4th KanSIS23 Summit: CITAD Holds Sessions on Social Media, Whistleblowing, E-Agriculture, Announces Hackathon Winners
By Mustapha Salisu
The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) held its 4th KANSIS2023 Summit on October 25-26, 2023, at Yusuf Maitama Sule University in Kano State.
The annual event brings together academicians, scholars, students, CSOs, NGOs, media, public servants, and traditional leaders to discuss the use of social media for social change and development.
This year’s summit featured sessions on social media as a tool for whistleblowing, e-agriculture, and other topics related to the use of technology for good.
Speakers included Dr. Femi Falana (SAN), Dr. Kole Shettima (MarchArthur Foundation), and Prof. Attahiru Jega (BUK), who joined virtually.
In his opening remarks, CITAD’s Executive Director/Founder, Engr. Dr. Y.Z. Yau, emphasized the importance of social media for social change and development. “Social media can be a powerful tool for holding governments accountable, promoting transparency, and giving a voice to the marginalized,” he said.
Yau also highlighted the work that CITAD is doing to build the capacity of young people to use social media for positive change. “Through our training programs, we are helping young people to develop the skills and knowledge they need to use social media to advocate for their rights and promote development in their communities,” he said.
The 4th KANSIS2023 Summit was a successful event that brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss the important role of social media in social change and development.
Meanwhile, as part of the events, CITAD organized a two-day hackathon during KANSIS23, a problem-solving competition using technology to address issues in agriculture, health, climate change, and security.
“Team Astra”, led by Rabia Sagir Abdulkadir, emerged as the first winner. They developed a prototype of a website that allows consumers to buy fresh farm products directly from farmers. Team Astra received a prize of N100,000 from Chief Eze Iromantu, Chairman Trustees of CITAD.
“Team My Mindshare”, led by Yusuf Muhammad Zakar, came in second place. They developed a prototype of a user-friendly website that allows users to generate and listen to “poems that calms the minds to sleep” to address mental health issues. Team My Mindshare received a prize of N75,000 from Prof. Amina Kaidal, Governing Board of Trustees, CITAD.
“Team Alpha”, led by Nasir Shehu Musa, came in third place. They developed a prototype of “Healthcare Hub,” which provides an appointment scheduling, telemedicine, and AI health recommendations system. Team Alpha received a prize of N50,000 from Mallam Ahmad Yakasai, Training Officer, CITAD.
CITAD congratulated the winners and believed this is a milestone to solve pressing challenges in Nigeria and motivate the youths to being change-makers.
This year’s summit witnessed the attendance of prominent individuals such as Dr. Bashir Albishir Machinama (Emir of Machina, Yobe State), Hon. Baba Dantiye (Commissioner of Information Kano), Engr. C. O Iromantu (Former EVC NCC), Dr. Bala Muhd (BUK).
Others are Malam Ibrahim Khalil (Islamic Scholar), Rev. Samuel Adeyemo (CAN Kano), Malam Ibrahim Muazam (BUK), Prof. Amina Kaidal (UniMaid), Prof. Asabe Sadiya (ASCOE Azare), representatives of INEC, ICPC, EFCC, BUK, and YUMSUK.
