Headlines
Fake News Travels Faster on Social Media – NITDA DG, Kashifu laments
Nasiru Yusuf
The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has lamented that fake news is travelling faster than factual stories on social media, thereby threatening the journalism profession.
KANO FOCUS reports that NITDA Boss made this known on Friday at the just concluded digital journalism workshop held for Journalists in Kano.
The workshop with the theme “Digital Journalism, Media Ethics and Responsible Reporting” was jointly organized by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, publishers of PRNigeria and the Penlight Centre for Investigative Reporting with the supports of NITDA.
Participants
“Today, courtesy of the internet and social media, fake news travels 15 times faster than the factual stories, which is a great threat to journalism. So training like these would help media professionals to help mitigate this threat.
“We at NITDA, have an ambitious target to achieve 95 percent digital literacy by 2030. We are going to work with journalists and other organisations to see how we can promote digital literacy because it is the greatest resource you can have to thrive and survive in the digital era.
“We are in the era of the knowledge-based economy – digital economy whereby what is underneath us doesn’t matter as what we know – the talent we have and the media has the greatest tool to help our country achieve that.
Speaking on cybersecurity in Nigeria, Kashifu said the government had put in place structures to protect the ecosystem under its strategic roadmap and action plans.
He said: “Cybersecurity is one of the strategic pillar under our strategic roadmap and action plan which is more about social engineering. So, we do three things. We do a lot of awareness so that people need to know the do and don’ts of social media. That’s what will hold them to protect confidential information.
“Secondly, we have a centre called the computer emergency readiness and response centre working round the clock to make sure we proactively protect our digital space. We help MDAs, private organisations and individuals to protect the data and information.”
Participants
He further revealed that the agency has people trying to get inside from what’s happening in the deep web and dark web all in an effort to proactively protect the country adding that a team of professionals are also on standby to help people restore their services in case their system is compromised.
Earlier, the IMPR boss, Yushau A. Shuaib, said the workshop was to acquaint journalists and social media influencers with the appropriate digital tools to promote professional standards and enhance their jobs.
Shuaib said over 100 journalists have benefitted from the 3-Days training that was hosted in Abuja, Kwara and Kano States. He added that some of the topics at the workshop included: Digital Journalism for tackling Fake News Menace; Media Ethics and Responsible Reporting, Open Source Intelligence Tools (OSINT), Media Monitoring and Search Engine Optimization, Self-Censorship and National Security, Media management among others.
At the end of the workshop, the NITDA DG, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa was presented with the ‘ICT Personality of the year award’ by the Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR), a forum of journalists covering the ICT sector.
M D Lawan presenting the award to Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
Meanwhile, at the end of the workshop, the participants (Journalists) noted that there are expectations on the media, government, regulatory authorities, and the members of the public to achieve ethical and responsible online journalism.
In a communique signed by Isiyaku Ahmed, It was observed that digital technology is critical to the professional practice of journalism, especially in the adoption of digital tools to carry out fact-checking and investigative reportage.
Isyaku Ahmed presenting communique to Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
Therefore, the importance of formulating appropriate regulation to guide the practice of online and citizenship journalism, and self-censorship to promote patriotism and national security. They noted that it is imperative for media practitioners to embrace ethical standards and conduct in their reportage to meet global best practices.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
While commending the organizers and sponsors of the training programme, especially the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Ali Isa Pantami who has been in the forefront in advocating for the use of digital tools for economic development, they expressed optimism that this initiative will be sustained as part of steps to guarantee responsible online journalism, national security, and growth of the digital economy.
In their determination to ensure the practice of a digitally driven, ethically responsible and development conscious online journalism, the participants pledged to ensure that 20 per cent of their reports will focus on creating awareness on digital literacy and inclusion; demonstrate practical use of digital tools for fact-checking, investigative and developmental journalism as well as promote national unity and cohesion and as well actively participate and attend periodic training and other relevant institutions to regularly upgrade their skills in online journalism, as well as stepping down the knowledge to colleagues.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
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