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.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stated that he relies on his wife's prayers for continued support from President Bola Tinubu, highlighting its importance for ministers to fulfill their mandates. Speaking at the inauguration of the Water Supply Network to Bwari Satellite Town, Wike mentioned that his administration has officially commissioned 50 projects and plans to commission 10 more before January. He stressed that presidential backing is crucial for performance, drawing from his experience as a former governor and minister. Wike revealed he asks his wife to pray for the President's continued support for the FCT Administration, acknowledging the support received has enabled positive changes. He added that governance aims to improve citizens' lives, a goal he believes the Tinubu administration is working towards.
Must ReadThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA of Nigeria and its Egyptian counterpart are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding MoU to enhance cooperation in fighting substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This agreement aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training between the two nations. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa retd., announced this during a visit from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja. Marwa emphasized the global nature of the drug problem and the need for international collaboration, citing existing partnerships with various international law enforcement agencies. He noted that drug cartels are seeking alternative routes in Africa due to pressure elsewhere and highlighted NDLEA's success in dismantling drug manufacturing operations, including methamphetamine labs run by Mexican cartels in Nigeria. Ambassador Fouad underscored the importance of stronger bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria, as prominent African countries, to address narcotics trafficking from a continental perspective. The proposed MoU is expected to bolster intelligence gathering, capacity building, and coordinated enforcement actions to curb the illicit drug trade across Africa.
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.