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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
Communal clash at illegal mining site leaves five injured in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent clash between residents of Boko and Jaya villages in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara state has left at least five persons injured following a dispute at a stone mining site.
Sources said the incident occurred on April 20 at about 11:00 a.m. at the Kwanza Stone Mining Site, located between the two communities.
According to the sources, the clash began when members of both villages engaged in illegal mining activities at the site, leading to a disagreement that escalated into violence, with both sides allegedly using firearms.
The sources said the injured victims include Sha’aibu Adamu, 30; Shakiru Suleiman, 26; Kasu Boko, 27; Abdullahi Dahiru, 25; and Ibrahim Usman, 25, all from the affected communities.
They added that the exact number of persons killed could not be immediately confirmed at the time of filing the report.
A joint security team comprising troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA. police personnel and community protection guards was swiftly deployed to the area to restore order.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Kaura Namoda for medical treatment.
Security authorities said normalcy had since been restored in the area, while efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the violence.
They also confirmed that investigation into the incident had commenced.
Communal clash at illegal mining site leaves five injured in Zamfara
Security forces foil Kidnapping, flee after alarm in Gombe community
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have attempted to abduct residents in Unguwan Yamma, Amada area of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe state.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 3:20 a.m. when the attackers stormed the residence of one Alhaji Muhammad Abba, who narrowly escaped the attack.
According to the sources, the assailants proceeded to a neighbouring house where they abducted a child after the mother raised alarm.
The sources said the kidnappers, however, abandoned the child and fled the scene following the commotion.
A divisional patrol team, alongside hunters and local vigilantes, was immediately mobilised to the area and is currently on the trail of the suspects.
Police authorities said investigation was ongoing, while efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing attackers and prevent further incidents in the area.
Security forces foil Kidnapping, flee after alarm in Gombe community
Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly engaged armed bandits in a heavy gun battle during a clearance operation at Yankuzo area in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
Security sources said the operation followed aggressive fighting patrol on armed groups into the area, believed to be a stronghold used by suspected bandit elements operating within the axis.
According to the sources, troops advanced into deep into the terrorists enclave of Ado Allero in the early hours of the day and made contact with the armed men, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes.
Residents reported heavy gunfire during the confrontation.
Although details of casualties were still being assessed at the time of filing this report, security sources confirmed that troops maintained dominance of the general area and continued pursuit of fleeing armed elements.
Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara
Communal clash at illegal mining site leaves five injured in Zamfara
Bandits abduct two, escape with motorcycles after gun duel in Zamfara
Security forces foil Kidnapping, flee after alarm in Gombe community
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