The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has on Wednesday organized a capacity-building training for 40 journalists in Kano State on Community Networks Reporting to bridge the digital divide in communities.
The Centre’s Executive Director, Engr. Y.Z Ya’u while giving opening remarks said the need to accept community networks is necessary as complementary tools for promoting digital inclusion which journalists as amplifiers of communities need to be equipped with for effective and sustainable advocacy.
While speaking on the topic “Regulatory Issues in Nigeria”, the Executive Director explained that Community Networks do not require the government to budget money or market players to throw in additional investments.
“What is rightly needed is the creation of a conducive environment for them to be seeded and nurtured to sustainability through policy-making and appropriate regulations” Ya’u added.
On his part Mr. Haruna Adamu, Coordinator, CITAD School of Community Networks while discussing his topic “Why Community Networks?” said it is a proven fact that affordable access to the Internet is an enabler of development. But, the recent ICT gap study carried out by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) shows that 31 million Nigerians are living in unserved or underserved areas.
“In addition to the ED’s point on Regulatory issues, Of course, Community Network tools require both community mobilization and cultivation of local champions for sustainability of the tools” Haruna stressed.
Harira Abdulrahman Wakili while discussing the topic “Gender and Community Network” said what women need in the digital space includes; Feminist ICT Infrastructure, Equal access, Raising awareness of women’s rights in communities and Grassroots support among others.
Journalists at the training lauded CITAD for giving them the opportunity to participate in the program and also promised to step down solutions to challenges identified during the training to their respective Media organizations in order to launch a massive and sustainable campaign on the importance of Community Networks.