Date: Thursday, 4th September, 2025
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), as part of its efforts to build the capacity of journalists and create awareness on digital rights and online protection, held a one-day training for journalists in Kano. The training was designed to strengthen journalists’ knowledge of digital rights and online safety in an era where technology is transforming the media landscape.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of CITAD, Engr. YZ Ya’u, represented by Ali Sabo, CITAD Digital Rights Officer, underscored the importance of protecting journalists in the digital age. He noted that as technology continues to reshape journalism, there is a growing need to equip practitioners with the skills to remain safe online while carrying out their professional duties. He added that journalists, as the fourth estate of the realm, have significant roles to play in shaping and contributing to the development of the country, and play an oversight function in a democratic society. According to him, this important function has made them targets of abuse, attack, and incarceration both online and offline, hence the need to equip them with proper knowledge to protect themselves, especially online, as the world of journalism is now turning into the digital space.
The training featured several sessions and discussions that highlighted both challenges and solutions. In the first session facilitated by Ali Sabo, participants examined some of the obstacles they encounter in their work, such as limited access to information under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, surveillance threats, and harassment, particularly from organized online groups commonly known as “data boys.” The conversations also touched on the digital revolution in journalism, emphasizing that while technology has opened new opportunities, it has also exposed journalists to risks such as hacking, spyware like Pegasus, misinformation, and disinformation.
Another key part of the deliberations was the emphasis on why online safety matters. Participants agreed that protecting oneself online is essential not only for safeguarding freedom of expression but also for ensuring the confidentiality of sources, preventing suppression, and maintaining credibility in reporting. In his presentation, CITAD Technical Officer, Engr. Kamal Umar, led a practical session on online safety practices, which covered the use of strong passwords and two-factor authentication, safe communication methods, managing digital footprints, and building organizational readiness against digital threats. A hands-on exercise also enabled participants to practice securing their email accounts and checking for possible hacking attempts.
The training further explored issues around data deletion and protection. In a session facilitated by Muhammed Bello, participants were taught how to securely delete digital data and
memories to prevent unauthorized recovery. Similarly, in his second presentation, Ali Sabo discussed the legal and ethical dimensions of privacy and data protection, highlighting relevant Nigerian laws and best practices that journalists must adopt to safeguard themselves and their sources.
The training, which was attended by 18 journalists from across media houses in Kano State, ended with closing remarks from Haruna Adamu, CITAD’s Community Network Coordinator, who appreciated the participants for their active engagement during the sessions.
Overall, the training provided journalists with practical skills and critical knowledge to navigate the risks associated with digital technologies. It strengthened their understanding of online safety, privacy, and data protection, which are all essential for safeguarding press freedom and promoting responsible journalism in the digital era.