Spotlight,CITAD Host Landmark Hackathon to Empower Northeast Nigerian Youths


By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu 

In a landmark initiative to harness local talent for civic good, the Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability Initiative, in collaboration with the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has concluded the first-ever Civic Innovation Hackathon for Northeast Nigeria.

The event which took place in Damaturu, powered by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund with support from the MacArthur Foundation,Ford Foundation, and Luminate, showcased young tech pioneers developing solutions to strengthen democracy and governance in the region.

Spotlight’s Executive Director, Mu’azu Alhaji Modu explained the hackathon served as the climax of Dr. Kole Shettima’s Innovation and Democracy Challenge.

He detailed the rigorous journey from an initial pool of 1,200 applicants down to 12 finalists, who underwent a 12-week acceleration program."These young people have amazing ideas to strengthen democracy but lacked the platform and resources to scale them".

According to him,the 12 innovators pitched their projects to a panel of experts, with three winners each receiving ₦500,000 in seed funding.

In his paper presentation,Engr. Yunusa Zakari Yau of CITAD argued that technology can only be a true engine for democracy if access is universal.

He outlined four essential pillars,to includes;wareness,availability,accessibility, and affordability required for technology to function as a democratic tool.

Yau issued a stark warning about the pervasive "digital divide,"noting that over 100 million Nigerians in rural areas, alongside people with disabilities and many women, remain effectively disconnected.

“Platforms are often designed for addiction and conflict, not productive engagement.If we want technology to promote democracy, then access to technology itself must be democratized"said Engr.Yau.

Dr. Kole Shettima, Nigeria Country Director for the MacArthur Foundation, emphasized the critical importance of sustained mentorship and support.

Represented by Engr. Mohammed Kati Machina, Shettima detailed the foundation’s ongoing work supporting civil society, good governance, and vulnerable groups.

He called on all beneficiaries to perpetuate the cycle of empowerment. “We urge those whose lives we have touched to pay it forward,by mentoring others on this journey,"SAID Shettima.

The hackathon stands as a direct investment in the future of Northeast Nigeria, channeling the creativity and drive of its youth into tangible solutions for greater accountability, transparency, and democratic engagement.

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