2019 elections: US Mission drills youth on fake news
Gotname Bitrus, from Kebbi State read Mass Communication and English Language. She published her first book, a collection of poetry titled, ‘Angel, If mine’ in 2013, and in 2018 she published a novel, ‘The Victor a victim’. Mrs Bitrus in this interview with the YOUTHVILLE said she has found it rewarding deviating from the traditional publishing to e-publishing, from poetry to a mastery of prose.
I am a poet who also is a story teller. Poetry is a condensed way of using words to tell stories and share experiences. I find prose more detailed and comprehensive to tell it. To me I am not moving per say but exploring both. I have another collection of poems being edited. With time I hope to also go into lyrical poetry, inculcating music with words.
What is the plot in your book “The Victor a victim”? The Victor a Victim is a story about upheavals in the midst of an insatiable romance. From the first chapter to the last, the characters walk through life in search of true happiness and love. Rose is the protagonist of the story and David the ironic antagonist of affection. Other characters also buttress themes such as the patriarch tradition of Northern Nigeria, terrorism, corruption, extremist religion and poverty, at the end proving against all odds, that victims have the capacity of becoming victorious. Why did you move from poetry to prose?
What do you hope your work will achieve?
I hope my writing reaches the world, especially the traumatized. In general humans deal with one trauma or the other and I would like them to know I understand and I believe that they are not just victims but could be victorious. They need to look inside of them for the courage to thrive using their various talents.
How do you manage mum and still write?
being a
There is no challenge so powerful that can stop me. For me as a writer I draw inspiration in what people see as challenging and not appealing. I wake up faith-inspired to face each day as it comes. But, it is never easy juggling between school, writing, baby and husband.
There are days I would sleep off instead of read, because I was so tired from taking care of my new born baby and attending classes.
Thank God for understanding lecturers, they stood by me. I remember writing an exam just an hour after giving birth.
What are you doing to explore the digital era?
@SimonEchewofun The United States Mission on Wednesday organised a course featuring its Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr W. Stuart Symington to educate youth on the need to encourage free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections in Nigeria in 2019.
The online course targeted at members of the Young African Leaders Initiatives (YALI) and the Mandela Washington Fellows had the Ambassador joining over 6,000 others committed to successful elections with under a campaign the Mission tagged, ‘NaijaVotes’.
“If you haven’t already done so, make your pledge to get started,” the Mission said in an online invitation letter, urging youth to pledge to the cause.
The social media campaign ‘#9javotes2019’ is focused at battling fake news as the Mission said: “One important factor that will impact election legitimacy is fake news. During the electioneering period, citizens have certain rights -- and responsibilities -- including the responsibility to be informed.”
It said fake news could cloud the truth and hinder voters from voting wisely while leading to violence or undermine the legitimacy of the election outcome. “Responsible citizens must do their part to avoid spreading false reports and rumours,” the United States charged the Nigerian youth.
It has urged youths to make a difference by thinking critically and applying some basic “fact checking” skills. The YALI members were directed to tools like the YALIChecks videos on effective skills for fact checking.