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AI Paris Summit: Nigeria, France, 56 others launch platform to bridge digital divides

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AI Paris Summit: Nigeria, France, 56 others launch platform to bridge digital divides

By: Michael Mike

Participants at the just concluded Artificial Intelligence (AI) Paris Summit including Nigeria have launched a platform to promote AI accessibility, as part of its strategy to reduce the digital divide, and ensure AI is open, inclusive, and transparent.

This was disclosed in a press release from the French Government regarding the AI Summit, with details regarding the different steps taken so far. The details were contained in the statement on “Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet,’ signed by Nigeria, France, and 56 other countries including the European Union and African Union Commission at the summit.

Nigeria is among the eight founding members of the “Public Interest AI Platform and Incubator”. The purpose of this platform and incubator is to “support, amplify, decrease fragmentation between existing public and private initiatives on Public Interest AI and address digital divides. The Public interest AI Initiative will sustain and support digital public goods and technical assistance and capacity building projects in data, model development, openness and transparency, audit, compute, talent, financing and collaboration to support and co-create a trustworthy AI ecosystem advancing the public interest of all, for all and by all.”

The signatories of the Paris Statement agreed to encourage AI deployment that positively impacts the future of work, promotes sustainable growth, and supports both people and the planet.

The statement also seek global reflection on issues like security, human rights, gender equality, linguistic diversity and sustainable development.

The statement noted that, “In line with the Paris Pact for People and the Planet and the principle that countries should design their own transition strategies, we have identified priorities and launched concrete actions to serve the public interest and bridge the digital divide by accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals.

“Enabling innovation in the field of AI by creating conditions conducive to its development and preventing market concentration, thereby supporting industrial recovery and development.

“Our actions follow three key principles: science, solutions (with an emphasis on open AI models that respect national frameworks) in accordance with international frameworks.”

The statement further stated, “We recognise the need to enhance our shared knowledge on the impacts of AI in the job market, though the creation of network of Observatories, to better anticipate AI implications for workplaces, training and education and to use AI to foster productivity, skill development, quality and working conditions and social dialogue.

“We underline the need for a global reflection integrating inter alia questions of safety, sustainable development, innovation, respect of international laws including humanitarian law and human rights law and the protection of human rights, gender equality, linguistic diversity, protection of consumers and of intellectual property rights. We take notes of efforts and discussions related to international fora where AI governance is examined.

“We look forward to next AI milestones such as the Kigali Summit, the 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of AI hosted by Thailand and UNESCO, the 2025 World AI Conference and the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 to follow up on our commitments and continue to take concrete actions aligned with a sustainable and inclusive AI.”

AI Paris Summit: Nigeria, France, 56 others launch platform to bridge digital divides

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Chairman of hunters killed in checkpoint attack in Kwara

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Chairman of hunters killed in checkpoint attack in Kwara

By: Zagazola Makama

Mohammed Ndajeba, Chairman of Hunters in Gbugbu, Kwara state has been killed following an attack on a military and Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) checkpoint along the Gbugbu–Garin Daji Road.

Security sources said Ndajeba was reported missing after the incident, prompting a joint search operation by army troops, police and local vigilantes to locate him.

The search team later discovered his body in a nearby bush at about 6:30 p.m. on the same day. The remains were released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Authorities said investigation into the incident was ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Chairman of hunters killed in checkpoint attack in Kwara

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Troops foil ambush attempt, recover supplies linked to terrorists in Borno

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Troops foil ambush attempt, recover supplies linked to terrorists in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), as part of Operation Desert Sanity V, have foiled an attempted ambush by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Bulayobe–Darel Jamel axis in Borno.

Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 5:35 a.m. on Feb. 13 when troops, in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force volunteers, were on night ambush duty at Papa 4, approximately 4.1 kilometres from the Forward Operating Base.

The troops reportedly sighted elements of Boko Haram attempting to cross the Main Supply Route from the Cameroon axis toward the Nigerian axis.

On sighting the insurgents, the troops engaged them with heavy gunfire, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray.

During exploitation of the area, troops recovered two sacks bearing inscriptions with phone numbers and names of alleged senders and receivers.

According to the sources, one of the sacks was marked with a sender’s details traced to Kano, while the receiver’s contact was traced to Maiduguri.

Items recovered from the sacks include 28 scarves, 10 Kampala materials, three praying mats, three copies of the Qur’an and other religious books, four cashmere materials, 40 bicycle parts, one sewing machine, one machine oil, one measuring tape and screwdriver, three eye drops, and four packs of ampicillin medication.

Further exploitation of the area yielded no additional items.

Military sources said troops have continued to maintain an aggressive posture, heightening surveillance and vigilance to deny terrorists freedom of action within their area of responsibility.

They added that the general situation within the area remains under control, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain satisfactory.

Troops foil ambush attempt, recover supplies linked to terrorists in Borno

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NIMC to Launch Nationwide Ward-Level NIN Enrollment February 16

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NIMC to Launch Nationwide Ward-Level NIN Enrollment February 16

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that it will commence nationwide ward-level enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The commission said the initiative follows a presidential directive mandating NIMC to expand NIN registration to the grassroots in order to capture more Nigerians and legal residents in the National Identity Database.

In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, NIMC said the ward-level exercise is aimed at ensuring comprehensive registration of all citizens and legal residents, including children and adults. The enrollment will be conducted free of charge.

According to the commission, the move aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive governance, national development and broader access to identity services.

NIMC described the ward-level rollout as a strategic step toward decentralising identity services and improving accessibility, particularly for residents in rural and underserved communities. By taking enrollment centres closer to communities, the commission said it hopes to reduce travel burdens and encourage wider participation.

As part of preparations for the exercise, NIMC said it has begun engaging key stakeholders at national, state and local government levels. Sensitisation and awareness campaigns are ongoing to educate the public on the importance and benefits of obtaining a NIN.

The commission disclosed that state governments, local government authorities, traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations and faith-based organisations are being consulted to ensure seamless implementation across wards nationwide.

NIMC urged Nigerians and legal residents who are yet to enroll to take advantage of the opportunity, calling on families to register their children, parents and wards during the exercise.

The ward enrollment schedule, which will guide the rotational movement of licensed front-end partners and NIMC staff, is available on the commission’s website, www.nimc.gov.ng.

Adegoke said for inquiries, assistance or complaints, members of the public can contact NIMC through its toll-free line: 08000616462.

The commission reiterated its commitment to expanding identity coverage across the country and strengthening the national database as a foundation for effective planning, service delivery and economic inclusion.

NIMC to Launch Nationwide Ward-Level NIN Enrollment February 16

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