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UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology Launched to Promote Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria
UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology Launched to Promote Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s plan to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) took a great leap with the official launch of UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in the country.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Head of Abuja Office and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Representative to Nigeria, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo said the event signifies a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards embracing ethical artificial intelligence practices.
Diallo said: “As we gather here at the UN House, we are reminded of the transformative potential of AI in driving innovation and sustainable development across our nation. UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) stands as a beacon of guidance, ensuring that our advancements in AI are not only groundbreaking but also aligned with global standards of ethics and responsibility.
“We are particularly proud that Nigeria is joining us as part of UNESCO’s custodial role in promoting the ethics of AI worldwide. UNESCO’s Recommendations on the Ethics of AI, adopted by 193 countries, provide a robust framework for the responsible and ethical development and deployment of AI technologies. These recommendations emphasize human rights, fairness, transparency, and accountability, and it is heartening to see Nigeria committing to these principles as we work together to build an inclusive and ethical AI ecosystem.”
He added that: “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the profound impact that artificial intelligence has on our society. AI permeates many aspects of our daily lives, and its ethical implications have become a focal point for all actors within the ecosystem. Recognizing this, in 2023, UNESCO launched the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) as a pivotal tool for implementing its Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, which was adopted by 193 countries in 2021.
“The RAM, with its comprehensive framework consisting of five dimensions, serves as a vital instrument for assessing a country’s readiness to implement AI ethically and responsibly. It highlights strengths and identifies infrastructural, institutional, and regulatory gaps, enabling nations to address these challenges effectively and create an ethical AI ecosystem.”
On his part, the Secretary General, National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO), Dr. Idowu Olagunju said: “I firmly believe that today’s discussions will pave the way for significant advancements in our national AI strategy, aligning with UNESCO’s global mission of promoting ethical AI.”
He asked: “Let us embark on this journey together, as we work towards a future where AI is harnessed for the greater good, in alignment with our shared values and ethical principles.”
Speaking to journalists after inaugurating the Steering and Technical Working Committees and Launching the Project, the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy: Dr Bosun Tijani expressed the country’s readiness to take advantage of the value addition of AI, noting that the youths have already been sensitized and mobilized to evolve the use of AI
He appreciated the support from UNESCO to ensure that AI is ethically embraced, noting that the government is working on making the country one of the top countries in Artificial Intelligence.
He noted that with the diversity of the committees constituted for the AI project, Nigeria is on an interesting ride to the very top.
UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology Launched to Promote Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria
Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive
By: Zagazola Makama
The military has arrested four police officers for allegedly providing unauthorised escort services to a VIP in contravention of the presidential directive on the withdrawal of policemen from VIP protection duties.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest occurred on Dec. 17 at about 9:30 a.m., while the officers were reportedly on escort duty.
Those arrested were identified as ASP Musa Waziri and Insp. Jeremiah Achimogu both attached to 45 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Abuja; Insp. Awipi Terry of 21 PMF; and Insp. Hassan Baba of 50 PMF, Abuja.
According to security sources, the officers were arrested by military personnel after allegedly flouting the presidential order withdrawing police personnel from VIP escort duties.
The sources further disclosed that the policemen were dressed in uniforms similar to that of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), allegedly in an attempt to evade detection and deceive enforcement personnel.
The arrested officers have since been detained, while disciplinary procedures have been initiated against them in line with extant regulations.
The Federal Government had earlier directed the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from unauthorised VIP protection duties to redeploy manpower to core policing and internal security operations across the country.
Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive
Bandits attack NSCDC outpost in Niger, cart away rifle
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits, suspected to be insurgents, have attacked a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) nipping point at Ibrahim Leteh Village along the Wawa–Luma Road in Niger State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred on Dec. 22 at about 4:30 a.m., when a large number of the assailants stormed the outpost and opened fire.
Security sources said two NSCDC personnel on duty took cover during the attack, while the bandits riddled the patrol vehicle and the mini office at the location with bullets.
The sources added that one G3 rifle, officially assigned to an NSCDC personnel, was carted away by the attackers during the incident.
No casualty was recorded in the attack.
The scene was later visited by security operatives, and photographs were taken for investigation and documentation.
Efforts are currently ongoing to recover the stolen rifle and apprehend the suspects, while security presence in the area has been reinforced.
Bandits attack NSCDC outpost in Niger, cart away rifle
Nine feared dead in multiple-vehicle accident along Yola road in Gombe
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than nine persons have been confirmed dead following a fatal motor vehicle accident along the Yola Road in Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Zagazola gathered that the accident occurred on Dec. 22 at about 7:00 a.m. near Kaluwa Village and involved a DAF truck and a Sharon commercial vehicle, both travelling in the same direction.
Sources said the DAF truck, with registration number BLG 551 XA, driven by Umar Abubakar, 41, from Potiskum, Yobe State, reportedly rammed into the Sharon vehicle, with registration number GME 19 XC, driven by Garba Sule, 60.
As a result of the impact, the driver of the truck lost control, causing the vehicle to somersault and fall by the roadside.
Victims of the accident were rushed to the General Hospital in Kaltungo, where nine unidentified persons were confirmed dead on arrival.
The sources also said two other unidentified persons were trapped inside the DAF truck, while efforts were ongoing to evacuate them.
Nine feared dead in multiple-vehicle accident along Yola road in Gombe
Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive
Bandits attack NSCDC outpost in Niger, cart away rifle
Nine feared dead in multiple-vehicle accident along Yola road in Gombe
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