馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Former Minister Isa-Ali Pantami advocates technology and AI for Nigeria's challenges
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Professor Isa-Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, stated that Nigeria can address insecurity and unemployment through technology, robust policies, and reliable power. Speaking at the launch of a compendium detailing 241 legacy projects and over 700 employment opportunities from his tenure as Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency and as minister, Pantami highlighted the current era of the fourth industrial revolution, driven by digital technology and artificial intelligence. He believes technology offers solutions to Nigeria's challenges, citing his initiatives that empowered youth and strengthened education, security, and the economy. Pantami mentioned digital centers that enhance surveillance and crime detection, giving an example in Gombe where activities can be monitored remotely. He also pointed to vast job opportunities in emerging tech fields like AI and cybersecurity, noting over 87 million new global jobs in AI. The former minister emphasized his commitment to national development, having executed over 241 projects in Gombe State and contributed to more than 4,600 projects nationwide, ensuring equitable distribution. He affirmed serving with integrity and without indictment for corruption. Beneficiaries like Abubakar Mohammed, now a lecturer, and Abubakar Maina, a staff member at the National Identity Management Commission, shared how Pantami's interventions facilitated their employment.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
A coroner's court in the United Kingdom has ruled that Beatrice Solomon, a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, died by suicide. Ms. Solomon, who moved to the UK in November 2023 on a skilled worker visa, was found unresponsive in her Stanfield home. Her husband, Damian Butler, discovered her upon returning home from work. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Police investigators ruled out any third-party involvement. During the inquest, Mr. Butler stated that his wife had struggled with her mental health for the past year, attributing it to issues with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He also revealed that Ms. Solomon had made two previous attempts to take her own life. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as oxygen deprivation. Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor concluded that Ms. Solomon died by suicide, noting that she had researched and planned the act. Ms. Solomon, a caregiver, is survived by her husband, a son, and her siblings.
The Nigerian Federal Government is prepared to collaborate with investors to address the nation's housing deficit, offering land nationwide for mass housing projects. This was announced by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Darma, during a meeting with a Chinese delegation. The delegation, led by Chief Engineer Lewis Chima, proposed a partnership to deliver large-scale affordable housing. Darma noted that this proposal aligns with President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes affordable housing through public-private partnerships. The minister affirmed the ministry's commitment to facilitating access to land and providing institutional support for successful project implementation. Chima stated that the company was drawn to Nigeria due to its significant housing demand and economic potential, aiming to complement the Renewed Hope Housing Programme by providing affordable, durable, and rapidly deployable housing solutions across the country鈥檚 six geopolitical zones. The company plans to use advanced prefabricated construction technology under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing model to deliver 10,000 housing units within 30 months, reducing costs and improving quality. Darma has directed a committee to review the proposal. Nigeria faces an estimated housing deficit of about 17 million units, which the Renewed Hope Housing Programme aims to tackle through various initiatives, including Renewed Hope Cities, Estate
The Federal Government has launched an initiative offering free registration for 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria SMEDAN and Corporate Affairs Commission CAC formalisation programme. Approved by President Bola Tinubu, this program aims to eliminate business registration costs for eligible nano, micro, and small businesses, thereby integrating more entrepreneurs into Nigeria's formal economy. Successful applicants will receive free Business Name registration, with the Federal Government covering the statutory fees. The initiative, announced during the 8th National MSME Awards in Abuja on June 27, also provides beneficiaries with technical training, business development support, and access to growth opportunities. Interested business owners can apply via the official SMEDAN portal at portal.smedan.gov.ng by creating an account, completing the MSME registration form, and indicating they do not have an existing CAC registration number. Businesses already in the SMEDAN database without CAC registration may automatically qualify. This program follows a Memorandum of Understanding between CAC and SMEDAN to formalise 250,000 enterprises nationwide, with President Tinubu formally approving the free formalisation in 2026 to ease financial burdens for entrepreneurs and integrate them into Nigeria's formal banking and regulatory system.