’s game due to the accumulation of five yellow cards, further depleting the squad.
This situation has left Abdallah relying on younger players, with 75% of the traveling squad comprising players promoted from the club’s youth system.
The four-times Nigerian champions are currently sits 8th on the NPFL table with 22 points from 15 matches and a game in hand.
They will aim to build on their narrow 1-0 victory over Katsina United last weekend, hoping to climb further up the standings. The match is set to kick off at 5:30 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
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