To mark the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), a civil society group in Kano, hosted a day-long workshop aimed at empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to combat corruption through the use of technology.
The workshop, themed ‘Uniting the World Against Corruption’ and aimed at empowering PWDs to fight corruption using technology, took place on Saturday at CITAD’s Kano office.
CITAD Executive Director Engr. Y.Z Yau, represented by Ali Sabo CITAD, welcomed participants and stressed how the organization involve people with disabilities (PWDs) in fighting corruption, which greatly affects Nigeria’s progress.
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Mr. Ali Sabo explained CITAD’s reason for focusing on this year’s theme. He highlighted the importance of teaching PWDs digital skills so they can join the fight against corruption using technology.
Sabo expressed worry about how PWDs are often left out and not taken seriously. He explained how corruption worsens their problems by keeping them from getting education, healthcare, and being part of politics.
“This community lacks a voice to advocate for its rights, a crucial aspect of democracy. It lacks representation to amplify its plights for progress in crucial areas like health, education, and governance,” Sabo noted.
To address this issue, CITAD provided training for PWDs on various technological tools for combating corruption, focusing on user-friendly options. The training included an introduction to the internet and popular social media platforms that enable PWDs to engage with government officials and hold them accountable.
AbdulRazaq Ado Zango, chairman of the Kano Initiative of persons with special needs, spoke on behalf of the participants and praised CITAD for organizing this first-of-its-kind event.
“We learned about issues related to budgetary allocations for PWDs, how to monitor transparency and accountability mechanisms, and how to advocate for our digital rights,” he said.
Zango pledged that the participants would share their newly acquired knowledge within their respective organizations to help eliminate or significantly reduce corruption using technology.
International Day Against Corruption or International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) is celebrated on December 9, every year, to raise awareness among the general public on the impact of the prevailing malice in many countries. It also raises concern on the harmful effects of corruption on the progress, development and the society at large.