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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
VP Shettima, Governor Buni attend Zulum’s children’s wedding Fatiha in Maiduguri.
By: Yahaya Wakili
Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima GCON; His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudden Abbas; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; governors; emirs; and other dignitaries attend the wedding Fatiha of the children of Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State became the Wali of the groom, Muhammad Idi Barde Gubana, the son of the deputy governor of Yobe State, while Alhaji Muhammad Indimi was the Wali to the bride, Aisha Babagana Umara Zulum, the daughter of the governor of Borno State.
The marriage contract was finally sealed after the confirmation of the presentation of the medical certificate of fitness and 12 gold coins, and it was officiated by Imam Shettima Mamman Saleh, the chief imam of the Borno State Emirate Council, who offered prayers to Almighty Allah for the success of the marriage.
Also in attendance were the governors of Gombe, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Jigawa states as well as the deputy governor of Imo state.
Other dignitaries in attendance include the minister of budget and economic planning, former secretary to the Yobe state government Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali MNI, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Speaker of the Gombe state House of Assembly, Yobe state Head of Civil Service Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu, and heads of agencies and parastatals.
The wedding Fatiha also witnesses the royal highnesses and fathers included. His Highness, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Abali Muhammad Idriss, CON, CFR; Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema II; Emir of Machina; Damaturu; Gudi; Fune; Jajere; Ngelzarma; as well as over thirty emirs from Borno State
VP Shettima, Governor Buni attend Zulum’s children’s wedding Fatiha in Maiduguri.
Troops conduct clearance operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have carried out a clearance operation targeting suspected insurgent enclaves in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted on April 19 at about 1000 hrs by troops of 29 Task Force Brigade in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The troops, mounted on Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers and gun trucks, advanced from Benisheikh through key routes including Qwayari, Karnakasari, the Camel Route and Mainok axis.
According to the sources, the operation was aimed at clearing suspected Boko Haram enclaves and denying insurgents freedom of movement within the corridor.
However, for now, no contact was made with insurgents during the operation, as the operation continues.
Military authorities said the exercise was part of sustained clearance and domination operations across the North-East theatre.
They added that the overall security situation in the region remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and operational efficiency remained high.
Troops conduct clearance operation in Borno
Troops arrest four Berom criminal youths involved in causing havoc in Barkin Ladi LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 (Sub-Sector 41) under Operation Safe Haven have arrested four suspected criminals during a raid operation on an identified hideout in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 2115 hrs on April 18 at the NTV Mazat area in Gashish District, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements in the locality.
During the raid, troops stormed the location and apprehended four suspects identified as Aaron Joshua, 21; Ernest David, 21; Ishaya Haruna, 19; and Kyenshak Yakubu, 28.
It was gathered that the suspects were involved in several atrocities and part of the wider network of youths causing havoc in several communities.
The suspects were reportedly taken into custody and subjected to preliminary profiling as part of ongoing investigations to determine their involvement in criminal activities within the area.
Security sources said the raid was part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deny them freedom of action in the general area.
Troops arrest four Berom criminal youths involved in causing havoc in Barkin Ladi LGA
VP Shettima, Governor Buni attend Zulum’s children’s wedding Fatiha in Maiduguri.
Troops conduct clearance operation in Borno
Troops arrest four Berom criminal youths involved in causing havoc in Barkin Ladi LGA
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