NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nigerian-German movie producer seeks FG’s investment in Nollywood
Entertainment

Nigerian-German movie producer seeks FG’s investment in Nollywood

476 total views today

 

By Joan Odafe

 

Nigerian-German film director and producer, Dagogo Diminas, has highlighted the need for Federal Government investment in the Nollywood industry.

 

Diminas said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

 

He noted that state funding would allow filmmakers to experiment and innovate without financial pressure.

 

“Filmmaking is serious business.

 

“Every department – camera, sound, script, costume – needs to have a clear artistic vision.

 

“Government’s support is essential if we want to compete globally and preserve our identity,” he said.

 

He, therefore, advised creatives to develop unique storytelling styles reflecting Nigeria’s rich heritage rather than imitate Western forms.

 

According to him, having a cultural authenticity is very important for Nollywood’s global growth.

 

“We cannot compete with Hollywood. They created most of the tools we use but we can be different, just like the Indians, the Italians or the Koreans.

 

“They all have unique styles. Nigeria needs to find its voice in film,” he said.

 

Diminas, who has over 30 years experience across Nigeria, South Africa and Germany, began his career in makeup and special effects before studying film directing and production in Europe.

 

Diminas said Nollywood had grown significantly since its early ‘home video’ era, and praised the new generation of filmmakers for their creativity and resilience.

 

He, however identified critical challenges in the areas of distribution, funding and the absence of a defined genre that is unique to the Nigerian experience.

 

According to the filmmaker, integrating Afrobeat into Nollywood productions, especially in the soundtracks and themes, could help Nigeria carve a niche internationally.

 

“Afrobeat is globally recognised. Imagine movies that carry that rhythm, that energy.

 

“You’d know immediately that it’s from Nigeria, just from the sound,” he said.

 

Diminas further called on Nigerian filmmakers to explore cinematic styles such as Italian neorealism and the French Nouvelle Vague, which he believes naturally align with the aesthetics already found in many productions.

 

Citing the success of Afrobeat musicians into gaining global traction by embracing their roots, Diminas urged the film sector to follow suit.

 

He suggested that movies be subtitled in local dialects, and feature traditional music instruments and costumes, to stand out on global platforms.

 

Diminas urged the film industry to embrace strategic storytelling that educates and entertains as a means of addressing pressing social issues.

 

Citing his film,’Stigma’, which aaddressed HIV/AIDS awareness, he explained how the use of humour and cultural context was used to discuss the issue without instilling fear or pity.

 

“Nigerians are known for suffering and smiling.

 

“So, even when we tell tough stories, they must carry that human touch, that relatability.

 

“That’s how to connect with audiences,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

We’ve attracted 1m investments – says PCNGI coordinator
Economy/Business

We’ve attracted $491m investments – says PCNGI coordinator

299 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

 

Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Coordinator, Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), says over 491 million dollars investments have been attracted to AutoCNG and created over 9,000 direct and 75,000 indirect jobs in the past one year.

 

Oluwagbemi said this while addressing State House Correspondents on Monday.

 

He said the conversion capacity of vehicles from pure petrol and diesel to Bifuel vehicles had increased from seven when the programme started to more than 200.

 

He said the Conversion Incentive Programme (CIP) introduced by President Bola Tinubu in August 2024 led to the employment of 3,000 new technicians.

 

He said the programme was to enable one million free or subsidised conversion of certain classes of vehicles, especially public commercial transports, rideshares and MDA vehicles to be done by the PCNGI.

 

He said about 22,000 conversion kits were initially procured and started being delivered in October 2024 to the programme by the Ministry of Finance.

 

He added that 10,000 conversion centers would be established by the end of this quarter under this programme having started in December 2024.

 

He said the programme had been expanded by the PCNGI to enable discounts for public servants to finance the balance of costs for converting their vehicles working with the Credit Corp.

 

“If you also recall, to demonstrate the efficacy of CNG and electric vehicles (EV) platforms, CNG buses and tricycles as well as EV buses were procured on our behalf by the Federal Ministry of Finance. A total of 655 buses were procured.

 

“About 421 CNG Buses and 36 EV buses have been delivered so far, and the programme has deployed 405 buses either as part of the settlement of terms with the NLC and TUC as part of the wage negotiations,” he said.

 

Oluwagbemi said the PCNGI was established to facilitate the adoption of natural gas and other alternative fueled vehicles including electric vehicles.

 

He said this was in the light of the removal of fuel subsidy that led to a spike of transportation costs at the onset of the policy as the President sought to rescue the nation.

 

He said there had been a visible gap in CNG availability with longer queues in some locations but assured this was temporary.

 

He attributee this to the influx of CNG trucks and the over 30,000 CNG conversions undertaken by the private sector, which more than quintupled the CNG fleet of Nigeria.

 

“This naturally will put pressure on our gas infrastructure. But the PCNGI is not relenting in solutions,” he said.

 

He said PCNGI launched a scheme called the Refueling On lending Programme that would provide equipment at cost for refueling to key conversion centers and refueling partners.

 

He said 25 sites were billed to benefit and 15 states slated for this: “Already the first site in Kwara state is live, and Kogi, Ekiti, Rivers and Abuja will soon join them before May 1, 2025.

 

“By June 12 we shall have Kaduna, Abia, Enugu joining the fray with Niger, Kano and Benue following shortly thereafter.”

 

He said the PCNGI embarked on intensive stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaign from May to November 2024 to convince the private sector to invest critical funds alongside the government’s investments.

 

This, he said, stimulated demand by commercial vehicle operators and private vehicle users alike.

 

He said to further bolster infrastructure, PCNGI had co-opted private sector partners to deploy over 150 new refueling locations in the next 18 months.

 

“NNPC have already deployed 12 sites, with 8 to go this quarter, and approval for additional 100 sought and secured for the next 18-24 months.

 

“NIPCO has imported equipment for 32 daughter station sites with 22 in operation and eight under construction. Bovas has eight under construction and AY Shafa has completed one with nine under construction.

 

“Entities like Ibile Oil and Gas, MBH and Mikano are also investing in not just daughter stations but also mother stations,” he said.

 

Oluwagbemi said the sole safety incident that occurred in Benin last year was a result of economic saboteurs engaged in illegal fabrication of CNG cylinders and were arrested by the police.

 

He said with Nigeria Gas Vehicles Monitoring System (NGVMS) in place that incident would be avoided as only properly labelled and accredited vehicles with certified tanks would be refueled.

 

“The necessary steps to launch the NGVMS are ongoing, and we expect it to be in place by year end. We won’t relent in ensuring the safety of lives and investments of participants in the sector,” he assured. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

 

 

Lawmaker, firm empower 300 women with ICT training
Science & Tech

Lawmaker, firm empower 300 women with ICT training

292 total views today

 

 

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

 

A federal lawmaker, Mrs Kafilat Ogbara, on Saturday empowered 300 women from her constituency and other parts of Lagos with comprehensive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training.

 

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training programme, Ogbara, Member, House of Representatives, Kosofe Federal Constituency, said that the empowerment initiative was driven by her commitment to uplift women.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was done in partnership with New Horizons, an ICT Training Institution.

 

Ogbara said that the ICT training would equip the women with relevant skills for a modern economy.

 

“The recruitment process for beneficiaries was transparent, and all applicants were given equal opportunities to apply. The participants were selected based on their potential for ICT knowledge.

 

“This initiative emphasises the significance of women’s empowerment, aligning it with the global Sustainable Development Goal number five on gender equality,” the lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on Women’s Affairs and Social Development, said.

 

Ogbara noted that empowering women would have ripple effects and positively impact families, communities and the nation at large.

 

She said that the training would also provide the women with a lifeline and lifetime empowerment, enabling them to become independent, innovative and contribute meaningfully to society.

 

Ogbara urged the women to believe in themselves, be confident, and understand that character was as important as knowledge and qualifications for sustained success.

 

“As women, we need to be resolute, hardworking, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. We need to dismiss any notion of limitations based on our gender,” she said.

 

Ogbara pledged her commitment to monitoring the beneficiaries’ progress, exploring possibilities for further support and providing necessary tools for them.

 

Mr Tim Akano, the Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, said that the training was designed to expose the women to the vast IT ecosystem.

 

“It will help them identify suitable skills based on their individual interests and aptitudes,” he said.

 

He noted that the curriculum would cover various aspects of IT, including coding, graphics design and cybersecurity, thereby, providing a foundational knowledge upon which the beneficiaries could build future expertise.

 

Akano underscored the potential economic impact of the initiative, citing the dominance of IT in the global economy and among the world’s wealthiest individuals.

 

He emphasised that equipping youths and women with IT skills was a direct investment in building a robust economy, as it required minimal initial capital to start an online business.

 

Akano recalled Ogbara’s previous contribution to establishing a well-equipped IT lab, indicating her past commitment to providing necessary resources.

 

Akano said that the 300 women were divided into six batches, with each batch undergoing a one-week intensive training programme.

 

He reiterated that the selection process ensured that participants had an existing interest and foundational knowledge in IT, and were all graduates, signifying a high potential for success in the field.

 

Akano underscored New Horizons’ pride in partnering with Ogbara on the impactful initiative, recognising her consistent dedication to empowering her constituents.

 

He also highlighted the institution’s commitment to providing top-notch training and a conducive learning environment.

 

Two of the beneficiaries, Fauzia Salako-Sani and Damilola Obiriko, who are class representatives for the different batches, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and their determination to maximise the training.

 

Salako-Sani, a content provider and broadcast journalist, stated her intention to leverage the IT skills to enhance her profession and contribute more in the technology space.

 

“I promise to encourage my classmates to be attentive, committed and practical in their learning, because this is a golden opportunity,” Salako-Sani said.

 

Similarly Obiriko, a Brand Analyst and an alumnae of New Horizons, lauded the institution’s excellent delivery and learning environment.

 

She highlighted her interest in data analysis and cyber security, saying that the training would significantly upgrade her skills and make her a more sought-after professional. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Yinka Fadare

Don tasks insurers, information officers on responsible AI use
General News

Don tasks insurers, information officers on responsible AI use

331 total views today

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

Professor of Practice in Cybersecurity, Obadare Adewale, has called on insurers and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to prioritise the responsible and effective implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

 

 

 

Adewale, the Chief Executive Officer of Digital Encode Ltd. made the call during the 13th Annual Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) Conference in Lagos on Saturday.

 

 

 

He said this was necessary to strengthen cybersecurity measures in the insurance sector and other fields.

 

 

 

Adewale urged CIOs to actively seek after knowledge to ensure AI solutions were designed and deployed in ways that enhance customer experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and foster business growth.

 

 

 

He stressed the importance of educating themselves on innovative AI applications to tackle critical challenges such as data quality, algorithmic bias, and cybersecurity risks.

 

 

 

The professor noted that this was necessary as AI technology had continued to transform the sector.

 

 

 

“Proper use of AI can transform some CIOs to Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers. It is your duty to lead digital transformation in your various organisations,” Adewale said.

 

 

 

He cautioned against uncritical adoption of AI, advising CIOs to define their organisation’s business goals and align it with their objectives and to develop a special AI business strategy.

 

 

 

“You also must identify specific challenges or opportunities where AI will make the most impact. Engage in training, research industry trends

 

 

 

“You also need to evaluate your technological infrastructure to ensure it can support AI projects,” he added.

 

 

 

Also, Mr Ademola Adeagbo, a cloud engineer with Clousa Africa, encouraged underwriters to harness the potential of AI Copilot, a cutting-edge tool designed to enhance their work.

 

 

 

He explained that AI Copilot could streamline work processes, improve efficiency, and enable more informed decision-making in the rapidly evolving insurance landscape.

 

 

 

Adeagbo mentioned several applications of AI Copilot to include summarising online meetings, prioritising emails, analysing large datasets to identify risks, offering insights, processing settlements, and claims.

 

 

 

Others, he said, were assisting managers in evaluating new claims, developing tailored products, and generating quick responses to customers to enhance satisfaction.

 

 

 

Mr Shikoli Makatiani, Head of AI and Innovation, Turnkey Africa, provided insights to insurers and CIOs on practical methods for integrating AI into insurance workloads.

 

 

 

Mr Theodore Chukwudi, a technical consulting engineer at Cisco, addressed the importance of maintaining security in the digital age through AI-driven technology.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, which started on Friday, April 4, is scheduled to end Sunday, April 6.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Feeding the future: Nigeria’s bold step toward agro-industrial transformation
Economy/Business

Feeding the future: Nigeria’s bold step toward agro-industrial transformation

304 total views today

 

By Olawunmi Ashafa (News Agency of Nigeria)

Nigeria is embarking on a transformative journey to reshape its agricultural sector as construction begins on the landmark Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project in Kaduna and Cross River states.

This flagship initiative, a key component of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Feed Africa strategy, signals an important shift in Nigeria’s approach to agribusiness and food security.

The Federal Government, in alliance with AfDB and international partners, including the Islamic Development Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development and Africa Grow Together Fund, will officially inaugurate Phase 1 of the SAPZ programme.

This represents a step toward comprehensive agro-industrial development across the nation.

The transformative initiative will be spearheaded by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the President of AfDB, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who will officially launch construction with groundbreaking ceremonies scheduled for April 8 in Kaduna State and April 10 in Cross River.

This intervention comes as Nigeria battles with increasing food insecurity challenges and actively seeks economic diversification.

With an unprecedented investment of $538 million, SAPZ Phase 1 marks the African Development Bank’s largest programme in any African country to date, underscoring the scale and significance of this undertaking.

The SAPZ initiative embodies President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening food security, generating sustainable employment opportunities and revitalising peri-urban economies through innovative public-private partnerships.

Also, it will ensure private sector partners designing, developing and operating these zones, establishing a sustainable blueprint for agro-industrial growth.

This launch is expected to catalyse momentum for SAPZ Phase 2, with an additional 28 states already positioned to participate in this agricultural renaissance.

The recent Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco, saw the bank secure an unprecedented $2.2 billion commitment for the Nigeria Phase 2 SAPZ, indicating strong confidence in the programme’s potential.

Lessons learned from the initial phase will be crucial for accelerating the implementation of this next stage.

On addressing Nigeria’s $4.9 billion annual food security challenge and
recognising the billions lost annually due to food insecurity, the SAPZ initiative represents a critical developmental priority and an undeniable economic imperative for the country.

The programme is strategically designed to transform Nigeria into a global agribusiness leader, by effectively leveraging co-financing and the specialised expertise of the private sector.

“The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is about developing new economic zones across Africa close to where farmers are.

“These zones have enabling infrastructure-power, water, roads, irrigation-and today, we’re investing over $3 billion in more than 11 countries,” Adesina explained.

He further emphasised that transformation without agricultural transformation is incomplete because agriculture touches the lives of people at the grassroots level.

The SAPZ Nigeria Programme employs a comprehensive three-pronged approach, which includes infrastructure development by establishing robust infrastructure within the agro-industrial zones.

It will also enhance the business environment and strengthen institutional capabilities while facilitating skills development, supporting agricultural productivity, and attracting private investment across diverse value chains.

Strategically located in areas with high agricultural potential, these zones will be equipped with essential infrastructure and common services.

They will also benefit from tailored policy incentives designed to seamlessly integrate agricultural and industrial businesses.

By clustering agro-processing activities within regions of significant agricultural advantage, the SAPZs will bring together producers, processors, aggregators, and distributors, thereby reducing transaction costs.

Moreso, it will simultaneously drivw productivity and foster enterprise development.(NAN)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Surveyor General office deploys drone technology for detailed Abuja topographical map  
General News

Surveyor General office deploys drone technology for detailed Abuja topographical map  

327 total views today

 

 

By Angela Atabo

 

The Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) has inaugurated a pioneering project to create a highly detailed topographical map of the Federal Capital Territory using drone technology.

 

The Surveyor-General, Mr Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, made this known at a one-day workshop on Thursday in Abuja.

 

The workshop, organised by OSGOF, focused on the use cases for very high-resolution drone imagery and street view data collected for parts of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

 

Adebomehin explained that the project was being undertaken in collaboration with PLACE, a United States-based organisation.

 

He said it marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to harness the power of geospatial data for sustainable development and smart city initiatives.

 

“We are processing about 17,000 images. It is geospatial management and the information you can manage that is shaping the world.

 

“We do not want Nigeria to be left behind, which is why we are making significant efforts.

 

“I want to say this is one of the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Through the Ministers who assisted in securing approval, we have been able to move forward.

 

“We all know what you can do with drones nowadays,” he said.

 

Adebomehin highlighted that this technology was the first of its kind in Africa and would aid in search and rescue operations, curb insecurity, and provide disaster alerts, including flood warnings.

 

He called for collaborative efforts among organisations to maximise the benefits of this technology.

 

Azeez Afeez, Head of the Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Department at OSGOF, highlighted OSGOF’s constitutional mandate.

 

This, according to him, includes coordinating survey and mapping activities, as well as producing and disseminating accurate, reliable, and adequate geospatial data and information.

 

He said these efforts enabled the government to make informed decisions that enhanced governance.

 

He added that OSGOF adopted this mapping technology because of its potential to address various humanitarian challenges, improve agriculture, enhance disaster response, and bolster security measures.

 

He stressed the importance of leveraging digital twin technology.

 

According to him, it involves creating virtual representations of physical objects to provide real-time data and imagery for border control, movement monitoring, and airport security.

 

“Digital twin technology is being used in cities globally.

 

“I have seen digital twins created for airports in South Korea that allow authorities to monitor the movement of people and planes in real time.

 

“We can implement this technology in Nigeria. Digital twins can be applied in almost every sector. To a layman, it means capturing a building virtually in a computer.

 

“If we need to make modifications to a building, such as renovations, we can simulate the changes in our system first, saving time and resources.”

 

According to him, digital twin technology is fundamental for smart cities, and without it, Nigeria cannot achieve autonomous land management.

 

Also speaking, Mr Waddah Hago, Geospatial Technology Lead at PLACE, United States, explained that PLACE is a non-profit organisation committed to advancing modern mapping solutions.

 

Hago stated that their mission was to create a trusted intermediary between public and private entities to deliver hyperlocal, accurate, and detailed optical imagery of the Earth’s surface.

 

He commended OSGOF for its collaboration in advancing modern-day mapping initiatives in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Group tasks judiciary stakeholders on data protection, efficient justice delivery
Judiciary

Group tasks judiciary stakeholders on data protection, efficient justice delivery

444 total views today

 

 

 

By Adenike Ayodele

A group, Open Society Justice Reform Project (OSJRP), has called on judiciary stakeholders to recognise the critical role of data protection in justice administration.

The group’s Executive Director, Mr Sam Akpologun, made the appeal while addressing newsmen in commemoration of Data Backup Day on Thursday in Ikeja.

According to Akpologun, data backup is more than a mere Information Technology (IT) requirement; it is an essential component of judicial integrity.

He stated that poor and unreliable data backup systems had contributed to case file losses and delayed trials in courts.

OSJRP director said that protecting legal data meant protecting human rights, due process, and access to justice.

He identified the biggest challenge to effective justice delivery as the poor state of digital infrastructure and data management within the judiciary.

“Poor or unreliable data backup systems has contributed to case file losses, delay in trials and lack of transparency in judicial processes.

“Without proper data protection measures, sensitive legal documents remain susceptible to corruption, tampering, and intentional or accidental destruction,”Akpologun said.

He gave an instance of the arson that occurred during the #EndSARS protest, when the oldest judicial building in Nigeria, Igbosere Court, was razed, resulting in the destruction and loss of sensitive files and data.

According to Akpologun, the recovery of data was largely attributed to the partial digitisation of records through the Digital Information Litigation (DIL) system, which commenced in 2013.

He added that data backup played a critical role in justice administration.

“A robust data protection framework in the justice sector will prevent the loss of critical legal records due to human error, cyber attacks, or infrastructural failures.

“It will also improve efficiency by enabling quick retrieval of case files, reducing case backlogs, enhancing transparency and accountability by ensuring that court records are tamper-proof and easily auditable.

“Although the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 has been passed, the implementation of strong data protection policies in the judiciary remains weak,” he said.

The group noted that courts still operated largely with paper-based systems, as electronic case management was still in its infancy.

According to OSJRP, the slow adoption of automated court systems and secure data backup protocols has made judicial processes more cumbersome and prone to manipulation.

Akpologun said achieving sustainable access to justice required modernising judicial infrastructure.

He said, “To bridge the data protection gap, we advocate for the full implementation of digital case management systems across all levels of the judiciary.

“We recommend regular data backups of judicial records to prevent losses that could delay justice delivery.

“We also advocate for the adoption of cloud-based and secure offline storage solutions for legal documents.

“We recommend stronger enforcement of Nigeria’s Data Protection Act within the justice sector, capacity-building programmes for judicial officers on data protection best practices.

“We urge judicial stakeholders, government agencies, and civil society to recognise the critical role of data protection in justice administration.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Omeire

Global tech gap: NITDA, Doballi partner to empower Nigerian talent
General News

Global tech gap: NITDA, Doballi partner to empower Nigerian talent

331 total views today

 

By Olawunmi Ashafa

 

In a move to address the persistent challenge of job placement for Nigeria’s rapidly tech talent pool, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has forged a strategic partnership with Afrovision Technologies Ltd. (Doballi), a Dubai-based AI-powered platform.

 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed recently, aims to create a sustainable pipeline of employment opportunities, connecting skilled Nigerian professionals with global enterprises seeking remote workers.

 

In spite of a vibrant tech scene, many Nigerian talents face hurdles in securing meaningful employment.

 

This partnership seeks to dismantle those barriers, leveraging the strengths of both entities to drive digital transformation and foster economic growth.

 

NITDA, the federal government agency responsible for developing and regulating IT, will play an important role in identifying and preparing a steady stream of highly skilled Nigerian tech professionals.

 

These talents will be onboarded onto the Doballi platform, a cutting-edge AI solution designed to match vetted African talent with international employers.

 

Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, said, “This collaboration is more than just job creation.

 

“It’s about building a sustainable digital jobs ecosystem and providing crucial social and economic data to inform policy and decision-making.”

 

The MoU outlines a clear division of responsibilities.

 

NITDA will ensure that all talents presented for onboarding meet employable standards, acting as a reliable source of qualified professionals for the Doballi platform. Notably, Doballi has waived the mandatory 150 dollar assessment fee for NITDA-sourced talents, demonstrating their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

 

Nneoma Ijei, Country Director of Doballi, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership.

 

“We are confident that this collaboration will unlock a wealth of remote job opportunities for Nigerian tech talents, fostering economic advancement and professional growth across the nation.”

 

In an era marked by a global demand for tech expertise, Africa, with Nigeria at its forefront, is poised to become a key player.

 

“With its young, vibrant and innovative workforce, the continent is ready to redefine the future of technology and drive global innovation,” Ijei said.

Doballi’s commitment extends beyond mere placement.

 

The platform will equip candidates with essential industry knowledge, outlining key areas of expertise and required certifications.

 

Crucially, it will provide cross-cultural training, preparing talents for the nuances of global work environments.

 

 

Moreso, Doballi will develop a dedicated dashboard for NITDA, enabling real-time tracking of talent progress, employer feedback and monitoring of foreign currency payments and tax implications within the Nigerian banking system.

 

This transparency and accountability are vital for ensuring the long-term success of the initiative.

 

The partnership between NITDA and Doballi signifies a crucial step towards unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s tech talent, bridging the global skills gap and driving sustainable economic development.

 

As the world increasingly embraces remote work, Nigeria is strategically positioned to capitalise on this trend. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Editor by Folasade Adeniran

Nigerian military, Briech unveil 1st indigenous attack drones, bombs
Defence/Security

Nigerian military, Briech unveil 1st indigenous attack drones, bombs

410 total views today

Nigerian military, Briech unveil 1st indigenous attack drones, bomb

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Jessica Dogo

 

 

 

The Nigerian Military, in collaboration with Briech UAS, a communications company, has unveiled the first and largest indigenous attack drones and bombs in Nigeria and Africa.

 

Briech UAS, in partnership with the Nigerian Army, demonstrated and unveiled these attack drones and bombs at the company’s headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, described the initiative as a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward self-reliance in defence technology and a significant step in strengthening national security capabilities.

 

Musa emphasised that the development of combat drones was a timely intervention, highlighting their efficiency in intelligence gathering.

 

He said that these drones would facilitate decisive actions against threats in an era where security challenges were increasingly complex and asymmetric.

 

“These force multipliers will play a vital role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of our military.

 

“Particularly in a world where global politics surrounding the procurement of advanced military hardware have become more intricate.

 

“Countries that do not produce such solutions face bureaucratic bottlenecks and diplomatic hurdles when acquiring these critical platforms. We are facing such challenges directly.

 

“If you don’t produce what you need, you will be at the mercy of others, even when you have the financial resources to acquire them.

 

“By manufacturing these drones locally, Nigeria reduces its dependence on foreign resources, ensures prompt acquisition, and strengthens its ability to respond swiftly to security threats.

 

“With the brilliant minds we have, particularly among our youth, we can create outstanding technology that competes globally,” he said.

 

The Governor of Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang, stressed that Nigeria’s growth depended on recognising and patronising indigenous products.

 

Mutfwang stated that the drones would play a critical role in protecting national sovereignty both in Plateau and across the nation.

 

He revealed that some of these locally made technologies had already been deployed to Plateau, significantly improving the efficiency of ground forces.

 

He also noted that his state was partnering with local bomb and drone manufacturers like Briech UAS to counter insurgency using domestically produced weapons.

 

“As a nation, we made a mistake by allowing non-state actors to acquire capabilities that nearly rival those of state actors.

 

“We have entered into a partnership that has enabled the deployment of these facilities in our state.

 

“We have witnessed significant improvements in the efficiency of our security forces.

 

“Indeed, it was an error to allow non-state actors to amass capabilities that almost overpower those of legitimate state forces.

 

“It is time to rectify that imbalance.

 

“We must ensure that no one within our borders possesses capabilities that match or exceed those entrusted with the constitutional duty of protecting our national sovereignty,” he said.

 

Earlier, the Chairman of Briech UAS, Dr Bright Echefu, noted that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP had recently adopted commercial drones for reconnaissance and attack missions.

 

“These drones have been used to track and attack our troops. They are being deployed to coordinate ambushes and execute crude aerial strikes,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Company empowers 1,000 Lagos students with financial literacy skills
Education

Company empowers 1,000 Lagos students with financial literacy skills

389 total views today

By Taiye Olayemi

No fewer than 1,000 Lagos students have been empowered in financial literacy skills by Coronation Group Ltd. in commemoration of the 13th edition of the Global Money Week.

 

 

 

Mr Wole Onasanya, Managing Director of Coronation Group, in a statement on Tuesday, said that the initiative was in alignment with the company’s commitment to sustainable finance and financial inclusion.

 

 

 

Onasanya said that the empowerment programme was aimed to equip students with essential financial knowledge, foster responsible money management and long-term wealth-building habits.

 

 

 

He said, “Financial literacy is not merely a skill; it is a catalyst for economic empowerment, sustainable growth and societal transformation.

 

 

 

“At Coronation, we are committed to shaping a future where young Africans can make informed financial decisions that transcend generations.

 

 

 

“By investing in financial education today, we are fostering a financially inclusive society aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 8 on decent Work and economic growth.

 

 

 

“Our mission is to nurture a generation capable of creating, sustaining, and transferring wealth for a prosperous Africa.”

 

 

 

Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, Mrs Adetola Akindele, VP Student Affairs of Chrisland School, Idimu, said, “It’s never too early to develop good financial habits.

 

 

 

“These young minds can start saving, investing, and understanding the importance of financial protection through insurance.

 

 

 

“Programmes like this lay the foundation for a more financially secure future.”

 

 

 

The financial literacy sessions, guided by the theme, “Think Before You Follow: Wise Money Tomorrow”, covered critical topics such as budgeting, savings, investment principles and understanding financial risks.

 

 

 

Professional facilitators from Coronation Group used real-life scenarios to help students cultivate sustainable financial habits and develop a discerning approach to money management.

 

 

 

The schools that participated are: Chrisland School, Victoria Garden City; Greensprings School, Anthony Campus; Chrisland School, Lekki and Chrisland School, Idimu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

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