By Oluwatope Lawanson
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Devatop Centre for Africa Development, has trained 100 human rights activists on the effective usage of TALKAM app to strengthen grassroots responses to abuse and promote digital justice.
The training was held on Friday in Lagos in partnership with the Intercultural Innovation Hub (IIH).
The Executive Director, Devatop, Mr Joseph Osuigwe, said the workshop was focused on advocacy and community engagement with the use of the app.
Osuigwe, represented by its Lagos Project Lead, Miss Janet Homo, said the workshop was organised to educate human rights activists on how to use TALKAM App, a mobile platform developed to enable citizens report human rights violations in real time.
He said the training under the Talkam Human Rights Initiative Project, held simultaneously in Lagos and Cross Rivers states, was facilitated by experts in human rights and digital advocacy.
According to him, the initiative reaffirmed Devatop’s commitment to building a network of digitally skilled and proactive human rights defenders across Nigeria.
He said the initiative would help Nigerians who were not only aware of their rights to take action wherever injustice occurs.
“The trainers led participants through engaging sessions on human rights fundamentals, community-based mobilisation, and how to navigate myths and misconceptions that often hinder advocacy efforts.
“It is a bold step toward equipping a new generation of human rights defenders with the tools, strategies, and digital platforms they need to challenge abuse and uphold justice at the community level.
“A major highlight of the workshop was the introduction and hands-on use of the TALKAM App.
“The participants were taught how to submit cases through the app, interact in the TALK Room, and provide feedback through the Google Play Store to help improve user experience,” he said.
He added that the aim of the of the training was for participants to develop customised community action plans, gain digital advocacy skills, and express increased confidence in their ability to identify human rights violations.
Mr Bemshima Abako, a facilitator, highlighted that a common myth was the belief that only governments were responsible for protecting human rights.
Abako stressed that individuals also had a vital role to play in protecting human rights.
During group discussions, Prudence Inana an advocate, emphasised the importance of giving children the space to participate in decision-making processes.
Another participant, Ayoola Gandonu, called for the training to be replicated in other states for wider reach and greater national impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Mr Anthony Oyigbeche, one of the newly trained advocates, expressed gratitude to Devatop for the knowledge shared and the smooth coordination of the programme.
