News
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
News
Gunmen abduct cleric in Jos North, police launch rescue operation
Gunmen abduct cleric in Jos North, police launch rescue operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a cleric, Rev. Prof. Sunday Agang, in Jos North LGA, the police have confirmed.
The incident occurred at about 2:24 p.m. on March 24, when unidentified armed men reportedly stormed the residence of the 68-year-old cleric and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
The report was made by officials of the Evangelical Church Winning All, where the victim is a staff member.
Police authorities said a rescue operation has been launched, with efforts underway to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
They also assured residents that investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
Gunmen abduct cleric in Jos North, police launch rescue operation
News
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Yobe
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested four suspected logistics suppliers to Boko Haram terrorists in Yusufari LGA.
Security sources said the suspects were apprehended at about 11:00 p.m. on March 24 by troops of 241 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jajimaji during a night patrol.
The troops had intercepted two vehicles loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a filling station in the area. On sighting the troops, the vehicles reportedly attempted to flee, prompting a pursuit.
One Golf vehicle with registration number AG273 was successfully intercepted, while the second vehicle escaped.
A search conducted on the intercepted vehicle led to the discovery of seven sacks filled with PMS, each estimated to contain about 77 litres.
The suspects arrested include the driver, Mohammed Idi, 25; a motor boy, Mero Umra, 21; a pump attendant/manager, Hasan Liman, 50; and a station guard, Jibril Audu, 28.
Troops also recovered a total sum of N1.6 million from the suspects.
All suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Yobe
News
Cleric recounts past involvement in 1980 bank robbery, claims spiritual transformation
Cleric recounts past involvement in 1980 bank robbery, claims spiritual transformation
By: Zagazola Makama
A cleric with the Church of Christ in Nations, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has publicly recounted his past involvement in a bank robbery carried out in 1980 in Jos.
Dachomo, who has been described as a controversial figure, disclosed this in a recent interview with a foreign media
He said he was part of a gang that successfully carried out the operation and made away with a substantial amount of money in Plateau state. According to him, the robbery was led by a close associate at the time.
“He came to my room while I was sleeping. I didn’t know that I was operating with 14 demons until Jesus encountered me.
That night there was war. He came with seven angels. I was just an observer, seeing the drama that is being done on my life. Jesus ordered the seven angels to strike the enemy.
In fact, they were killed instantly. I took the covers of those images that were killed and I covered myself as if I’m dead. But the master Jesus said there was somebody that we have not killed.
Go, fish him out. When they were coming, booting other corpses, then I had to stand up and begin to beg. I was asking for forgiveness. Forgive me, forgive me. I will never do that again.”
He further admitted his past criminal involvement, stating: “Because I went in 1980, it was our gang that robbed a bank in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. 1980, they made away with a lot of money. It was my best friend that led the operation.”
The cleric added that the encounter marked a turning point in his life:
“I didn’t know that I would come and encounter God and God really helped me. That day that I encountered Jesus, I went outside. I tried my best to smoke cigarette or cool it. The power of smoking was broken in my life.”
The cleric stated that his life later took a different turn following what he described as a personal spiritual encounter, which led him to abandon criminal activities and embrace a religious path. H
e added that the experience marked a decisive break from his past, including the cessation of habits such as smoking.
The public confessions by reverend Dachomo has generate mixed reactions, with some viewing them as testimonies of transformation, while others call for scrutiny and historical verification of the claims.
Sheikh Yusuf Haruna Baban Chinedu, popularly known as Baban Chinedu, accused the pastor of fabricated the stories about meeting Jesus after a 1980 bank robbery in Jos.
He is lying! I want you to listen and know that first of all, this man is a complete hypocrite and a total liar. I swear, it was a gun that shot them! Angels? He claims Jesus came down with seven angels who struck them and killed fourteen people while he hid in the blood? You see, even the angels God sent down… only managed to kill fourteen people and lost track of where that one man was?”
The sheikh alleged Dachomo hid among corpses and was rescued by a gang member named Emmanuel, not Jesus: “He was begging Jesus for God’s sake to forgive him and spare his life. He claims that was where he met Jesus… By Allah, he is lying! … It was a gun that shot them! No Jesus descended there; he is lying to you.” He added.
A lady told me; she heard him when he was shot, and he still has the scar from that wound on his left side. … He is lying! At that time, it was the police, Nigerian security agents, Nigeria Police MOPOL who she said shot them.”
Baban Chinedu accused Dachomo of transitioning from “practical, street-level bandit” to “spiritual bandit” and inciting religious conflict
Cleric recounts past involvement in 1980 bank robbery, claims spiritual transformation
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