Last week, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) Kano office conducted its usual activities, starting with a GSM repair training for women in Kano. This training is designed to provide GSM repair skills to women and young girls, aiming to empower them and promote self-reliance and independence.
Another activity was a capacity enhancement workshop for the Kano Disabled Forum, with the primary goal of enhancing the participants’ abilities, motivating them toward self-sufficiency, and improving their competence in development.
Furthermore, CITAD conducted ongoing training in digital creativity and innovation for young girls and women, with support from the Lenovo Foundation. The purpose of this training is to build the capacity of female digital entrepreneurs through training and business development clinics.
Additionally, CITAD received an advocacy visit from the leadership of the Kano New Media Forum, where they introduced their organization and requested assistance for member training. CITAD’s Executive Director, Engr. Y. Z Ya’u, responded that CITAD would organize a training session on ethical social media use, accountability, and online business opportunities for the Kano New Media Forum members.
Another activity conducted by CITAD last week was the ICT Business Forum, which aimed to bring together IT professionals, ICT business owners, startups, and youth in the ICT sector to discuss issues related to ICT development in the country. The theme of the August edition of the forum was ‘Addressing the Energy Needs of the ICT Sector,’ with objectives including identifying ICT energy needs for youth employment, examining challenges in the ICT energy sector, and discussing the role of academic institutions in meeting ICT needs.
CITAD also received a team from Save the Children, a leading humanitarian organization for children, where both organizations discussed possible ways of collaboration and partnership opportunities.
During the week, CITAD’s mentees produced innovative tech solutions, including cooking gas powered by water and petroleum, a rechargeable hand sprayer, an automobile, a fresh-from-farm app, and more. These solutions were developed by teenagers who had been mentored by CITAD’s technical department over time. An exhibition called “Transforming Tech Ideas into Business Ventures Exhibition” showcased these talents and technological innovations, including a tailoring app, farm products, data selling, and a CCTV app.
Towards the end of the week, CITAD’s governing board convened for a scheduled meeting at the Kano office to review and enhance strategies, discuss program and project status, new initiatives, and sustainability plans.
Finally, CITAD received the announcement of the appointment of its Executive Director as one of the board of trustees to the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF). The appointment, contained in a letter signed by Iyom Josephine Anenih, WIPF Board Chairperson, will be for a six-year renewable term starting from 15th September 2023.
Moreover, on Saturday, the 2nd of September, staff, mentees, and colleagues celebrated the birthday of Malam Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, the Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), with birthday tributes continuing.