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NITDA to adopt corps members' tech solutions across government agencies
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA plans to promote and support the integration of technology solutions developed by National Youth Service Corps NYSC members into Ministries, Departments, and Agencies MDAs. This initiative aims to foster innovation and create employment opportunities. NITDA's Director-General, Kashifu Abdullahi, announced this at the inauguration of the agency's Innovation Space and the showcase of solutions from its Idea2Impact programme in Abuja. Abdullahi stated that NITDA would begin using one of these solutions internally and would encourage corps members to establish companies and market their products to other MDAs. The event featured live demonstrations of two functional solutions developed by Challenge 1.0 teams, marking a step in NITDA's efforts to build an innovation ecosystem and bring ideas to market. Abdullahi highlighted that the initiative equips young Nigerians, especially corps members, with practical skills to address real-world problems, noting that millions enter the labor market annually. He emphasized the need for young people to create visibility for career progression. Some corps members have already developed internal AI tools for NITDA. The agency receives about 700 corps members yearly, nearly double its workforce, and uses this opportunity for training, promoting lifelong learning, and supporting them in developing viable products or securing employment. The new Innovation Space will serve as a hub for c
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Yusuf Buhari, son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, announced his intention on Thursday to contest the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in 2027. He is seeking the position on the platform of the All Progressives Congress APC. Yusuf made this declaration in Daura while addressing party stakeholders and supporters, following a visit to Governor Dikko Radda in Katsina on Wednesday to seek his support. Yusuf stated, "I am here to seek your support, and I assure you that if elected, I will do my best and will never disappoint you, God willing." Alhaji Musa Haro, Dan Madamin Daura and District Head of Dumurkol, spoke at the event, soliciting support for Yusuf. Haro indicated plans to seek support from people in every town and village, and to collaborate with other aspirants for the same seat. Yusuf was accompanied by Fatuhu Muhammad, a former member representing the constituency, and other family members. The seat is currently held by Rep. Aminu Jamo.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has called for justice following the assault of a doctor and a nurse at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital. The association condemned the incident, which occurred when a female doctor was explaining hospital charges to a patient's relative, and a nurse present was also attacked. NARD described the attack as "inhumane and unacceptable," emphasizing that healthcare workers should not be subjected to abuse while providing essential services. The alleged assailant has been apprehended and is in police custody, with NARD insisting on full prosecution. The association expressed solidarity with the victims and supported resolutions by the hospital's resident doctors, including a one-week warning strike, a public demonstration, and a press conference. NARD also called for appropriate justice and compensation for the assaulted staff, along with the deployment of adequate security personnel to sensitive areas within the hospital. Reaffirming its commitment to the safety and dignity of healthcare workers, NARD warned against any intimidation of its members over industrial action. This incident highlights growing concerns about attacks on healthcare workers in Nigeria, contributing to frustration and the brain drain in the sector.
Former Ivory Coast international footballer Aboulaye Traore has been sentenced to three years in jail for rape, as reported by an Ivorian women’s rights group. Traore, known as Ben Badi, was a member of the Elephants team that won the 1992 African Cup of Nations. The Ivorian League for Women’s Rights stated that the Bouake court issued the three-year sentence on Wednesday, calling it a "significant advance in the fight against impunity for sexual and sexist violence." In addition to the jail term, the court mandated a payment of 15 million CFA francs $26,700 to the victim and imposed a five-year ban from the central region. A judicial source confirmed that the footballer was found guilty of non-consensual sexual relations in March 2021 with a 21-year-old woman. Traore played for Abidjan’s ASEC Mimosas and European clubs like FC Metz and Braga before his retirement.
President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a meeting with state governors elected under the All Progressives Congress APC at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, which started around 5 p.m., includes governors such as Prof. Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, among others. Some states are represented by their deputy governors. The agenda of the meeting has not yet been disclosed. This gathering follows an emergency closed-door session held on Wednesday evening between President Tinubu and the extended leadership of the Senate, where "far-reaching decisions were taken" on "matters of urgent national importance," according to Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.