The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has successfully concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop for journalists with special needs in Kano, aimed at equipping them with skills in digital journalism, artificial intelligence (AI), Canva, digital rights, and data privacy.
The training, held under CITAD’s Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Digital Hub, commenced on Saturday and ended on Sunday, as part of the organisation’s drive to promote digital inclusion and ensure that no journalist is left behind in the evolving media landscape.
Declaring the workshop open, CITAD Executive Director, Malam Y.Z. Ya’u, represented by the organisation’s Communications Officer, Ali Sabo, explained that the initiative was designed to enhance the professional capabilities of journalists with disabilities.
“We want to ensure that every journalist — regardless of disability — has equal access to the tools and knowledge shaping modern journalism,” Sabo said. “This training is part of our commitment to digital inclusion. Knowledge is only useful when everyone can access it.”
Sabo, who also facilitated sessions on digital rights, data privacy, and protection, urged participants to prioritise the safety of both personal and professional information.
“Journalists operate in sensitive environments. Understanding digital safety is not optional; it is essential,” he emphasised.
Dr Bala Muhammad of the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano, encouraged participants to translate the skills acquired into their media practices.
“Training is meaningful only when it reflects in your work. Pay attention, apply what you learn, and become ambassadors of digital professionalism in your newsrooms,” he advised.
Other resource persons included Hamza Fagge, who spoke on digital inclusion, and Mubarak Shehu Dayyab, who trained participants on using Canva for journalism, AI in news production, and social media content creation.
Fagge highlighted the need for inclusive digital spaces, stating, “Technology should be a bridge, not a barrier. Everyone deserves access to the tools that shape our world.”
Dayyab urged participants to embrace new tools for storytelling. “Today’s journalist must blend creativity with technology to remain relevant,” he noted.
Participants expressed appreciation for the workshop, noting its impact on their skills and confidence.
Ummasalma Idris Ibrahim of Freedom Radio said, “The training has shown us that disability is not a limitation. With the right tools, we can compete and excel like anyone else.”
Bashir Ali Haruna of Vision FM added, “What CITAD has done is more than training — it is empowerment. I now understand how to protect myself online and produce richer content for my audience.”