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UNESCO Asks Philosophers to Provide Ethical Guidance for AI and Ensures it Beneficial to Man
UNESCO Asks Philosophers to Provide Ethical Guidance for AI and Ensures it Beneficial to Man
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has called on contemporary philosophers to provide ethical guidance that ensures that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the transformations it provided are well-regulated and beneficial to human wellbeing.
The call was made on Thursday in Abuja
at the celebration of 2024 World Philosophy Day with the theme: “The Role of the Nigerian Government in Human Wellbeing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
Speaking at the occasion, the Head of Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo, said the
expected responsibilities of—many of whom are present in this room—is to provide ethical guidance that ensures these transformations of AI are well-regulated and beneficial to human wellbeing.
He added that: “Today’s celebration also provides an opportunity to reflect on current global needs and how philosophers can leverage their expertise to create a moral compass for addressing these needs.“
He noted that UNESCO has consistently provided platforms for such critical reflections. Working with its 191 Member States and teams of philosophers, UNESCO has developed recommendations on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence to ensure that AI actors prioritize social justice, fairness, non-discrimination, and inclusion.
He said: “To complement these recommendations and facilitate their implementation, UNESCO also developed the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) tool. This diagnostic tool helps countries assess their capacity to ensure an ethical and responsible AI ecosystem. It is my pleasure to inform you that Nigeria is among the few countries implementing this groundbreaking tool.”
Diallo said: “I hope that today’s conversations and brainstorming sessions, guided by the event’s theme, will provide in-depth insights into how AI can be regulated in Nigeria to secure human wellbeing, particularly by addressing the ethical considerations necessary for policy ideas emanating from the RAM implementation.”
On her part, the Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi said: “Artificial intelligence represents a formidable force that is reshaping every facet of our lives—from how we work and learn, to how we receive healthcare and communicate with each other. As AI algorithms permeate industries and begin to make decisions traditionally reserved for humans, it is essential to ask: What does this mean for human well-being, particularly in Nigeria? How can our government harness the potential of AI in a way that aligns with our society’s core values, addresses our unique challenges, and supports our collective vision for human flourishing?”
She noted that: “The philosopher Aristotle taught us that true well-being, or “eudaimonia,” transcends mere survival; it entails leading a life of purpose, dignity, and fulfillment. In the age of AI, this classical ideal faces new obstacles and complexities. The Nigerian government, like those of other nations, is tasked with balancing the promises of AI advancements with the protection of citizens’ rights, well-being, and socioeconomic stability.”
The VC who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Administration, Prof. Philip Afaha, said the challenges and responsibilities of government include policy and ethical governance of AI, education and digital literacy, healthcare and social welfare , data sovereignty and privacy protection, addressing economic inequality and job displacement and upholding human-centered values.
She added that: “As we navigate the complexities of the AI age, let us remember that technology should not drive humanity; rather, humanity should guide technology. The Nigerian government, as a steward of human well-being, must be visionary, ethical, and resolute in promoting a future where AI serves to uplift all citizens, support equitable development, and foster a society in which every Nigerian can achieve their highest potential.
“In this endeavor, we must be both vigilant and hopeful, embracing AI as a tool for good while upholding the moral responsibility to protect our citizens’ dignity and well-being. This is a profound opportunity to shape a future that reflects the best of human values, creativity, and compassion.”
UNESCO Asks Philosophers to Provide Ethical Guidance for AI and Ensures it Beneficial to Man
KOGI YOUTHS CALL ANTI-AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S CAMPAIGNERS ENEMIES OF DEMOCRACY
· URGE NIGERIANS TO IGNORE ODODO, FANWO
· MOVE TO PREVENT KOGI CENTRAL SENATOR’S FOES FROM COMMITTING SUICIDE
By: Michael Mike
Youths in Kogi Central on Friday pounced on the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Kingsley Fanwo.
‘’The comments made by Kingsley Fanwo are offensive, bigoted and disgusting’’
They also described Governor Ododo as ‘’a man who can’t stand on his own feet without crutches.
‘‘Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Yahaya Adoza Bello ought to know that in a contest at the grassroots level, they have not the ghost of a chance to win in Kogi Central’’
The youths in a statement in Okene advised Fanwo to tame his appetite for falsehood against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
‘’Kogi Central constituents represent a variety of viewpoints and temperaments. The home coming of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shows how faithful the Kogi Central people are to the true spirit of democracy and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’’.
The statement issued by Kogi Central Youth Forum Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Jato scolded Fanwo for penciling a chit to the public, insulting civilization and presenting a shrouded and remote figure at the peak of an unintelligent bureaucracy as a responsible person.
‘’Nothing is more important for a politician than to command the necessary abundance of understanding and loyalty on the part of the people’’
They described the Ododo government as a model of poor administration.
‘’Kingsley Fanwo’s comments on Akpoti-Uduaghan are distasteful and provocative. The APC leaders in Kogi State are officious people. They need to imbibe the values and ideals of civilization and democracy’’.
Specifically, the youths applauded the Kogi Central senator for her patriotism, leadership style and tactful politesse.
‘’The senate president is not a person. It is an institution. Senator Godswill Akpabio should not jeopardize the institution’’
They denounced the absurd idea that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s home coming was to create crisis in the state.
The youths added that the future of Nigeria, particularly Kogi State lay with politicians who realized that the people are more interested in government than politics.
‘’We urge the public not to pay attention to what the Commissioner for Information and Communication is saying’’
The statement stressed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s simplicity, personal charm, courage and bubbling nature.
‘’Our task is to prevent those behind Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and recall from committing suicide’’
KOGI YOUTHS CALL ANTI-AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S CAMPAIGNERS ENEMIES OF DEMOCRACY
Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested six suspects following a clash between farmers and herders in Waduku, Lamurde Local Government Area, which resulted in injuries to a villager and 11 cattle.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on April 2 when some herders allegedly trespassed into a rice farm and caused damage to the crops.
In retaliation, angry youths from the village attacked the herders, injuring their cattle and wounding one person identified as Righteous Boti from Nzumoso Village.
Security personnel visited the scene and held an emergency meeting with local stakeholders to prevent further escalation of violence.
The arrested suspects include Rabo Buba, 31; Ahmadu Adamu, 20; Stephen Pwagwadi, 17; Shadrach Simon, 19; Lot Gad, 20; and Righteous Boti, 27.
The injured individuals received treatment at the Tingno Primary Health Care Clinic and have since been discharged.
Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa
Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected thief in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has died after being beaten by a security officer following his apprehension on April 2.
A Police sources said that a distress call was received at Karu Division about a suspected thief seen around Supreme Quarters in Karu at approximately 1:00 p.m.
The suspect was approached by security personnel who believed him to be involved in theft. When questioned, the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly chased and apprehended by civilian security personnel.
Kola Oba, a Man O’ War officer, then reportedly took the suspect into custody and subjected him to severe physical abuse. The suspect later succumbed to the injuries sustained during the beating and passed away.
The sources said that the Police detectives were dispatched to the scene, and photographs were taken. The body was subsequently transported to the hospital mortuary for preservation.
The suspect’s identity remains unknown, and efforts are underway to locate his family. The officer involved has been arrested.
Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Dakar To Represent President Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence Anniversary
KOGI YOUTHS CALL ANTI-AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S CAMPAIGNERS ENEMIES OF DEMOCRACY
President Tinubu Laying Foundation For A Better Nigeria, Says Hajiya Nana Shettima
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