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Gov. Buni to Award Youths on Science, Research and Innovation
Gov. Buni to Award Youths on Science, Research and Innovation
By: Kolo Gulani
The Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni will present awards to youths from different parts of the state on science, research and innovation.
This was disclosed on Monday 22nd July, 2024, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Science, Research and Innovation, Dr Mahmoud Bukar Maina, during the closing ceremony of a Workshop on Artificial Intelligence, organized by Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) of Yobe State University in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser on Science, Research and Innovation at the Desert Hall Damaturu.
The call for applications tagged “Yobe State Research and Innovation Challenge 2024” was announced in January 2024 which ended on 31st of May with the award categories which includes; Brilliant Innovations and Top Research Paper Award.
Dr Maina revealed following a detailed presentations and a thorough review by two expert judges; Eng. Abubakar Gambo, Software Architect/Programmer and Co-founder of Cerebro Information Systems Ltd., along with Dr Ali Bukar Maina, a Machine Learning Expert and Principal Vision Scientist based in the United Kingdom, the winners were selected based on rigorous criteria. These criteria included the local relevance of the innovation, its functionality, and the strength of its business case. Mohammed Auwal from Bursari Local Government Area emerged as the first-place winner in Brilliant Innovations, with Muhammad Mustapha from Geidam Local Government Area securing the second spot, and Adamu Aliyu from Nangere Local Government Area taking third place.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Science, Research and Innovation also explained that the other category of the award winners were selected after receiving numerous submissions of high-caliber research papers, each paper underwent an extensive review to assess its eligibility, significance in the field, and the contribution of the authors.
The panel of judges, include Dr. Karen Marshall and Dr. Andre Maia Chagas from the University of Sussex, UK, along with Dr. Murtala Isah Bindawa from Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina, Nigeria. The winners are Idi Mohammed from Yobe State University, taking first place, followed by Mohammed Bukar Maina, also from Yobe State University, in second place, and Harisu Abdullahi Shehu, receiving an honorary award for his outstanding research contributions from the diaspora.
Dr Maina also disclosed that the award winners will be awarded during the 2024 Summer School Workshops which will come up in August of the year. He further explained that winners of the awards will receive cash prize by the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni.
On his part, the facilitator of the workshop, Dr. Ali B. Maina, emphasized that the session focused primarily on AI. He highlighted the vast possibilities of integrating AI technology within various organizational processes. Dr Ali explained that participants were equipped with the knowledge, skills, and insights necessary to implement AI solutions across a range of applications. They learned how to utilize AI for creating meeting notes, interacting with PDFs or websites, and using AI to impartially mark examination scripts.
He added that the workshop covered the innovative use of multi-agent systems, where AI agents are tasked with specific roles such as developing course curriculums or managing complex workflows within their organizations.
Meanwhile, participants were drawn from different parts of the country in which 70% of the participants were from Yobe State.
Gov. Buni to Award Youths on Science, Research and Innovation
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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