Category Archives: OTHER NEWS

NEWS, OTHER NEWS

TAC Africa, SBB Foundation Forge Strategic Tech Alliance to Empower Youth

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In a bid to foster stronger collaboration in youth empowerment and technological innovation, a 10-member delegation from the Solicitude Beyond Border Foundation (SBBF), led by CEO Mr. Slater, paid a courtesy visit to the Technology Against Crime in Africa (TAC Africa) headquarters on Sunday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by TAC Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jerry Akubo, during an active youth sports session at the organization’s flagship Sports Corridor.

The visit featured a guided tour of TAC Africa’s key operational hubs:

Drone & Counter-Drone Training Lab: Designed to equip young people with hands-on skills in drone operation, 3D mapping, and accident reconstruction—crucial tools for advancing innovation and supporting public safety initiatives.

Cybersecurity & AI Unit: Focused on enhancing digital resilience through cybercrime prevention, forensic technology, and the development of AI-driven solutions for real-world societal challenges.

Sportech & Wellness Hub: A dynamic space that merges sports, wellness, and smart technologies to inspire and transform youth communities through active engagement.

Following the tour, both teams convened at the TAC Technology Office for a strategic session focused on youth training in drone and emerging tech applications, community-based technology hubs, security-tech skill development for underserved populations.

“Together, we’re shaping a future where technology empowers the youth for safer, smarter communities,”Dr. Jerry Akubo, CEO, TAC Africa

Technology Against Crime Africa (TAC Africa) is a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to strengthening Africa’s digital security landscape through innovation, capacity building, and strategic collaboration. With mission to enhance technological resilience across the continent, TAC Africa works closely with academic institutions, law enforcement agencies, and government bodies to foster the development of digital skills and the adoption of cutting-edge technological solutions.

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Solicitude Beyond Borders Foundation (SBBF) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to educating children in challenging circumstances and offering skill acquisition programs across Nigeria. Their mission is geared towards enhancing the lives of children in rural areas, combating poverty and illiteracy.

Consequently, the discussion led to a shared commitment to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and initiate a pilot training program targeting the teeming youth demographics.

The visit however concluded on a warm and collegial note with light refreshments and networking at the Sports Corridor.

The delegation exchanged souvenirs and participated in a group photograph to commemorate the day.

NEWS, OTHER NEWS

Nigeria Partners With Chess Guinness World Record Holder

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the federal government will partner with the Chess Guinness World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya through his initiative; the Chess in Slums Africa, in scaling up his impactful initiative across Nigeria to empower more children and youths nationwide.

The President on Monday in a tweet @OfficialABAT, after an audience with the Chess Guinness World Record holder lauded his transformative impact on underserved children and noted that Onakoya’s vision aligns with his administration’s, no child left behind, no talent wasted, initiative.

The Nigerian leader at his Ikoyi residence,Lagos State, emphasised Tunde’s remarkable journey from the streets of Lagos to achieving world records, commending his resilience and talent as a true representation of the exceptional spirit of Nigerian youth.

ART & CULTURE, OTHER NEWS

Nigeria, Tunisia Strengthen Cultural Ties Ahead of FITA2025 Summit

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In a move to foster stronger bilateral ties through cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., on Wednesday, received the Ambassador of Tunisia to Nigeria, H.E. Mohsen Antit, on a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The high-level engagement, held at the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, focused on enhancing cooperation in cultural exchange, tourism development, and Nigeria’s strategic participation in the upcoming FITA 2025 Summit (Financing Investment and Trade in Africa), scheduled to take place in Tunis from 6 to 7 May.

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Describing the visit as “timely and symbolic,” Musawa highlighted the importance of culture and creativity in advancing African unity, innovation, and economic prosperity.

“This meeting is a testament to the power of arts and culture in driving continental cohesion.”

“Nigeria and Tunisia share a common belief in the power of heritage and creative enterprise to strengthen diplomatic relations and foster inclusive growth across Africa,” she said.

Ambassador Antit commended Nigeria’s efforts in promoting cultural inclusion and innovation, expressing Tunisia’s interest in deeper collaboration, particularly as the continent prepares for the FITA2025 Summit, a flagship event that connects African governments, investors, and industry leaders to discuss trade, innovation, and sustainable development.

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“We see Nigeria not only as a cultural powerhouse but as a vital partner in shaping Africa’s creative future,” the ambassador said.

“Our shared values in heritage, tourism, and artistic innovation form a strong foundation for mutual advancement.”

Both parties discussed potential joint initiatives that would see increased artistic collaboration, cross-cultural festivals, creative industry partnerships, and capacity-building for young talents across the continent.

The meeting also aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision under the Motherland 2025 Project—an initiative aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a global destination for cultural reconnection, diaspora engagement, and investment in the creative economy.

Musawa reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening pan-African ties through soft power diplomacy, noting that the upcoming summit presents an ideal platform to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural assets and promote intra-African solidarity.

“We are intentional about placing culture at the heart of diplomacy and development. Our participation in FITA2025 will reflect the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s creative sector and its role in shaping Africa’s narrative on a global scale,” she added.

Nigeria and Tunisia have pledged to work closely on initiatives that reinforce artistic freedom, promote cultural sustainability, and advance the creative economy as a core engine of African transformation.

NEWS, OTHER NEWS

Information Minister Leads Delegates to Broadcasters Conference in Las Vegas

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The Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has led a delegation of government information agency leadership to the 2025 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Conference and Workshop in Las Vegas, USA, to strengthen broadcast collaborations and form strategic alliances.

The NAB event, running from April 5 to 9, carries the theme “The Technology, The Trend, The Future” and covers a range of topics, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud visualization, the creator economy, and sports production and streaming.

The Minister is joined by the  Directors-General and CEOs of Nigerian broadcasting agencies, including  Mallam Baba Jubrin Ndace, Director General,Voice of Nigeria, Comrade Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, Director-General/CEO of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA); Mr. Ali Muhammed Ali, Managing Director/CEO of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); Charles Ebuebu, Director-General/CEO of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).

Exploring New Partnerships

The NAB Conference, which attracts thousands of industry leaders from around the world, offers a unique opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to explore new partnerships, engage in content-sharing initiatives, and gain valuable insights into emerging trends and technological innovations.

These efforts aim to strengthen Nigeria’s broadcasting sector by fostering greater collaboration, advancing training programs, and driving technological progress across the industry.

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OTHER NEWS

UNICEF Implements Machine Learning for Immunisation in Africa

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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) implements machine learning to speed up immunisation programs across Central and West Africa.

This initiative is part of the Reach the Unreached (RTU) pilot, which was launched in Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, and Mali.

The program leverages machine learning technologies to break down population data and estimate vaccination coverage more accurately.

RtU is working in collaboration with the Frontier Data Network (FDN). UNICEF officials highlight that this approach has enabled regional and country office teams to map over 1.1 million unreached children.

The goal is to provide participating countries with detailed information to identify regions at risk of falling behind and address child rights inequities, starting with immunisation and birth registration.

“While the spread of granular population estimates and vaccination coverage datasets is beneficial and potentially game-changing, their impact on improving health programming and outcomes will only be realised if integrated into existing information systems and decision-making processes at the country level,” said Rocco Panciera, UNICEF geospatial health specialist.

Manuel Garcia-Herranz, FDN’s principal researcher, emphasised that without technology, experts lack insights into how data bias and algorithmic inequalities affect combined population estimation and vaccination coverage models.

“Even for single models, understanding performance across different socioeconomic contexts is challenging,” Garcia-Herranz said.

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OTHER NEWS

Vice-President Shettima Seeks More Support For Local Enterprises

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to the health and survival of Nigerian enterprises, describing them as catalysts for a sustainable economic future.

He said this during a tour of a private company, SecureID Smartcard and Digital Solutions, in Lagos to mark its 20th anniversary.

The Vice President described the company as a shining example of Nigeria’s industrial and technological potential.

He commended the company as the country’s leading smartcard manufacturing company for its two decades of excellence in manufacturing and digital solutions.

Vice President Shettima praised the company’s evolution from a local startup to a continental leader in digital solutions. It is now capable of producing 200 million cards annually, including Nigeria’s international passports and voter identification cards.

He said, “This enterprise embodies the promise of what our nation can achieve when our innovative minds are given the support to compete with the rest of the world. From a humble local startup to a continental leader, SecureID has proven that Nigerian businesses can stand tall on the global stage with vision, dedication, and hard work.” 

Emphasizing that economic growth is inseparable from enterprise development, the Vice President noted that “time and again, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated beyond words that the health and survival of our enterprises are the true catalysts of a vibrant economy.

“We can no longer afford to pay lip service to support businesses, regardless of their scale, the VP stated, citing examples of government interventions designed to spur industrial expansion, including fiscal reforms and the Manufacturing Sector Fund, which encourages investment in key industries.”

He maintained that the Tinubu administration has introduced strategic measures to bolster the nation’s economy, ensuring that enterprises like SecureID can thrive and drive national development.

“SecureID is proof that Nigeria is not just a consumer nation but a creator of world-class solutions. This is the standard we must uphold to transform our economy, create opportunities, and raise the living standards of millions of Nigerians,” the Vice President stated.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where businesses can flourish, Senator Shettima assured that the administration is ready to help local industries fulfil their potential.

“We will continue to support enterprises by fostering an environment where innovation thrives and where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed,” he added.

The highlight of the occasion was the tour of the company’s production facility by the Vice President, accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Hamzat, and other dignitaries present at the event.

OTHER NEWS

Federal Government Proposes 12-Year Basic Education Model & Technical College Upgrades

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The Nigerian government is considering a significant shift in its education system, proposing a 12-year basic education model to replace the current 9-3-4 structure.
According to the Ministry of Education, this move, coupled with the conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges, aims to enhance educational quality, address the skills gap, and equip students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

The federal government is considering a shift from Nigeria’s current 9-3-4 education system to a 12-year basic education model. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, revealed this on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting, which serves as the highest policy-making body for education in the country.

Under the current 9-3-4 structure, students undergo nine years of basic education, three years of senior secondary education, and four years of tertiary education. However, Tunji explained that the proposed shift to a 12-4 model aims to provide a more continuous and standardised curriculum, aligning with global educational standards. “It is important to acknowledge that while the 9-3-4 system of education has its merits, it also has drawbacks, such as the need for students to work to further their education,” Tunji explained.

He added: “It is therefore prudent to transition from the 9-3-4 to the 12-4 system of education. By doing so, Nigeria will align with global standards in preparing students for better tertiary education. A 12-year basic education model will ensure a continuous, uninterrupted curriculum, promoting better standardisation and fostering quality assurance in the education system. It will also guarantee that students receive a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience, improve educational outcomes, and contribute to a more educated populace that drives Nigeria’s economic development.”

Another key topic discussed at the meeting was the national policy on bullying, which is set to be reviewed alongside the proposed education framework. Additionally, discussions included the conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges. “A second key agenda to be discussed today at the extraordinary meeting is the conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges,” Tunji said. He highlighted the importance of technical education in bridging the skills gap in the labour market. “The provision of technical education allows a nation’s human and natural resources to be harnessed more effectively. Therefore, technical education contributes significantly to national development, driving cultural and industrial progress,” he stated.

The minister also mentioned that the Council would be discussing the 16-year policy on admission into tertiary institutions, which is to be incorporated into the national policy on education. “I am sure many of you have heard about the challenges we face as a nation with talented, bright students being disenfranchised from pursuing tertiary education. In any society, it is crucial to standardise the education of exceptionally gifted students who are highly functional. We are now preventing these students, after finishing secondary education at the age of 16, from attending university until they are 18. This delays their development and harms their futures. These students are capable and brave. If we leave them idle, we risk exacerbating mental health issues.”

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, added that while the government is prioritising the implementation of existing education policies to improve quality and equity, there is still a need to introduce relevant ideas to reshape the system. “However, new and relevant ideas must be injected into the system to reshape the education system, emphasising technical and vocational education training to empower young men and women to be self-sufficient and valuable contributors to the nation,” she said;

She emphasised the importance of technical and vocational education training (TVET) in empowering young people to be self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to the economy. “Accordingly, this administration will also focus on preparing students with skills relevant to the job market, and enabling mechanised farming at Universities of Agriculture to help address food insecurity. In addition to trade and entrepreneurship, TVET curriculum which includes Renewable (Solar) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) will be able to provide teeming young citizens an opportunity of being technicians and entrepreneurs in these areas of future significant economic activities,” she added.

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NEWS, OTHER NEWS

Federal Government Confirms Quality of Dangote Products Amid Controversies

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Government Endorses Dangote Group’s Products

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed the quality of Dangote Group’s products, putting to rest controversies surrounding the soundness of some of its offerings, particularly petroleum products. This endorsement came from Dr. Dafang I. Sule, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, during his address at the ongoing Kaduna International Trade Fair.

Dr. Sule, who represented President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, emphasized that the excellence of Dangote products is evident in their widespread patronage and the company’s rapid expansion. He stated, “The quality of Dangote products is not in doubt and that is why people patronize them. You can see that the company is growing every day. I think it is doing a very good job.”

Government’s Partnership with Dangote Group

Highlighting the government’s commitment to industrialization, Dr. Sule noted that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has been working closely with Dangote Group to drive policies such as the Backward Integration Programme. He acknowledged the company’s central role in advancing Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development, particularly through its active participation in trade fairs and business initiatives.

Dangote Group’s prominence at the Kaduna International Trade Fair further underscores its role in supporting government policies. The conglomerate is a key sponsor of the 46th edition of the fair, which was officially declared open by President Bola Tinubu.

Kaduna Chamber Applauds Dangote Group’s Economic Contributions

The Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) has also recognized its longstanding partnership with Dangote Group, describing the company as a key driver of economic progress. Alhaji Usman Saulawa, Director General of KADCCIMA, highlighted Dangote Group’s significant impact on Kaduna State’s business community and the broader Nigerian and global economy.

According to Saulawa, the company’s consistent involvement and sponsorship of business initiatives have reinforced its reputation as a pillar of economic development. “Our selling point is the joint collaboration and full involvement of Kaduna State Government, Dangote Group, and other companies,” he stated.

The Chamber lauded the enduring relationship between KADCCIMA and Dangote Group, with special appreciation for Aliko Dangote, the Group’s President, for his continuous support. The organization acknowledged that Dangote’s participation in trade fairs and economic events has strengthened business growth and investment in Nigeria.

Trade Fair Highlights and Economic Impact

This year’s Kaduna International Trade Fair, themed “Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Trade, and Agriculture through Digital Transformation,” has attracted participation from no fewer than five countries. The fair serves as a platform for fostering business relationships, promoting digital transformation in key sectors, and enhancing industrial efficiency.

Through its Strategic Business Units, Dangote Group has played a crucial role in supporting the fair and contributing to economic development in Kaduna and beyond. The conglomerate’s presence at the event reinforces its commitment to Nigeria’s industrialization agenda and economic sustainability.

OTHER NEWS

Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Adjourned Indefinitely Amid Courtroom Disruption

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Charles Ogba, Abuja.

Court Adjourns Kanu’s Case Indefinitely
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The decision was made on Monday following Kanu’s objection to Justice Nyako presiding over his case, citing her previous recusal.

Kanu had been scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on February 10, 2025. However, in January, he submitted a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), alleging judicial misconduct by Justice Nyako in handling his trial.

Courtroom Disruption and Kanu’s Objection
During the resumed hearing, Kanu was expected to file a motion detailing why Justice Nyako should recuse herself. This session followed a prior court order on September 24, in which the judge had withdrawn from the case.

Kanu’s lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, raised concerns about his client’s presence in court despite the judge’s earlier withdrawal. He clarified that the defense team appeared solely to honor the court proceedings.

In response, Justice Nyako explained that after stepping down, she had forwarded the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. However, the Chief Judge returned the case to her, instructing her to hear and rule on the motion on notice. She then directed the defense team to formally file a motion stating their reasons for requesting her recusal.

Kanu Dismisses Lawyers, Disrupts Proceedings
At this point, Kanu interrupted the session, instructing his lawyers to step aside while he represented himself. He argued that the Chief Judge had no authority to impose a lawyer on him and insisted he could only challenge the court’s decision through an appeal.

Despite efforts by both the defense and prosecution teams to proceed with scheduling a hearing date, Kanu repeatedly interjected. He also accused Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, the lead prosecution counsel, of subverting legal procedures.

Legal Implications and Observers’ Reactions
Following the disruptions, Justice Nyako adjourned the case sine die (indefinitely), leaving the trial’s future uncertain.

Observers and legal analysts have expressed concern over Kanu’s persistent defiance of the judicial process, with many noting that in other jurisdictions, contempt of court of this nature would have resulted in a six-month prison sentence per offense, even as the substantive case proceeded.

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NEWS, OTHER NEWS

NIS introduces contactless passport application system for Nigerians in UK, Ireland

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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it will introduce its contactless passport application system in some European countries to ease the burden of passport acquisition and renewal for Nigerian residents.

A statement in Abuja by the service public relations officer (SPRO), Akinsola Akinlabi, quoted the NIS comptroller general, Kemi Nandap, as saying the contactless passport application system will be introduced in Europe on February 7.

Ms Nandap said Nigerians in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland would be the first beneficiaries in Europe. It would be recalled that the service rolled out the contactless passport application system in Canada on November 5, 2024.

She said the rollout in Europe was the second phase of the rollout of the service for Nigerians in the diaspora.

“For emphasis, the contactless passport application, which is currently available on the Google Play store (NIS mobile), is designed to allow Nigerians to renew their passports without visiting any passport centre for biometric enrolment,” she said.

The NIS boss reiterated the commitment of the service to innovative and efficient service delivery to Nigerians all over the world.

(NAN)