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Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said Nigeria would have been a failed if God did not bring President Bola Tinubu at this “crucial time”.
He said this while appealing to the youths to shelve the planed protest and support infrastructure development.
Umahi, who unveiled the Federal Government’s initiative, “Operation Free Our Roads”, in Abuja at the weekend, said the president would transform the country if given more time.
The minister, while unveiling the initiative, said it was aimed at ensuring that all roads under construction were motorable and completed in due time.
“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to our youths to give Mr President Bola Tinubu more time. It would have been a failed state if God did not divinely bring the President at a very critical time like this. A lot of people did not know what challenges we had before he came on board,” he said.
Umahi urged Nigerians to be patriotic and assist the government by doing everything possible to reset the country to make it a place where no man would be oppressed.
According to him, the looming protest may be hijacked by hoodlums.
“Yes, there may be hardship, but the dawn is the darkest part of the night; we see a lot of hope and positive indices. So, let us give him more time and support him and increase our productivity, our country will be great again,” he said
Umahi said the “operation free our roads’’ initiative was part of government’s effort to put citizens first by fixing the the roads, especially in the rainy season.
“The contractors will use stone base to put and fill all the potholes in failed portions or where we have potholes, they will all be filled, both carriageways.
“Then, they will continue to maintain one carriageway for vehicles to follow while they consistently walk on one carriageway.
“We are going to put our eyes here. All controllers and all directors must be vigilant.”
Umahi also urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to contribute and take the operation seriously.
“This operation free our roads is not just for Ministry of Works, it is also for FERMA. We are going to put our eyes on all the directors and engineers of FERMA, we must take this thing very seriously.
“So, we will use contingency to ensure that all out roads are freed. Where there is no contingency, they must notify the permanent secretary and the director of highways immediately. We do not want our people to suffer during this rainy season,’’ he said
(NAN)
There’s no protest in Lagos, don’t let your children get killed - Tinubu’s daughter to traders
AFOLABI
Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, has asked traders in Lagos state to deter their children from joining the planned nationwide protest.
Tinubu-Ojo, who is the Iyaloja-general of Lagos, urged the women to ensure that their children stay at home, adding that the state government has made significant progress in enriching the lives of the people.
Citing the #EndSARS protest, Tinubu-Ojo said people are yet to recover from the losses incurred during the protest in 2020.
“Let’s tell ourselves, family, and children that there is nothing like protest in Lagos. It is a gimmick to destroy the country,” she said on Saturday at Dosunmu market.
“Look at what they did during the last protest (#EndSARS), look at how they burnt government properties. Can you see that they are fighting against us?
“Don’t allow any political party to give money to some persons to fight. Don’t allow our children to get killed during the process.
“Look at the ShopRite at Adeniran Ogunsanya, Sangotedo, Lekki. Those businesses that were destroyed… have the owners recovered from their losses?
“I’m begging you in the name of God, let’s talk to ourselves and our children that there is nothing like protest in Lagos state because the government of Lagos state is making us proud.
“They (Lagos government) are making us happy. They gave us a sense of belonging.”
The president’s daughter said the federal government should be allowed to spend three years in office before being criticised.
“The federal government recently assumed office. Before you say a government is not doing well, let it spend three years in office,” she said.
“Let everyone tell their children at home to remain calm.”
The proposed youth-led nationwide protest is slated to commence on August 1.
The federal and state governments, including President Bola Tinubu, have appealed to the youths to shelve the protest.
Religious and traditional institutions have equally called for the cancellation of the planned demonstration.
Media
Officers who enlisted into the Armed Forces after university education face a looming mass exodus following the proposed Revised Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service HTACOs 2024 awaiting presidential approval.
The document, according to aggrieved officers, if approved by the president, will frustrate them out of service with long stays on ranks.
The document sighted by LEADERSHIP indicates that the military authorities are contemplating a policy change that would increase the duration required for promotion for Direct Short Service (DSS) officers who join as professionals while leaving the promotion timeline unchanged for regular service officers commissioned through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
While junior regular service officers spend five years on a rank, short service officers spend seven years before being promoted.
Chapter 17 of the proposed Revised HTACOS states that; “Substantive promotions up to the rank of Maj/Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr shall be by time among other conditions. These time requirements include; (a) Cadet to Lt/SLt/Fg Offr. Commission to these ranks shall be automatic after five years from the date of commencement of cadet training except on disciplinary grounds (Period of 2Lt/Mid/Plt Offr inclusive).
(b) Lt/SLt/Fg Offr to Capt/Lt(NN)/Flt Lt. Promotion to these ranks shall be after 5 years for RCC and 7 years for SSCC, DRC, DSSC and EC/SD/BC in the rank of Lt/SLt/Fg Offr.
© Capt/Lt(NN)/Flt Lt to Maj/Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr. Promotion to these ranks shall be after 5 years for RCC and 6 years for SSCC, DRC, DSSC and EC/SD/BC in the rank of Capt/Lt(NN)/Flt Lt.
(d) Additional Requirements. In addition to Sub-Paragraphs (b) and (c) above, a candidate should:
(1) Have satisfactory PER/Confidential Report for 3 consecutive years.
(2) Be recommended by his Unit Commanding Officer/ Commander.
(3) Be successful in the prescribed promotion examinations (to a maximum of 3 attempts and have been awarded pjsc/pjlsc or equivalent for Sub-Paragraph c only).
(4) Have satisfied other conditions as may be prescribed by Service Council/Board.
Meanwhile, for senior officers, the regular officers five years while the short service, executive officers are to spend six years on the rank before being considered for promotion.
The chapter also stated that promotion of senior officers (17.05) “All promotions above the rank of Maj/Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr shall be by selection, 3 good PERs/Course Report preceding the time of presentation, and success in a Promotion Board. In addition, the following conditions shall apply:
(a) Promotion to Lt Col/Cdr/Wg Cdr. For an officer to be promoted to Lt Col/Cdr/Wg Cdr, he must fulfill the following conditions:
(1) Awarded psc/pslsc or equivalent.
(2) Deployable to Staff/Comd appointments.
(3) Have stayed a minimum of 5 years for RCC and 6 years for SSCC, DRC and EC/SD/BC in the rank of Maj/ Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr.
(4) Other conditions not mentioned here but covered by individual Service guidelines.
(b) Promotion to Col/Capt (NN)/Gp Capt. For an officer to be promoted to Col/Capt (NN)/Gp Capt, he must fulfill the following conditions:
(1) Awarded psc or equivalent.
(2) Eminently deployable.
(3) Have stayed a minimum of 5 years for RCC and 6 years for SSCC and DRC in the rank of Lt Col/Cdr/Wg Cdr.
(4) Fulfill other conditions that may be introduced by the individual Services from time to time”
While this policy may seem to address certain administrative concerns, it poses significant disadvantages that could undermine the effectiveness, morale, and unity of the armed forces says some of the aggrieved officers.
They said the discriminatory promotion timelines can lead to feelings of resentment and division within the ranks.
“DSS officers, already essential due to their specialized skills, may feel undervalued and unfairly treated, leading to decreased morale and motivation. This internal division can undermine unit cohesion, which is critical for operational effectiveness,” they said.
The military as a profession relies on the expertise of professionals in fields such as medicine, engineering, and logistics.
“Extending the time for promotion for DSS officers could deter highly skilled professionals from joining the armed forces, opting instead for civilian careers where their expertise is more readily recognized and rewarded,” they added.
They said slower promotion rates for DSS officers can lead to a bottleneck in leadership positions within specialised units, adding that this delay can impede the timely development of experienced leaders, which is essential for maintaining operational readiness and responding to emerging challenges effectively.
“A promotion policy that discriminates based on commissioning source rather than performance and competence undermines the principles of meritocracy. Promotions should be based on demonstrated abilities, leadership qualities, and performance rather than the method of entry into the armed forces,” they said.
They cautioned that implementing a discriminatory policy may open the armed forces to legal challenges and ethical scrutiny.
“It could be perceived as violating principles of equality and fairness, which are cornerstone values in both national and international contexts,” they added.
It is instructive to note that in the United States military, promotion policies are standardized and focus on merit, performance, and time-in-grade, regardless of the commissioning source.
Officers, whether they come from the United States Military Academy (USMA), Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), or Officer Candidate School (OCS), are evaluated on the same criteria. This approach ensures that promotions are fair and based on the individual’s contributions and leadership potential.
Likewise, the British Army also follows a merit-based promotion system. Officers from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), Direct Entry, and Late Entry are all subject to the same promotion criteria.
The system is designed to ensure that promotions are awarded based on leadership qualities, experience, and the ability to perform at higher levels of responsibility, thereby maintaining fairness and equity within the ranks.
Therefore, the proposed policy to increase the time spent on each rank exclusively for DSS officers in the Nigerian armed forces is fraught with significant disadvantages.
According to the affected officers “It risks eroding morale, deterring skilled professionals, creating operational inefficiencies, undermining meritocracy, and raising legal and ethical concerns. Adopting international best practices from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, where promotion is based on merit and performance rather than the commissioning source, would ensure a fairer and more effective promotion system. It is crucial for the Nigerian armed forces to consider these factors to maintain a professional, motivated, and cohesive military force”.
At the time of filing this report,the Acting Director Defence Information Brigadier General Tukur Gusau did not respond to enquiries on the development.
The Director of Information, Ministry of Defence, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, did not respond to enquiries on the issue when contacted.
[Leadership]
The unfortunate loss of several members of the National Assembly has marked the last one year.
The 10th Assembly has recorded the death of five members since its inauguration in June 2023.
While the House of Representatives lost four members, the Senate recorded the death of one member.
There are 469 members of the National Assembly, comprising 109 senators and 360 House of Representatives members.
National Assembly members who had died in the last one year are Ekene Adams, Olaide Akinyemi, Isa Dogonyaro, Abdulkadir Danbuga and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who died.
Their deaths have left a significant void in the legislative body and impacted the lives of their constituents.
Abdulkadir Danbuga
On October 11, 2023, a member, representing Isa/Sabon Birni Federal constituency of Sokoto State, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga, passed on following a brief illness. Danbuga is survived by two wives, many children and grandchildren.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, said the lawmaker’s demise created a void in his immediate family and robbed the people of his constituency of quality and uncompromising representation in the House of Representatives.
“I offer my condolences to his family, constituents, and the people and government of Sokoto State. I also condole with the presiding officers of the House of Representatives and the entire membership over the devastating loss of an eminent colleague,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
Isa Dogonyaro
Isa Dogonyaro, also a member of the House of Representatives, died on May 10, 2024, in Abuja after undisclosed illness.
Dogonyaro represented Garki/Babura Federal constituency of Jigawa State on the platform of the APC.
He was declared the lawful APC candidate for the House of Representatives in the 2023 general election after a court sacked Aminu Kanta who was declared the winner of the primary election in the constituency.
Until his death, Dogonyaro was the deputy chairperson of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control.
Ekene Adams
A member of the House of Representatives representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, on the platform of the Labour Party, Ekene Adams died on July 16, 2024, at 39 after battling ill health.
Until his demise, Adams was the House Committee on Sports chairman.
Before he was elected a federal lawmaker, Adams worked in the Sports sector. He was at different times the general manager of Kada City Football Club in Kaduna State and Remo Stars in Ogun State.
His demise was announced in a statement by the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, who described him as “a dedicated public servant, passionate sports administrator, and kind philanthropist”.
Also, the National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure while mourning the death of Adams said the news of his death came to him as a rude shock.
Musiliudeen Akinremi
Still in July, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, Musiliudeen Akinremi, who was representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State, died in Abuja.
Akinremi, popularly called Jagaban, died at 51.
He served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions.
Akinremi, a member of the APC, was elected in 2019 and won his re-election in 2023.
The lawmaker also reportedly died after battling a brief illness.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah
The National Assembly was on Saturday thrown into mourning with the death of the lawmaker representing Anambra South, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Ubah, who was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, was said to have died in London, the United Kingdom.
He would have been 53 on September 3.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death to our correspondent on Saturday.
He was the founder of a Nigerian daily newspaper, The Authority. He also founded the Ifeanyi Ubah FC, a football club in the Nigeria Premier League, following its purchase as Gabros International Football Club. He also founded a foundation named after him; Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation.
In 2014, Ubah contested the 2014 Anambra governorship election on the platform of the Labour Party but lost the race.
On February 24, 2019, Ubah was declared the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial elections on the platform of the Young Progressive Party but defected to APC.
Ubah was married to Uchenna Ubah, a Business Administration graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, with whom he had five children
The Federal Government has tightened security across all the nations borders ahead of the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1.
Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS) said this in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Kenneth Udo, on Saturday in Abuja.
Nandap directed all Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOS) of the Service across the country to be extra vigilant.
She said officers and men of the service should intensify surveillance in view of the planned protest by some groups.
She also said that the directive was to ensure that foreign elements do not come into the country to participate in the protests.
“In keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the Service, officers especially Heads of Border Commands, are tasked to rise to the occasion.
“This is by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the protest to distabilise the country,” she said.
The NIS CG directed temporary suspension of all leave applications and charges officers to exercise utmost professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties.
This, she said should enduring and after the protest, saying, “Nigeria is the only country we have as our own.”
Nandap assured all Nigerians of the Service’s preparedness to safeguard the nation’s borders towards enhancing national Security.
(NAN)
In hours, Nigeria’s biggest reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, BBNaija, will premiere its ninth season.
The twistful nature of the reality show makes it almost unpredictable.
However, the opening ceremony of the ninth edition of the Big Brother Naija reality show holds some expectations.
Here are what viewers should expect at Big Brother Naija Season 9 premiere:
Ebuka’s Return
Media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, is expected to return as the host of the show for the eight consecutive seasons.
Ebuka has hosted every season of the show excerpt season 1 which he participated in.
Over the years, the ace TV host has added flavour to the show not just with his classic blend of upper echelon and street-friendly anchoring style but with his rich fashion sense.
He has been behind most of the twists and suspense during the live show.
Dual Introduction
Big Brother Naija recently added an exciting new dynamic to the show, announcing that contestants must enter the house in pairs.
This means that unlike previous seasons, viewers will see the housemates introduced in pairs this season.
Return Of Live Audiences
Recent Big Brother Naija open ceremonies were witnessed by live audiences except the 2020 ‘Lockdown’ season which was restricted due to COVID-19 safety protocols.
It’s expected that live audiences will be present at the ninth season’s premiere later tonight.
Over the years, live audiences have added sparkle and grace to the reality show.
Live Music Performances
Like previous seasons, the opening ceremony of the ninth edition of the Big Brother Naija reality show is expected to be graced by electrifying musical performances.
Although the organisers are yet to confirm any artiste for the launch event, performances from top Afrobeats’ musicians are expected to be among the surprise packages of the night.
Fave Lock-In Returns
Not only the housemates will be competing for prizes this season, the fans can grab cash prizes, too.
Viewers can participate by predicting the pairs they think will win the Immunity Challenge. Lucky fans can win N1 million weekly.
Reveal Of ‘Hidden’ Theme
Unlike previous seasons, the theme of Big Brother Naija Season 9 is yet to be unveiled hours to the premiere.
It’s expected that the theme will be officially revealed during the launch event.
“Everyone curious about the theme should watch out for the premiere on Sunday, July 28. The show holds lots of fun, vibes, emotion, drama, dynamics and intriguing twists,” said Dr. Busola Tejumola, the Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice.
The Big Brother Naija Season 9 premiere will air across all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv at 7 PM WAT.
Subsequently, viewers can follow the housemates competing in pairs for the N100 million grand prize on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49 for 71 days.
[DailyPost]
- •Says, thousands of terrorists, bandits’ cases pending in courts
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has expressed concern that efforts being made by the military to end insecurity especially in the Northern part of the country has been frustrated by the judicial system, poor border management amongst other socio-economic challenges.
General Musa noted that the security situation in the north is complex and characterised by multiple challenges mitigating against efforts of the nation’s military’s readiness and effectiveness to bring insecurity to an endurable end in the country.
The Defence Chief spoke on Friday night in Zaria as the Guest Lecturer at a one-day dialogue organised by the Institute for Development Research and Training (IDR&T), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The CDS spoke on the topic ‘Assessing the Present Security Situation in Northern Nigeria’.
He said the military in conduct of its operations had engaged itself in the kinetic and non-kinetic aspects in a bid to positively resolve its operations, disclosing that traditional use of force had been complemented with the non-traditional approaches such as civil-military relations and civil-military cooperation.
According to him, “Despite the successes achieved so far, several challenges still affect the Armed Forces’ efforts towards curbing the various security threats in the Northern part of Nigeria.
“These challenges include complexities of border management as well as the erroneous perception of security as a task only for uniformed personnel and a lack of patriotism. Others are low human capacity index and perception of lack of justice.
“Slow Judicial process and a perception of lack of justice, fairness and equity amongst citizens within the country is also a major challenge. Although essentially contested, it is a multifaceted issue which has grown over time with delays in cases leading to frustration, disappointment and challenges in addressing systematic issues. For instance, the armed forces have thousands of apprehended terrorists and bandits whose cases are still not yet concluded in the courts.
“Other issues such as seeming favoritism and inaccessibility to justice, particularly for the poor are also perceived to have affected the dispensation of justice in the society. These issues breed apprehension and dissatisfaction which in turn could cause unnecessary tensions.
“Therefore, it is essential to restore efficient processes to resolve disputes that may arise from the perception of injustice especially across the teeming youth population of the north.
“This will largely assuage the citizenry to provide a feeling of belonging to the society. The perceptions of lack of justice, fairness and equity in the allocation of national resources have also been advanced as the reasons for some threats to our collective security in several instances.
“Equally, complaints of oppression and unjust treatment by individuals and groups will need to be revisited so as to give them closure. Furthermore, specific reforms to allow for special courts to address only cases on terrorism, kidnapping, treason and other similar cases to aid speedy trial could be considered and set up.
“Such courts could also allow the military to prosecute those cases it is involved in only in such special courts. To this end, a sustained effort from government, civil society and citizens will be required.
“Nigeria has 364 approved international border points and 1,497 other illegal migration points into the Country. Further to this, Nigeria is a signatory to the ECOWAS Protocol on free movement of persons, goods and services within the West African sub-region.
“The obligation to abide by the ECOWAS Protocol on free movement coupled with the nature of our border management, further instigates the challenges to our nation’s security. This has manifested in increased insurgency, terrorism and religious extremism, as well as the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, human and drug trafficking amongst others.
“The underlying causes of these complexities could be attributed to the inadequacies in the implementation of frameworks for our border management systems as well as structures to adapt to systemic changes. Equally, the impact of these complexities on Nigeria’s national security particularly in the Northern parts of the country has brought to the fore the need to improve our border control measures and overall architecture to provide a more effective system that would improve the check of illegal entry through our borders.
“Thus, we need to continue our collaboration with political leaders and relevant stakeholders in the implementation of essential protocols and action plans towards strengthening our border management systems for improved national security.”
[TheNation]
Amid heavy gridlock, motorists and commuters in Lagos lamented over the sudden scarcity of fuel, popularly called petrol.
This has resulted in transport fares increase by commercial bus drivers — danfos and koropes — within the city.
Consequently, fuel queues have resurfaced with most filling stations shut, as motorists struggle with the skyrocketing fuel prices. It has gone as high as N850 in some filling stations.
This is coming barely six days to the commencement of the planned nationwide protest over economic challenges.
By last Friday, yesterday, fuel queues had started to get longer within the metropolis, with few fuel stations dispensing.
N950 per litre
On Saturday, besides Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPCL Limited Ltd.-branded fuel stations selling at N650 per litre, other independent marketers are selling between N850 to N950.
It was discovered that many filling stations which seemed to have run out of stocks, were seen under lock and key.
Others shut their gates against motorists and other users of petroleum products who were hoping to get some.
With those stations selling the product to buyers, there were long queues as panic buying continued. This resulted in gridlock along the roads where filling stations were dispensing.
Men of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authorities, LASTMA, deployed seemed overwhelmed as they could not effectively contain the high influx of motorists searching for the product.
… enter black marketers
As a result, black marketers have taken advantage of the situation. They were selling the product to desperate motorists at exorbitant rates of up to ₦1,000 to ₦1,400 per litre.
Black market dealers were seen hawking the product at Egbeda, Ikotun, LASU-Iba Road, Ikeja, Agege, among others.
A danfo driver, simply identified Mr.Jude Akpan, who spoke to Vanguard, lamented that he spends twice the usual amount on fuel to fill his vehicle for one trip.
“So he has passed the cost on to passengers.
“I bought N850 per litre from a filling station this morning after several hours in the long queue.
“I bought 20 litres for N17,000, which can hardly take me two trips from Ikotun to Oshodi.”
Investigation showed that Ikotun to Egbeda, which used to be N200, is now N500, while Iyana-Ipaja is N700, depending on the bargaining power of passengers.
Also, vehicle owners and other fuel users lamented the scarcity. They said it could worsen in the coming weeks if authorities did not address the cause of the shortage.
Couple who bought stolen baby for N2.3m were apprehended during naming ceremony of the child
AFOLABI
The Lagos State Police Command has rescued a two-month-old baby boy from a couple, Mr and Mrs James Uwam, during the naming ceremony of the child in the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Saturday, said the couple paid N2,350,000 to buy the baby from a suspected child trafficker, Loretta Nelson, who bought the baby from a pastor, Peter Udoh, for N1,450,000.
Hundeyin said Udoh bought the baby for N500,000 from another suspected child trafficker, Gloria Sunday, who allegedly stole the baby on July 11, 2024, a situation that prompted the mother of the baby to report the case to the police.
Following the report, Hundeyin said the police swung to action and arrested Sunday, who led them to arrest other suspects linked to the crime by detectives attached to the Oko Oba Division of the command.
The PPRO said, “Detectives swung into action which led to the arrest of Gloria Sunday who during interrogation confessed to selling the baby for N500,000 to one Pastor Peter Udoh.
“Pastor Udoh, who was subsequently arrested in Ikene Town, Ogun State, admitted reselling the child for N1,450,000 to one Loretta Nelson who was then also apprehended in Festac Town, Lagos.”
Hundeyin said Nelson confessed to selling the baby for N2,350,000 to one Mr. and Mrs. James Uwam who were apprehended during the naming ceremony of the stolen child.
Hundeyin noted that investigations have commenced and the suspects will be arraigned at the court after the investigation.
Data and AI Leader, Mr Abel Aboh urged Nigeria to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address some of its current challenges even as he highlighted some strategies that can be adopted.
Aboh gave the charge on Saturday during the July edition of the Nairametrics webinar themed, ‘How to Make Money Using AI: Value Creation for Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Government.’
According to him, Nigeria would need to deploy in the area of agriculture to achieve food sufficiency and this should be one of the immediate actions that the government needs to take. He added that this would require setting up a team of the right people to solve the problem using AI.
Addressing sectorial problems
While noting that the present administration through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has been doing a lot in the area of AI, he said a lot still needs to be done in using the technology to solve the country’s problems, looking at it sector by sector.
“Let’s say we take 10 sectors in the economy and take 10 problems in each of the sectors. What we need to do is to get the right team of people to solve those sectorial problems. This can be in sports, financial services, education, and others.
“We’re not going to solve the problems 100% but what we do is that as we’re solving these problems, we’re learning lessons, but more importantly, fundamentally, we are collecting the data that is required,” Aboh said.
Data literacy
To make headway with AI, the technology expert said Nigeria would also need to increase data literacy levels, especially among the people working in government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
According to him, data is very crucial in AI and people in government must be data literate enough to ensure data privacy and data security.
“We need to evolve our people and start talking to them about data literacy. We need to start talking to them about data privacy as well. I mean, there are a couple of stories that came up about the NIN, that people say they can buy off the shelf. You know, they can get people’s private data.
“So, we need to start talking about data security. These are the whole bandwagon that enables you successfully to deliver data and AI successfully,” he said.
Partnering with other African countries
In addition to that, Aboh said Nigeria would also need to partner with other African countries to be able to address some of its challenges. While noting that only Nigerians can solve Nigerian problems, the AI leader said a strategic collaboration with other African countries would fast-track the journey for Nigeria.
Emphasizing the need for the partnership, Aboh said:
“We need to be forward in working with the African countries. I always say to people, that African data and African people are quite unique, and what we don’t simply want to do is to go and take something outside of Europe or Asia and apply it to ourselves.
“So, we need to be leading the charge and working with other African countries in order to build the right strategy that works for Africa.”
Aboh added that Nigeria has abundant of people with the right skills, expertise, and exposure that could help the country navigate the AI revolution. He said the government would also need to collaborate with those individuals to achieve its goals.
Click here to watch the full video of the webinar, where other experts spoke on AI opportunities in Nigeria.
[Nairametrics]
More...
The lawmaker representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has voiced concerns over Daniel Bwala, a former aide to Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, suggesting that Bwala could be a political liability to President Bola Tinubu.
Bwala, who distanced himself from Atiku after Tinubu’s victory in the recent election, has been making efforts to align himself with the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite previously distancing himself from the party over its Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Senator Ndume criticized Bwala, indicating that his recent actions raise questions about his loyalty and political utility.
Bwala’s departure from Atiku’s camp and subsequent attempts to integrate into the APC have drawn scrutiny, especially given his previous critiques of Tinubu’s policies.
The tension between Ndume and Bwala escalated when Bwala accused Ndume of planning to mobilize youths to attack him in his local government area, Hawul, part of Ndume’s constituency.
Ndume responded to these allegations during a press briefing at his Maiduguri residence, expressing regret over Bwala’s claims and questioning Bwala’s connections to Hawul, suggesting that Bwala cannot trace his actual roots or connect with the local people there.
He said, “The only advice I can give President Tinubu is that, politically Daniel Bwala is just a Mad Dog who barks and bites even the owner, and so, Tinubu should be careful with the likes of Bwala.
“Bwala was once a member of the APC, but later ran away shamelessly and joined the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, where he started using all sorts of abusive and insulting words against Tinubu on Live television. Bwala can only be useful in attacking people, but the 2027 general elections are coming; all I can advise is for Bwala to come to Borno and trace his roots.
“Ordinarily, I did not want to join issues with him. I wouldn’t have replied to Mr Bwala because I believe Bwala’s strategy is how to get the attention and sympathy of Mr President to give him Police cover and maybe a job.
“I can describe Daniel Bwala as a failed Lawyer and empty drum making noise in Abuja. As I said, I did not want to respond, but because Bwala talked about threats or I am mobilizing Youths to attack him, which has security implications, is very sensitive.
“We have credible people in the Hawul local government area, and they know who Daniel Bwala is, in fact when I saw his message on X handle, I thought it was Inuwa Bwala, who was the former Caretaker Chairman of Hawul and a renowned journalist. I quickly drew his attention to it, which he said, he was not the one.
“Later, I was made to understand that it is Daniel Bwala who has no political relevance as far as Southern Borno is concerned.
“In fact, I replied to his post and said, if accusing and abusing me on Twitter or pages of Newspapers would fetch him something from Tinubu to survive after being a failed lawyer in Abuja, I would be happy for him.
“We have three former Deputy Governors from Hawul, and all of them are my ardent supporters and people I took in high esteem throughout my political surgeon. Bwala wants to portray the peace-loving youths as violent people. You can’t instigate Hawul people to go into political violence, because is not in their character. All I can say is that Bwala is trying to get sympathy from Mr. President.”
The senator also emphasized that the interview he granted on Arise TV did not accuse or insult President Tinubu, but only criticized some policies, which are counterproductive to average Nigerians.
[NaijaNews]
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, has advised residents of the state against attacking protesters.
Fayoade gave the advice while addressing traditional rulers and community leaders in Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe and Lagos Island local government area during a town hall meeting on Saturday.
Fayoade said although police and other security agencies had met and declared that there should not be any protest in Lagos State, the residents should not attack any group or groups that might come out to protest.
The Commissioner of Police warned that attacking protesters would mean taking laws into one’s hands.
“If there must be a protest, it must be peaceful. We want to know those who want to protest so that we can make arrangements for their security.
“It is your right to protest legitimately as long as it does not affect the rights of others.
“Any group planning a violent protest should rethink. Such a group will meet police and other security agencies. We don’t want a repeat of #EndSARS.
“The duty of residents is to give the police timely information about any group planning a violent protest, it is not for them to attack them,” he said.
[Newspot]
The National Assembly has been thrown into mourning again following the death of the lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Ubah reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Saturday at the age of 52. He was the sixth federal lawmaker to pass on since the 2023 general elections were held.
He was said to have travelled to the UK a few weeks ago for medical treatment but his health condition reportedly became critical.
The cause of his death could not be immediately ascertained.
Ubah was elected Senator in 2019 on the platform of the Young Progressive Party, YPP, and reelected on the same platform in 2023. He however defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this year and was aiming to run for Anambra State governorship in the 2025 offcycle election.
He contested the 2021 Anambra governorship poll but lost to Professor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Ekene Adams
Barely two weeks ago, the House of Representatives had lost member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Rep. Ekene Abubakar Adams.
He had reportedly battled ill-health in the months leading to his death.
According to a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr, Adams died early Tuesday, July 16, at the age of 39.
“The House of Representatives is saddened to announce the passing of a dear member of the 10th Assembly, Rep. Ekene Abubakar Adams (LP, Kaduna), who died early Tuesday, at the age of 39.
“Rep. Adams was a dedicated public servant, passionate sports administrator, and kind philanthropist who, until his demise, chaired the House Committee on Sports. He was a first-term member of the House of Representatives, representing the good people of Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.
“The dear departed lawmaker was a kind and gentle humanitarian, loved by all who knew him. His dedication to the development of grassroots sports in Nigeria was unwavering, and his contributions to the House will be deeply missed,” the statement read.
A former football player, Adams had served as the general manager of Nigeria Premier Football League side Remo Stars as well as Kada City before he won a seat in the House of Representatives during the 2023 general elections.
His sports background earned him the role of the reps committee chairman on sports despite being a first-timer in the green chamber.
Olaide Akinremi
About a week before Adams’ death, the House of Representatives had lost member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rep. Olaide Adewale Akinremi.
Akinremi’s death was announced in a statement on Wednesday, July 10, by the House Spokesperson, Rotimi Jr.
He said the lawmaker died after a brief illness, aged 51.
The statement described the late Akinremi as a distinguished and ranking member of the 10th Assembly.
He served as Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions.
“Until his demise, the Oyo legislator was a dedicated public servant known for his unwavering commitment to the development of his constituency and the country at large.
“His passion for service, coupled with his deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of his people, earned him the endearing title of ‘Jagaban,” the statement added.
Isa Dogonyaro
On May 10, 2024, member representing Garki/Babura federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Rep. Isa Dogonyaro, passed away.
One of his colleagues, Mohammed Bello El-Rufa’i announced the death of the lawmaker on his Facebook wall Friday morning.
He wrote, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. Earlier today, we lost colleague in the House of Representatives, a brilliant parliamentarian and an overall good man. May Allah SWT forgive him and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus”.
Speaking to Daily Trust on telephone, the Deputy House Spokesperson, Phillip Agbese, said he learnt about the death of the lawmaker through posts on social media and on WhatsApp groups of the House of Representatives.
He said, “There are the usual Islamic prayers and tributes by colleagues on various platforms. There is no official communication to the House yet. The family has not communicated to the House.
“That is the tradition. It is when the family communicates through the Speaker that we will officially announce his death. I learnt that the funeral prayer is scheduled in Abuja this afternoon”.
Dogonyaro was declared the lawful APC candidate for the House of Representatives in the 2023 general election after a court sacked Aminu Kanta who was declared the winner of the primary election in the constituency.
The deceased had challenged Kanta’s victory on the grounds of allegedly submitting a false name.
Abdulkadir Danbuga
On October 11, 2023 the member, representing Isa-Sabon Birni federal constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga, died.
Dambuga’s colleague and member, representing Sabon Birni South constituency at the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Almustapha (aka Boza), had confirmed death to Daily Trust.
According to Boza, Dambuga died after a brief illness.
He was said to have been admitted in the hospital around Tuesday noon.
“His remains would be taken to the National Mosque for the bathing ritual after which it would be flown to Sokoto for burial around 11am,” Boza said.
Danbuga is survived by two wives, many children and grandchildren.
Ismaila Maihanci
About two months after he won the seat to represent Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency in Taraba State, Ismaila Maihanci, passed on. He died on April 22, 2023 at the age of 36.
Maihanci had won the election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Born on October 22 1986, Maihanci served as a Special Adviser to Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku. He had also served as the Secretary of PDP in Taraba State.
[DailyTrust]
Ahead of the nationwide protest scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024, a former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has admonished the organizers to shelve the plan.
Kwankwaso, who is the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, said they should rather make use of the ballot.
He said regime change through democratic means would be more efficient against an incompetent government than protests.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday night, Kwankwaso emphasized that effective and lasting change can be achieved through the power of the ballots not protests.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I share my thoughts on the current situation in Nigeria.
“We find ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders missed some steps since 2007.
“However, there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity, and better welfare of citizens,” he said.
Kwankwaso highlighted several crises stemming from poor governance, such as federal interference in Kano State’s chieftaincy matters, the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political turmoil in Rivers State and widespread insecurity.
“Interferences by the Federal Government into the affairs of the chieftaincy matters in Kano State, impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political crisis in Rivers State, sabotage to AIiko Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding SAMOA agreement, the conflict between Sen. Ali Ndume and the APC Leadership, widespread insecurity and other criminal acts are a few examples of avoidable and unnecessary crises,” he said.
He argued that those issues were symptomatic of a lack of accountability and transparency.
“It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance has plunged the citizens, especially youth, into hunger, insecurity, hopelessness, and a sense of giving up on the country,” Kwankwaso remarked.
He called on Nigerian leaders at all levels to urgently address those challenges by ensuring good governance and adherence to the rule of law.
Acknowledging the recent calls for protests, Kwankwaso recognized the collective frustration and yearning for a better Nigeria but cautioned against the potential consequences of such actions.
He urged Nigerians to consider the power of their vote as the most effective tool for change.
“In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong.
“As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change.
“However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation through the power of your ballot,” Kwankwaso advised.
Kwankwaso warned that protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often escalated into violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos.
“The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.
“I speak to you not just as an elder and a concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation.
“Let us put our country first and work together to build the Nigeria we all aspire to see,” he advocated.
[DailyPost]