The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) marked International Human Rights Day 2023 by organizing a sensitization lecture for students of the Mass Communication Department at Kano State Polytechnic.
The lecture, delivered on Tuesday at the department, focused on the crucial role of protecting and safeguarding the digital rights of Nigerians.
Engr. Y.Z Ya’u, CITAD’s Executive Director, expressed his concern in his remarks about the rising number of instances where Nigerians’ digital rights are being violated.
Engr. Ya’u, who was represented by Mr. Ali Sabo, urged the Federal Government to create a legal framework that promotes and protects Nigerians’ data and digital rights.
“CITAD’s initiative to educate students on the importance of digital rights is essential in today’s digital age, where online freedoms are increasingly under threat,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to end all actions that directly or indirectly infringe on Nigerians’ human rights and publicly commit to respecting, protecting, promoting, and fulfilling everyone’s human rights, including data and digital rights.
The Executive Director also called on the Nigerian government to withdraw the proposed Social Media Bill and cease attempts to regulate social media in Nigeria, as this would violate the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations.
Dr. Aisar Salihu Musa of Kano Polytechnic’s Mass Communication Department opened the lecture by discussing the topic “Dignity, Freedom, & Justice for All: A Reason for the Digital Rights Freedom Bill in Nigeria.”
In his presentation, Dr. Musa said, “In today’s digital world, human rights extend beyond the physical realm. The Digital Rights Freedom Bill in Nigeria is crucial to protect the dignity, freedom, and justice of all citizens online.”
He emphasized the crucial role of digital rights in ensuring a free and just society for all Nigerians.
Malam Abdulkadir A. Mato of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Kano Zonal Office also spoke about the importance of human rights in general. He highlighted the NHRC’s role as an extra-judicial mechanism that safeguards human rights and assists victims of violations.
The United Nations designated December 10th as International Human Rights Day to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ adoption in 1948. This day serves as a crucial reminder to all governments of their obligation to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of all individuals.
