Israel pledges deeper AI collaboration with Nigeria for job creation and innovation
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Michael Freeman, the Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, committed to deeper collaboration with Nigeria in artificial intelligence, stating that Israel would share its expertise to support job creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This pledge was made at the closing ceremony of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bootcamp 2026 in Abuja, organized by Innov8 Hub. Freeman highlighted Israel's ambition to be a global AI leader and its willingness to share knowledge through partnerships, including with Innov8 and the Nigerian government. He emphasized that AI would create jobs and foster business growth, enabling Africans to develop solutions for local challenges and ensure African perspectives in emerging technologies. Freeman encouraged young Nigerians to build their future within the country. Dor Yaakov, a lead facilitator from Unistream, praised the creativity of Nigerian participants, noting their solutions could address global problems. Gregory Ibe Jr., Managing Director of Innov8 Hub, explained that the program focused on using AI to increase productivity and create employment, rather than replace workers. The collaboration aims to strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Israel in technology and economic cooperation.
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Portuguese club Benfica confirmed that Real Madrid would need to pay 15 million euros to sign their coach Jose Mourinho. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has expressed a "firm intention to recruit" Mourinho as he seeks re-election. Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid from 2010, winning a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup, has appeared in a video on Perez's Instagram account affirming his readiness to return. Benfica stated that Mourinho's release clause is 15 million euros, contrary to earlier media reports suggesting a lower figure. Mourinho joined Benfica in September 2025 and has one year remaining on his contract.
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The Accord Party has named Professor Christopher Imumolen as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. This decision followed a consensus vote during the party’s National Presidential Primary Election held in Lagos. Muktar Abdullah, National Secretary of the Accord Party, confirmed this in a statement to journalists in Abuja. He noted that party leaders view Professor Imumolen's emergence as a sign of widespread support and a commitment to offering Nigerians a credible leadership alternative. Delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory attended the convention to choose the party's standard-bearer. The party highlighted Professor Imumolen's strong backing, particularly from its younger demographic, who see him as a symbol of modern Nigerian leadership. As the youngest presidential candidate in the 2023 election cycle, he enters the 2027 race with increased experience, established grassroots structures, and national appeal. The Accord Party plans to unveil a comprehensive socio-economic agenda to address national challenges. In his acceptance speech, Professor Imumolen thanked delegates and promised an inclusive, issue-driven campaign. He stated that the primary election was successfully conducted and that his name would be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission. Professor Imumolen pledged that an Accord-led Federal Government would address unemployment, insecurity, and revamp the economic architecture to alleviate poverty.