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
Troops rescue three abducted victims, recover ammunition in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued three abducted civilians and recovered ammunition during an operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 10:00 a.m. on March 30 by troops of 202 Battalion in collaboration with volunteer forces at BOCOBS.
According to the sources, the troops responded to credible intelligence indicating that suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram had abducted three locals in the area.
The sources said the troops made contact with the insurgents and successfully rescued all three victims during the operation.
Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The sources added that the rescued victims are safe, while troops have continued to dominate the general area to prevent further incidents.
They said the operation is part of sustained efforts to protect civilians and dismantle terrorist activities across the North-East theatre.
Troops rescue three abducted victims, recover ammunition in Borno
Troops repel terrorist attack in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attack by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram on a Forward Operating Base in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 10:05 p.m. on March 30 at Forward Operating Base Bukarti.
According to the sources, the terrorists launched an attack on the troops’ position, prompting a fierce engagement during which the troops successfully repelled the assailants.
During the encounter, one soldier sustained injuries and has since been stabilised and is responding to treatment.
The sources added that the attackers carted away a gun truck mounted with a QJC gun, a Civilian Joint Task Force vehicle, two motorcycles, a PKT machine gun and a Baofeng radio.
They said troops have continued to maintain operational presence in the area, while efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen equipment and further degrade the capabilities of the insurgents.
Troops repel terrorist attack in Yobe
CJTF member accidentally shot by colleague in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has been injured in an accidental shooting incident in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:50 a.m. on March 31 at the location of 162 Amphibious Battalion in Mandara-Girau.
According to the sources, the CJTF member was on duty when he was mistakenly shot in the left leg by a colleague.
The victim was immediately evacuated to the battalion’s medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Sources said the injured personnel are responding to treatment, while further details surrounding the incident are being awaited.
CJTF member accidentally shot by colleague in Borno
Troops arrest two suspected terrorist collaborators in Pulka
Troops rescue three abducted victims, recover ammunition in Borno
Troops repel terrorist attack in Yobe
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News12 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
