News
ARCAN Gives Award to Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, other top diplomats
ARCAN Gives Award to Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, other top diplomats
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi and Ambassador Judith Attah have been nominated for the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN)’s Special Award.
A statement on Thursday by the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Ambassador Folorunso Otukoya disclosed that the hybrid award ceremony would simultaneously holds on Saturday at the Rotunda Conference Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian Institute of International Affairs on Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island , Lagos and linked by zoom.
Those nominated for ARCAN Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award are Ambassadors O. Ononaiye, B.A. Adeyemi , Kabir Ahmed, Pius Ayewoh, Ambassador Monu, Sam Mustapha, G.S. Akunwafor, G.A.Falashas, E. Martins, O. Apata, O. Ani, T.D. Hart, Eineje Onobu, N. Wadibia-Anyanwu and Adenike Ukonga.
Nominated for ARCAN Posthumous Award, were Ambassadors Olu Adeniji, S.U. Yolah, Gabriel Ijewere, Ade Adekuoye, Ado Sanusi, J.K. Umar, S.O. Ogundele, A.D.J. Blankson, E. Fowora, Aisha Jimeta and Abubakar Gobir.
According to the statement, the annual Award night is one of the platforms of the Association employed to recognize and reward its past members and other prominent individuals in the society who during their time , have contributed in unique and outstanding ways to the promotion and advancement of Nigerian foreign policy and the operations of the foreign service.
The statement read: “This year’s ceremony recognizes those Nigerians whose life time have been dedicated to the pursuit of national interest whether living or dead. The recipients include members of the Association who devoted and dedicated their lives to the service of Nigeria as representatives of the country. Through this award we remember and honour them, some posthumously for their contributions to the advancement of the foreign policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The ARCAN Executive Committee congratulates all awardees for these recognitions and wishes them the very best in 2024 and beyond.”
ARCAN Gives Award to Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, other top diplomats
News
AI Finance Revolution In Africa: Why Aurum Foundation Is Positioning Itself At The Forefront
AI Finance Revolution In Africa: Why Aurum Foundation Is Positioning Itself At The Forefront
The global financial landscape is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in modern history.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and digital financial infrastructure are converging to create what experts now describe as AI Finance a new era where technology automates wealth creation, enhances access to financial services, and unlocks real-world asset opportunities for everyday people.
At the center of this emerging movement is Aurum Foundation, a fast-growing fintech ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between traditional finance, digital assets, and real-world investment opportunities.
What Is AI Finance?
AI Finance refers to the integration of Artificial Intelligence, algorithmic trading systems, decentralized finance (DeFi), digital payments, and asset tokenization into a unified financial framework.
Rather than relying solely on human decision-making, AI Finance leverages data analytics, automation, predictive modelling, and smart execution systems to:
Optimize investment strategies
Reduce emotional trading risks
Improve financial inclusion
Create multiple streams of income
Enable faster and borderless transactions
For Africa — a continent with a young population, increasing smartphone penetration, and limited access to traditional banking — AI Finance represents not just innovation, but financial empowerment.
Introducing Aurum Foundation
Aurum Foundation is positioning itself as a next-generation fintech ecosystem with over 14 interconnected fintech products designed to help individuals, businesses, and institutions participate in the evolving digital economy.
Some key components of the Aurum ecosystem include:
1. AI Algorithmic Trading Systems
Automated trading bots analyze market data, execute trades, and manage risk parameters in real time. These tools are designed to help users participate in crypto and digital asset markets without requiring advanced trading knowledge.
2. Digital Crypto Exchange
Aurum provides an exchange infrastructure where users can buy, sell, hold, and manage digital assets seamlessly.
3. Crypto-Fiat Integration
Through fintech cards and payment infrastructure, users can convert digital assets into spendable money — enabling real-life usage of crypto for:
ATM withdrawals
Payments for goods and services
Cross-border transactions
4. Growth & HODL Functions
Investment tools designed to help users grow their digital assets over time while maintaining exposure to market appreciation cycles.
5. Agentic AI Financial Tools
AI-powered systems that support portfolio management, financial planning, and automated execution of investment strategies.
6. Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization
Perhaps the most groundbreaking component Aurum’s focus on tokenizing real-world assets such as gold.
The Sierra Leone Gold Tokenization Deal: A Turning Point
Aurum Foundation has reportedly entered strategic collaboration frameworks linked to the tokenization of gold resources in Sierra Leone.
This signals a broader shift in how Africa can digitize and monetize its natural resources.
Gold tokenization allows:
Fractional ownership of physical gold
Global liquidity access
Reduced barriers to entry for investors
Transparency via blockchain
Wealth preservation instruments for inflation-prone economies
Ghana — another gold-rich nation — is being discussed as a potential next frontier.
This raises a powerful question:
What about Nigeria?
What Can Nigeria Tokenize?
Nigeria is one of Africa’s most resource-rich countries. Beyond oil, the country possesses enormous untapped potential for tokenization:
Natural Resources
Gold deposits (Zamfara, Osun, Niger State)
Lithium and rare earth minerals
Agricultural commodities (cocoa, cashew, sesame, palm produce)
Solid minerals (limestone, bitumen, tin)
Real Estate Assets
Tokenizing property can allow Nigerians to invest in fractional real estate ownership, improving housing finance accessibility.
Government Infrastructure Bonds
Blockchain-based tokenization could increase transparency and participation in infrastructure funding.
Creative Economy Assets
Music royalties, film rights, sports investments — Nigeria’s booming entertainment industry presents tokenization opportunities.
Why AI Finance Matters for the Average Nigerian or African Financial Inclusion Millions remain unbanked. Fintech ecosystems like Aurum can provide digital wallets, payments, and investment access via smartphones.
Wealth Creation Opportunities
Traditional investment vehicles often require high entry capital. Tokenization and AI-driven tools lower the barrier.
Inflation Protection With volatile currencies, access to diversified digital and real-world assets can support wealth preservation.
Global Participation Africans can participate in global markets without geographic limitations.
New Income Streams Affiliate systems, staking opportunities, AI trading participation, and digital finance education can create alternative earnings.
Risks and the Need for Education
While the opportunities are compelling, AI Finance and digital assets also carry risks:
Market volatility
Regulatory uncertainty
Technology adoption challenges
Fraud and misinformation
This makes financial literacy and due diligence critical for participants.
The Bigger Picture: Africa’s Financial Renaissance
Africa stands at a defining moment.
Just as mobile money transformed payments across East Africa, AI Finance and tokenization could redefine:
Investment access
Resource monetization
Cross-border commerce
Wealth distribution
Platforms like Aurum Foundation aim to become catalysts in this transition by combining technology, digital finance infrastructure, and real-world asset integration.
Conclusion
AI Finance is no longer a futuristic concept it is rapidly becoming the present reality of global finance.
For Nigerians and Africans at large, the emergence of ecosystems like Aurum Foundation presents both an opportunity and a responsibility:
Opportunity to participate early in evolving financial systems
Responsibility to understand, evaluate, and engage wisely
As Sierra Leone explores gold tokenization and other African economies consider similar frameworks, the question is no longer if Africa will digitize its wealth but who will lead the transformation.
The future of finance may very well be AI-driven, asset-backed, and globally connected and Africa has a critical role to play.
LawyerTAJ is a lawyer, cryptoTrader and a CryptoPreneur who is from Sapele Delta State and writes from Lagos, Nigeria
AI Finance Revolution In Africa: Why Aurum Foundation Is Positioning Itself At The Forefront
News
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered arms during an offensive operation in Shinkafi LGA.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out on March 13 by troops of CT 5, who launched a deliberate clearance mission targeting terrorist camps located at Tubali and Zangon Danmaka.
The sources said the operation followed credible intelligence on the presence of armed bandits and other criminal elements using the locations as operational hideouts.
During the operation at Tubali, troops made contact with the suspected terrorists and engaged them in a brief gun battle, forcing the criminals to flee into nearby forested areas.
“During the engagement, one terrorist was neutralised, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds,” the source said.
Following the encounter, troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists.
The recovered items were secured by the troops while further search operations were carried out around the camp to ensure that no other threats remained in the vicinity.
The sources added that when troops advanced to Zangon Danmaka, no contact was made with terrorists as the suspects were believed to have fled the area ahead of the troop arrival.
However, troops maintained dominance in the general area while conducting further patrols and surveillance operations aimed at preventing the terrorists from regrouping.
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
News
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Kanama, Yobe
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Kanama, Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 159 Battalion in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force have arrested a suspected spy linked to terrorists operating in the North-East in Kanamma Yobe state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Malam Fantami, a native of Dikwa was apprehended during a security operation by troops deployed in the area.
The sources said the suspect was intercepted following credible intelligence indicating that he might be working as an informant for terrorists affiliated with the ISWAP.
According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest included a mobile phone, a smart watch, prayer beads, a motorcycle key, and a cash sum of ₦7,000.
Preliminary examination of the suspect’s mobile phone by security personnel reportedly revealed several suspicious materials, including photographs of motorcycles, large sums of cash, AK-47 rifles and other items believed to be linked to terrorist activities.
“The discovery of these materials has raised serious suspicion about the suspect’s role as a possible logistics informant or intelligence asset for insurgent elements operating in the region,” the source said.
The suspect is currently in military custody, where he is undergoing further interrogation to determine the extent of his involvement with terrorist networks and to identify possible collaborators.
The military high command said the arrest forms part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by troops in the North-East aimed at dismantling the intelligence and logistics networks that support insurgent operations.
Kanama, located in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State near the border with Niger Republic, has remained an important corridor frequently exploited by insurgent groups for movement and supply activities.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Kanama, Yobe
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