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AI Paris Summit: Nigeria, France, 56 others launch platform to bridge digital divides
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
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a night ambush operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity/Siege Operations, took place at about 11:05 p.m. on May 13, 2026, at Bazamri village, a location identified as a major crossing point for members of the ISWAP.
According to the sources, troops laying ambush at the location intercepted and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, resulting in the neutralisation of two insurgents.
Following the encounter, troops carried out exploitation of the area and recovered several items suspected to be logistics supplies for the terrorists.
Recovered items included 54 packs of 80-gram detergent, 32 packs of 500-gram salt and one carton of spaghetti.
Military authorities confirmed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.
The ambush team was said to have subsequently changed position and continued surveillance and waiting operations in the area as part of sustained offensive actions against terrorist movements.
Security sources added that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory, while offensive operations across the theatre continued.
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
NHRC, stakeholders meet to promote human rights in Gombe
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Gombe State Office, on Tuesday, organised a state consultative meeting on the National Action Plan (NAP) for the promotion and protection of human rights in the state.
The meeting which was held in Gombe brought together stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), security agencies, community representatives, youth groups and other relevant stakeholders.
The engagement was to deliberate on the implementation of the NAP and to identify prevailing human rights concerns affecting citizens within Gombe State.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that the engagement served as a platform for interaction, exchange of ideas and collective commitment towards strengthening human rights protection mechanisms in Gombe State and Nigeria at large.
Represented by the State Coordinator, NHRC, Gombe State office Dr Joseph Wanshe, Ojukwu emphasised the importance of the NAP as a strategic framework designed to improve the human rights situation in the state and Nigeria through collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and citizens.
Wanshe, while presenting an overview of the NAP, explained that the NAP is a comprehensive policy framework aimed at ensuring the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights in accordance with constitutional provisions and international human rights obligations ratified by Nigeria.
Mr Lemuel Akeweta while making his presentation said that the objectives of the meeting amongst others was to create awareness on the NAP for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.
Others he said was to encourage stakeholders’ participation in the implementation of the NAP; identifying prevailing human rights challenges within the state and strengthening collaboration among MDAs, CSOs and other stakeholders.
He also said that practical recommendations and way forward for effective implementation of the NAP at state and grassroots levels would be developed.
Our Correspondent reports that a total of 45 attendees cutting across 28 MDAs and 17 CSOs and a team of five NHRC staff were also present at the meeting.
NHRC, stakeholders meet to promote human rights in Gombe
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Taraba State Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators during a coordinated raid on identified enclaves in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said that the operation was carried out at about 0610 hours on May 10, 2026, by troops of Sector 3 OPWS deployed at Jimilari.
The sources said the troops conducted simultaneous raids on suspected terrorist hideouts at Binari, Chibi and Andamin communities following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal networks in the area.
According to the sources, three suspects believed to be providing support to terrorist elements were arrested during the operation.
Military authorities said the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing preliminary interrogation to determine the extent of their involvement and possible links to wider criminal networks.
They added that troops will sustain clearance operations and intelligence-led raids across vulnerable communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area to dismantle support structures for criminal elements and restore security in the area.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Taraba State Raid
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