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UNODC kick off Hackathon Championship to Fight Corruption 

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UNODC kick off Hackathon Championship to Fight Corruption 

UNODC kick off Hackathon Championship to Fight Corruption 

 By: Michael Mike, Abuja

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has kicked off a month-long hackathon in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa. 

This is in a bid to help countries in fostering youth innovation and employing new technologies in the fight against corruption 

According to a statement by the Communications Associate, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ms. Olivia Ogechi Okorondu, the hackathon – Coding4Integrity – is one of the ways UNODC is actively working to promote the development of sustainable ICT-based anti-corruption solutions and, ultimately, to advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

The statement read that over 1700 application entries were received from Nigeria – the largest number of entries across all of the five countries participating in the anticorruption hackathon. 

The statement added that 20 teams (out of the 1700) were selected to participate in the initial round of the hackathon, of the 20 teams, 9 teams have advanced to the 2nd phase of the hackathon and pitch their ideas on Thursday  to a group of local and international jurors. 

According to Lanre Olaniyan, a representative of SoftStructures, one of the event’s sponsors, the hackathon will help bridging the digital divide that currently plagues technological development in Nigeria and Africa at large.  

Also Read: Lagos Building Collapsed: 36 confirmed dead

He said: “The hackathon provides young and daring developers/software engineers’ opportunities to display their skills, logical thinking, and technology-based approach to contemporary issues affecting humanity. It allows the participants to display their talents to other enthusiasts and industry players who may help them develop their skills or the solutions proposed from the hackathon to unprecedented levels. For the 2021 event, we are committed to our promise of One million naira (N1000,000) to top winners and internship opportunities for the top 3 winners.”

Commenting on the importance of the hackathon to youths and the fight against corruption in Nigeria, Kwarsen Shedrack Titus of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations observed: “The innovative idea of these youths will lead many African countries to establish e-government services that would allow the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in connection with government functions and procedures, with the purpose of increasing efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the system”- 

“The Hackathon event will really expose the youth to challenges bordering their countries, in other for them to tailor the coding skills towards addressing the exact and pressing needs of their countries or even the entire continent”- Mr.Akilu Umar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Adebayo Komolafe of the Ennovate Lab, Ltd, said: “I have always believed in the power of technology to lead transformation across many industries.  But this project was surreal for me. Seeing young minds gather to build and “code for integrity” was a delight! I believe the solutions that emerge out of this hackathon are only the beginning.  A movement of young people will be birthed who do not just complain but build solutions that matter. We are glad to have partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes on this monumental project.”

The coding4integrity hackathon will be the third justice related hackathon Nigerian youths are participating in with support from UNODC since 2019.

UNODC kick off Hackathon Championship to Fight Corruption 

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NAF airstrikes neutralise bandit hideout in Chikun in Kaduna

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NAF airstrikes neutralise bandit hideout in Chikun in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft have carried out a precision strike on a notorious bandit hideout in Kunti, within Sohon Gaya community of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

Zagazola learnt that the operation followed credible intelligence reports of heightened bandit activities in the axis, with the criminals reportedly wielding sophisticated weapons, including assault rifles and heavy-calibre arms.

Sources confirmed that at about 1200hrs, two NAF helicopters were sighted conducting the successful strike on the location, which had been a source of terror to the surrounding communities.

In the aftermath of the air interdiction, friendly ground troops arrived the target area in Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to secure the location, assess battle damage and mop up fleeing elements of the bandits.

The timely synergy between air and ground components ensured effective neutralisation of the threats while also restoring confidence among residents of Sohon Gaya community.

NAF airstrikes neutralise bandit hideout in Chikun in Kaduna

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Hilda Baci Concludes GWR Jollof Rice Attempt, Awaits Confirmation

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Hilda Baci Concludes GWR Jollof Rice Attempt, Awaits Confirmation

By Halima Abdulkadiri 

Celebrity chef Hilda Baci on Saturday successfully wrapped up her ambitious bid to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the largest pot of jollof rice.

The reports gathered that Baci cooked approximately 200 bags of rice in a massive 22,619-litre pot, which measured six metres in both width and height. The cooking process lasted about nine hours.

She now awaits official confirmation from Guinness World Records on whether her feat will be certified as a new world record.

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Bold Strategy to Revolutionize Women’s Health Launched

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Bold Strategy to Revolutionize Women’s Health Launched

By: Michael Mike

A bold, data-driven, tech-enabled, and financially intelligent strategy designed to revolutionize women’s health across Nigeria has been launched.

The project RenewHER (Renew Health Equity and Reform) is a Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative, led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health (OSSAP-WH) and championed by Dr. Adanna Steinacker.

The launching was held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja on Thursday evening with the Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu.

At the Gala, the Women’s Health Digital Media and Communications Hub, a national advocacy and story telling platform was unveiled, which is dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, spotlighting innovations, and driving conversations across six national priority areas: Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; Sexual and Reproductive Health; Adolescent Health and Menstrual Equity; Nutrition and Preventive Care; Healthcare Workforce and Access; and Coalition Building.

The evening also featured a Presidential Keynote Address, the premiere of the RenewHER campaign film, a cultural showcase, the Health Innovator Awards and a National Pledge Moment to mobilize long-term support for the initiative.

Speaking on the project, the SSA to the President on Women’s Health, Dr. Adanna Steinacker, said: “RenewHER is more than an initiative, it is a national call to action to redefine the future of women’s health and economic equity in Nigeria. Through the Women’s Health Nigeria Hub and Magazine, we a creating a movement that transforms policy, empowers communities, and inspires a new generation of champions for women’s health.”

Key strategic partners of the initiative include the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF), the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF), the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), and the Women in Healthcare Network (WIHCN), all supporting RenewHER to deliver measurable health outcomes, while creating economic opportunities for women through financial incentives, digital wallets, microgrants, skills training, and women-led health innovations.

Bold Strategy to Revolutionize Women’s Health Launched

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