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Month: November 2024
The Chairman of Savannah Center for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development SCDDD, Prof Ibrahim A.Gambari was yesterday Friday Nov 1st 2024 Honoured with Honourary Fellow at the dinner organised by the Chartered Institute of Directors in Lagos South West Nigeria.
Former Chief of Staff to the immediate past Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari was honoured at the Dinner at the Eko Hotel Lagos to mark the Organisation annual conference.
The Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria is the Nigeria’s foremost Organization for directors in the country.
Recall His Excellency Prof Ibrahim Gambari, Chairman of Savannah Center for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, SCDDD, Abuja was this week in Lusaka,Zambia where he delivered a Key note address at the African Bar Association Annual Conference from 28th to 30th October, 2024.
At that Conference the former Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Undersecretary General, respectively called for increased approach to bridge the gap in digital divides between the urban and rural dwellers.
He also called for similar approach in bridging the gender inequality in the ownership of digital devices in Africa.
He made call in his Keynote address titled:
“Addressing the Digital Divide and its impact on Human Rights in Africa: towards closing the Digital Divides in Science, Technology, and Innovation”
Bar Association, Lusaka, Zambia 29th October, 2024
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Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim
Africa This Week
Wednesday October 30th, 2024 Africa This Week brought to Scholars, Legal luminaries in the world and our estimmed followers around the world the News of the Chairman of Savannah Center for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, SCDDD, Prof Ibrahim A Gambari in Lusaka, Zambia.
The Eminent Scholar and Diplomat’s Address as a Keynote speaker at the Conference.
Here Africa This Week presents Prof Gambari full address as a Keynote speaker at the Conference.
THE FULL ADDRESS:
Addressing the Digital Divide and its impact on Human Rights in Africa: towards closing the Digital Divides in Science, Technology, and Innovation
by Prof. Ibrahim A. Gambari: Chairman Savannah Center for Diplomacy, Development and Democracy, Abuja, Nigeria
at
the 2024 Annual Conference, African Bar Association, Lusaka, Zambia 29th October, 2024
I wish to start by thanking the African Bar Association for inviting me as a Special Guest to this auspicious event and for asking me to speak on important topic for Africa, namely addressing the digital divide and its impact on respect for human rights in this our continent. In particular, I appreciate Dr. Ugoji Eze Esq, Chairman of the Human Rights and Constitutional Law Committee of the African Bar Association, for encouraging me to accept the invitation to participate in this conference. Before I get into the substance of my presentation, I wish to highlight my pleasure of being back here in Zambia, a place which I consider home. Zambia occupies a special place in my heart, especially for the crucial role the country played in the liberation of Africa and its immense contribution towards Africa’s independence and the respect for the rights and dignity of the African people.
My first ever visit to this lovely country was as Foreign Minister of my country, Nigeria, in 1984 in the context of efforts to support the Frontline States. In fact, it is here in Lusaka that I first met with Oliver Tambo, President of ANC, before Mandela took over from where he found a home away from home here, at the time when South Africa was under the grip of the Apartheid regime, so human rights and promotion of self-determination and political development first brought me here.
My second visit also had to do with the promotion of inclusive democracy and human rights between 2016 and 2018 as the Commonwealth Secretary General’s Special Envoy to Zambia where I was asked by the Commonwealth SG to support political dialogue in Zambia. The sacrifices this country and other African Front-line States, including Nigeria, made to end minority rule on the continent, a crucial issue for the respect of human rights and dignity cannot be overemphasized. The choice of Zambia as host of this event is therefore of great significance and it is important to use this opportunity to remember the father of the Zambian nation, H.E. President Kenneth Kaunda-KK, who played a critical role in shaping Africa’s humanist, philosophical and development agenda which we have a collective responsibility to continue building upon.
It is an honour to address this distinguished gathering at the 2024 Annual Conference of the African Bar Association, particularly during this critical session on human rights and the digital divide. It is an open secret that Africa is trailing other continents in terms of access to the digital world. Yet digital connectivity through ICTs has been identified as crucial for development and prosperity as highlighted in UN Agenda 2030 in SDG 9. Target 9 C: calls on countries to “significantly increase access to information and communication technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in the LDCs by 2030”. Development is a fundamental human right in itself.
As the Chief of Staff to the I immediate past President of Nigeria, I had the unique opportunity to witness how technology can be both a tool for empowerment and a barrier that exacerbates inequality within and between countries when access is unequal. During my tenure, the administration recognized the immense potential of technology to drive socio-economic development and, importantly, to safeguard fundamental human rights. This recognition led to the creation of the Nigeria Startup Act, signed into law in October 2022, which was designed to foster innovation by providing essential support structures for startups, tax incentives, and access to funding. Yet, despite the advances in the startup ecosystem and the benefits of such policies, we must acknowledge a stark reality: the digital divide continues to deepen, leaving millions of Africans disconnected from the opportunities that the digital economy provides.
As of 2022, only 40% of the African population had access to the Internet, leaving over 871 million people with the majority living in rural areas disconnected. The disparity between rural and urban access is stark: 64% of urban dwellers have Internet access compared to just 23% in rural areas. This digital inequality is not merely a technological issue but a human rights issue, as the lack of access to digital tools perpetuates socio-economic inequalities and restricts access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and democratic participation. Afrobarometer has found that while most Africans own mobile phones, fewer than half own a mobile phone with internet access and fewer still with access to a computer.
This divide also disproportionately affects marginalized groups, particularly women. Globally, women are underrepresented in online spaces, with South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa showing the largest gender gaps. In Africa, for every three men online, there are only two women. This gender disparity in digital access compounds existing gender inequalities, limiting opportunities for education, employment, and participation in governance.
The implications of this divide on human rights are profound. Without access to the Internet, individuals are excluded from information that could improve their quality of life and exercise their rights. The digital divide limits access to healthcare through telemedicine, educational resources through e-learning platforms, and even economic opportunities through digital entrepreneurship. In regions with weak democratic institutions, access to the Internet can also empower citizens to hold their governments accountable, promoting transparency and good governance.
However, bridging this divide can unlock tremendous potential for growth and development. According to a 2020 report by the World Bank, closing the digital divide in Africa could increase GDP by as much as 2% per year across the continent. This growth could be driven by enhanced access to global markets, innovation in sectors such as fintech and agritech, and improved service delivery in education and healthcare.
In the recently concluded Summit of the Future at the United Nations headquarters in New York, world leaders adopted the Global Digital Compact which commits to enhanced global cooperation and capacity building based on the premise that every country must be able to access the benefits of technology. Furthermore, the Compact includes the very first truly universal agreement on international governance of Artificial Intelligence to give every nation a seat on the AI table. Implementation is now the key objective for measures to bridge the digital gap between Africa and other continents.
Efforts such as the UNDP’s Timbuktoo program are already demonstrating how regional cooperation can foster a more inclusive digital economy across Africa. This program is working to ensure that investments in digital infrastructure are paired with capacity building and policy reforms that promote digital inclusion. By aligning national policies with continental strategies, we can create a unified approach to closing the digital divide. Furthermore, the G20 provides an opportunity to reinforce commitment to the digital underpinnings of SDGs through, inter alia, its Digital Economy Working Group.
Technology is revolutionizing legal practice across all areas, from human rights to commercial law. The ability to file briefs electronically and access court documents online has significantly reduced delays in legal proceedings, making the system more efficient. Digital scheduling tools ensure smoother coordination of hearings, helping to avoid conflicts and improve case management. Remote legal consultations and virtual hearings have expanded access to justice, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas.
Moreover, AI-powered legal research tools and digital databases streamline the research process, while cloud-based document management systems allow for secure, collaborative access to legal files. Client Relationship Management software helps lawyers manage communications and administrative tasks more effectively. With advanced cybersecurity measures protecting sensitive client data, and Online Dispute Resolution platforms facilitating quicker conflict resolution, legal professionals can now deliver more timely, accessible, and secure services, enhancing the overall administration of justice.
As legal professionals, you are pivotal in this effort. By advocating for digital rights, ensuring adherence to international human rights standards, and crafting inclusive legal frameworks, you help pave the way toward a more equitable and connected digital future. The laws you craft, the cases you argue, and the policies you support can help ensure that every African, regardless of gender, geography, or economic status, can participate in the digital economy fully.
Indeed, to avoid a digital divide becoming entrenched, Africa needs to initiate proactive measures which will enable the continent take full advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution so as to boost economic prospects and respect for fundamental rights for the millions of its most youthful population. The prohibitive costs of accessing ICT services for a significant portion of our African population, especially in the rural areas highlights the sector’s lack of competitiveness and also undermines the development needs of the African population and thus the protection of its fundamental human rights.
In closing, addressing the digital divide is not just about technology, it is about human rights. It is about ensuring equitable access to the tools and opportunities that can improve the lives of millions of Africans. Together, through strategic policies, legal advocacy, and collaboration, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future where NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND.
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IEdited:
Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim
Africa This Week
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in North Central, Nigeria urged members of Ebira community in Ondo state South West, Nigeria to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the state governorship election on November 16, 2024 .
According to the Press Release from the office of Special Adviser on Media to Governor, Mr Ismaila Isah and made available to Africa This Week said governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made the call while campaigning for the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Ondo state, Saturday November 2, 2024.
Governor Ododo called on members of Ebira community in the state to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to sustain the laudable achievements of the APC government in Ondo state.
“The Governor described Ondo state as a second home for Ebiras and urged the Ebira community to repeat the feat exemplified in the 2020 Governorship election during which the APC recorded overwhelming victory in the state”.
The statement said that Governor Ododo came to Ondo state to appreciate the Ebira community in the state for the support given to APC in the last governorship election in Ondo state.
“I am aware that we have a large population of our people in Owo, Ifo and Ose local government areas, as well as other parts of Ondo state and I want you to take our message to all of them.
Come November 16, 2024, I urge you to vote for the APC and Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the Governor of Ondo State”,
Governor Ododo stated.
He Further assured the people of Ondo State that the APC and Lucky Aiyedatiwa would deliver the desired dividends of democracy to the people of the state by improving physical infrastructure, access to education, healthcare, water and sanitation, agricultural development, and security of lives and property across communities in the state.
Governor Ododo described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a tested hand who could be trusted to build on the pedestal of growth and development recorded in Ondo state under the former governor of the state, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who died in December, 2023.
Saying, Governor Aiyedatiwa, had been tested and could be trusted.
“We want continuity and consolidation and he has started very well”.
“I want to let you know that the Ebira, Igala and Okun communities in Ondo state are hundred percent behind you.
They will all come out en masse on November 16 to vote for you”, Governor Ododo assured.
*Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo therefore, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the interest shown in revitalizing the Ajaokuta steel complex by the federal government, which he noted was of strategic importance to the people of Kogi state.
He later reaffirmed the commitment of the APC administration at both national and sub-national levels to recognize and reward the people for the confidence reposed in the party.
“In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful co-existence among ethnic groups residing in Ondo state.
He promised to create more opportunities for non-indigenous communities in the state if elected in the November 16 election.
On his part, chairman of the APC in Kogi state, Abdullahi Bello who was on the entourage of Governor Ododo commended the unity and cooperation between the Kogi indigenes and the people of Ondo state, and assured them that with the level of understanding would translate into massive votes for the APC and Governor Aiyedatiwa in the November governorship election in the state.
“Earlier, during a courtesy call by Governor Ododo on the Ohinoyi of Anebira in Owo, His Royal Highness, Adayi Isa Ahmed said he was excited to receive the Kogi State Governor in Owo, assuring that the Ebira community in Owo will vote for the APC candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the governorship election.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for appointing five members of the Ebira community into positions of authority in his administration and promised that the people will reciprocate the kind gesture by mobilizing more votes than what was achieved in the last governorship election in the state.
The APC rally in Owo was attended by members of the Ebira community from Utose, Omolonge, Utelu, Agopanu and others from the six local government areas in Ondo north senatorial district and other parts of the state”
Governor Ododo is the deputy chairman of the election management and strategy committee of the Ondo State Governorship Election Campaign Council made the call while addressing a mammoth crowd at the APC rally held at the Mobil Roundabout in Owo town of Ondo state.
Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim
Africa This Week
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By
Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim
The Chairman,SAVANNAH CENTER FOR DIPLOMACY, Democracy AND DEVELOPMENT, Professor Ibrahim A.Gambari has called for increased approach to bridge the gap in digital divides between the haves and have-nots in the urban and rural dwellers.
He also called for similar approach in bridging the gender inequality in the ownership of digital devices in Africa.
Professor Gambari who is the immediate past Chief of staff in the administration of ex President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari made the remark in an address as a Special Guest Speaker to the 2024 Annual Conference, African Bar Association, Lusaka, Zambia, Tuesday October 29th, 2024.
The former Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Ibrahim Gambari speaks on the Digital Divide and its impact on Human Rights in Africa.
The Chairman of SCDDD in his address chronically went through Africa’s space in the emerging history of science, technological, and innovation in African experience.
The Former UN Under-Secretary General, incharge of Political Affairs highlighted the impact and the vulnerabilities on the developing world of digital statistics, especially Africa as a continent in emerging digital human rights and economy.
Prof Gambari said “The digital divide limits access to healthcare through telemedicine, educational resources through e-learning platforms, and even economic opportunities through digital entrepreneurship.
In regions with weak democratic institutions, access to the Internet can also empower citizens to hold their governments accountable, promoting transparency and good governance.
The digital divide is not just about technology, it is about human rights.
It is about ensuring equitable access to the tools and opportunities that can improve the lives of millions of Africans.
Together, through strategic policies, legal advocacy, and collaboration, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future where NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND” . The Eminent scholar and Diplomat added.
Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim
Africa This Week
His Excellency Prof Ibrahim Agboola Gambari’s
Address—Made available to Africa This Week
