NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FCT-UBEB promoting entrepreneurship in basic education for self-reliance  
Education

FCT-UBEB promoting entrepreneurship in basic education for self-reliance  

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) says it is entrenching innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in basic education to promote self-reliance.

Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, FCT-UBEB, stated this in Abuja on Monday, at a two-day training of FCT teachers on innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Wenegieme, who represented the acting chairman of the board, Dr Dr. Alhassan Sule at the event, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the move was for children to drive solutions to societal problems.

She said that the innovation and entrepreneurship education was critical to achieving President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“FCT UBEB is building the capacity of our children to make them self-reliant such that a child that finished primary and junior secondary school should be able to do something for him or herself.

“We don’t want a situation where children will graduate from school and become redundant, after obtaining a certificate in basic education, a child should be able to fend for himself,” she said.

She said that initiative focuses on relevant vocational and entrepreneurial skills such as welding and fabrication, fashion design, plumbing, brick laying, electrical fittings, and hair styling among others.

According to the director, acquiring such skills will not only enable the children to be self-reliant, but also employ and train others.

She explained that the two-day training would equip the teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills on how to entrench innovation and entrepreneurship among pupils and students.

Wenegieme said that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, was doing everything possible to transform primary and secondary education in the FCT with focus on functional skills for national development.

Her counterpart at the FCT Education Secretariat, Mr kolawale Olobashola, said that the goal was to implant entrepreneurship education in the heart of school students.

Olobashola, the Director, Science, Technology and Innovation, added that with entrepreneurial skills, no FCT child would be a nuisance on the street. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

FCTA building entrepreneurship skill centre for secondary schools – Director  
Education

FCTA building entrepreneurship skill centre for secondary schools – Director  

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is building an Entrepreneurship Skills Development Centre to promote entrepreneurship education in secondary schools.

Dr Mohammed Ladan, the Director/Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, on the sideline of a two-day training of FCT teachers on innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Ladan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the centre, sited at Government Secondary School Giri, was expected to be ready by end of the year.

He said that the centre was being built in collaboration with Brunel University Business School, United Kingdom, which promised to furnish and equip it when completed.

He explained that the centre would serve as hub for entrepreneurship education for the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

He added that the centre would also be used in the training of stakeholders and other entrepreneurship teachers in skill acquisition centres across the country.

He said “we are tired of students graduating without a job; we are tired of saying no job, no job, no job. Our students, this time around, will begin to create jobs for Nigerians.

“We want to tackle the problem of unemployment with Abuja as the lead.”

The director explained that what the FCTA was doing was to prepare school children to identify societal problems that could be solved with resources in the environment.

According to him, some of the students are already providing solutions, particularly in converting waste to wealth.

He identified some of the products being produced by the students as interlocks using waste nylon and polyethene bags, toilet paper from used cartons, sweet syrup from date fruits, and flowerpots, among others.

He added that the students were being equipped with entrepreneurial skills in welding and fabrication, fashion design, plumbing, brick laying, electrical fittings, shoe making, and hair styling, among others.

The director explained that the teachers training was the third in the series of training conducted to reposition FCT schools for innovation and entrepreneurship education.

“The first training was conducted for school principals, that is the administrators who are the accounting officers of schools.

“The second phase of the training was conducted for vice principal academics, who are the custodians of the entrepreneurship curriculum.

“The third batch, taking place today, is for teachers who would drive the programme and we have more than 400 of them from junior secondary schools, senior secondary schools and teachers from private schools,” he said.

Ladan added that the fourth batch would be organised for artisans to help in deepening skills development and help school children to realise their potential. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Nigeria’s energy transition should lead Africa’s climate future  – APRI boss
Environment

Nigeria’s energy transition should lead Africa’s climate future  – APRI boss

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By Angela Atabo

Dr Olumide Abimbola, Founder, Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), on Monday said Nigeria should lead the charge for Africa’s climate future through an equitable, homegrown and economically sound energy transition.

Abimbola stated this ahead of a workshop organised by APR in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat scheduled for Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which is co-hosted by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, will draw stakeholders from across the Global South for peer learning.

“This convening is not just about knowledge-sharing, it is about defining Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s climate future and ensuring that our energy transition is equitable, homegrown, and economically sound.

“At the heart of the event is a shared goal to explore how Nigeria can design its own Country Platform for Climate Action (CPCA).

“The CPCA is a coordinated national framework to drive low-emission growth, mobilise climate finance, and ensure a just, inclusive energy transition,” he said.

Abimbola said the insights from the two-day workshop would contribute directly to Nigeria’s forthcoming National Development Plan 2026-2030 and help to mainstream climate priorities across key sectors, including power, transportation, agriculture, industry, and finance.

He said that in the lead-up to the event, APRI had already released a background paper offering practical pathways for Nigeria’s transition.

According to him, the document presents lessons from global case studies, outlining bold, locally relevant strategies for implementing a coordinated, fundable, and inclusive climate framework across policy, infrastructure, and industry.

“The workshop will draw lessons from countries like South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal, which are already implementing Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs),” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Wike directs IBB Golf Club committee to commence work immediately
Sports

Wike directs IBB Golf Club committee to commence work immediately

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By Philip YataiThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyeson Wike, has directed the newly appointed members of the Interim Management Committee of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Golf Club to commence work immediately.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the minister on Public Communications and Social Media, announced the directive in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

Olayinka explained that the committee would be chaired by Dr Peter Deshi and Yomi Oyelola as secretary.

He identified other members of the committee as Otunba Elegbeleye, Nanwor Mamven, Mrs Ekanem Ekwueme, Arabi Bello, Lawan Aboki, Okey Nnaedozie, Fred Otobo and Julius Fadairo.

He, however, said that the committee would function under the supervision of the club’s Board of Trustees, led by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal.

“The minister had emphasised the FCT Administration’s commitment to restoring order and efficiency to the prestigious club, which had recently experienced internal challenges.

“The minister also clarified the ownership status of the club, reiterating that it remained the property of the Federal Capital Territory Administration,” he said. (NAN)

Edite by Peter Amine

Digital economy key to Nigeria’s economic transformation, says lawmaker
Economy/Business

Digital economy key to Nigeria’s economic transformation, says lawmaker

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By Philip Yatai

Rep. Gaza Gbefwi, Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, says digital economy holds the key to Nigeria’s economic transformation, job creation, and national security.

Gbefwi, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, stated this in Abuja on Friday, at a seminar with the theme, “Powering Nigeria’s Digital Economy through Advanced Information Management Paradigms”.

The seminar was organised by the Association of Applied Information Management Professionals (AAIMP).

Represented by one of his aides, Mr Emmanuel Kadiya, the lawmaker described digital transformation as the “bridge between today’s challenges and tomorrow’s prosperity”.

Gbefwi, who was the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the urgent need for the youths to embrace digital innovation as a pathway to national development.

According to him, for Nigeria to thrive in the global digital economy, our young people must take lead by mastering information management and leveraging technology to create opportunities locally and internationally.

“Our youths must leverage technology to save Nigeria.

“We must move from building Nigerian products to creating global solutions. With a smartphone, you can establish a business worth N250 million.

“Technology is already fixing revenue leakages and transforming infrastructure.”

In a keynote address, Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Federal Capital Territory Administration, noted the global shift from traditional economies to digital systems.

Olumuji pointed out that Nigeria had developed a National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

He also urged the youths to drive its transformation.

According to him, Nigeria must strengthen its broadband infrastructure across urban and rural areas to maximise the benefits of digital economy.

Similarly, retired Major-Gen. Chris Olukolade, Chairman, Centre for Crisis Communication, re-echoed Olumuji’s concerns on the need to strengthen broadband infrastructure.

Olukolade highlighted the strategic importance of real-time structured information in national security and emergency response.

According to him, reliable and coordinated information is not just useful; it is lifesaving.

“The digital economy we seek depends heavily on how effectively we manage and leverage evolving information infrastructure.”

He commended AAIMP for promoting cross-sectoral dialogue and reaffirmed his Centre’s support for efforts that strengthen intelligent information management nationwide.

Also, Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, described the seminar as timely and transformative.

Ayuba emphasised the role of education in driving digital innovation.

“To harness digital opportunities, we must reimagine strategies that encompass emerging technologies like cloud computing, blockchain, and big data analytics.

“Bingham University is committed to supporting national digital development through research, collaboration, and innovation.

“Our interdisciplinary departments are pushing the frontiers of data science and information systems,” he said.

Earlier, the AIMP President, Dr Omotola Afuye, emphasised the association’s mission in building a knowledge-driven future for Nigeria.

Afuye said that the digital economy thrives on structured data, timely information, and innovative systems that enhance productivity and decision-making.

“We are not just building an association; we are building a legacy of excellence in information management,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NMA commends Wike’s efforts at ending malaria in FCT
Health

NMA commends Wike’s efforts at ending malaria in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

Abuja, April 25, 2025 (NAN) The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has commended the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for standing strong in the fight against malaria.

Dr Emeka Ayogu, Chairman FCT chapter of the association gave the commendation in Abuja on Friday, on the sidelines of an event organised to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day.

The event was organised by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCTA, to offer free malaria testing, treatment, sensitises residents to ways to prevent malaria and how to access free malaria services.

Ayogu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration was doing very well in its efforts to end malaria in FCT, through its free malaria testing, prevention and treatment services.

According to him, the health services and environment secretariat is particularly doing exceptionally well in tackling malaria at households and community level.

“I commend FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe for standing very strong in the fight against malaria.

“They are doing very well to see how we can tackle malaria at households and community levesl across the FCT.

“The FCTA’s initiative to reinvest in its healthcare systems, reimagine how it fights malaria, and reignite its energy and unwavering commitment to end malaria is particularly encouraging.”

The NMA chairman said that the FCTA’s efforts emphasised the importance of eradicating malaria.

He added that the FCT Malaria Elimination Programme and the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in the territory, were not only creating awareness, but mobilising resources.

Earlier, Fasawe explained that the FCTA was scaling up interventions against malaria and strengthening its monitoring systems.

She added that the secretariat was also collaborating with partners at local, national, and international levels to stem the scourge of malaria in FCT.

She implored residents to take advantage of the free malaria testing services and make good use of the insecticide-treated nets provided.

Also, the Permanent Secretary in the secretariat, Dr Babagana Adam, explained that April 25 of every year was set aside to raise awareness about malaria prevention, testing and treatment.

“Our gathering today shows our commitment to taking action and strengthening the efforts of the FCTA to fight this preventable and treatable disease.

“We recently began a valuable partnership with FAMKLIS to ensure antimalarial drugs are available free of charge in our health facilities.

“Today, we are continuing that effort; everyone here will be able to get tested and receive a free insecticide-treated net,” Adam said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

WMD: FCTA scaling up interventions against malaria
Health

WMD: FCTA scaling up interventions against malaria

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By Philip Yatai and Aderogba George

The Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is scaling up interventions against malaria and strengthening its monitoring systems.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, stated this at the commemoration of the 2025 World Malaria, in Abuja on Friday.

The event, held at Asokoro District Hospital, offered free malaria testing and treatment, sensitised residents on ways to prevent malaria, and provided information on how to access free malaria services.

Fasawe added that the secretariat was also collaborating with partners at local, national, and international levels to stem the scourge of malaria in FCT.

She implored residents to take advantage of the free malaria testing services and make good use of the insecticide-treated nets provided.

“These represent our government’s commitment to this fight.

“Together, we can build a future where no child dies from a mosquito bite, a future where malaria is a thing of the past, and every community is healthy, safe, and thriving,” she said.

She pointed out that malaria remains one of the leading causes of hospital visits and admissions across the six area councils of the FCT.

She noted that many rural and peri-urban communities still lack access to effective malaria prevention and treatment.

According to her, the economic toll is significant – reducing productivity and increasing healthcare expenses for families and the government.

“Malaria affects an estimated 18.8 per cent of our population, with rural communities experiencing the highest transmission rates.

“We record around 1.4 million cases of malaria annually and only 31.1 per cent of residents have access to Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets, and just 42.2 per cent of children sleep under them.”

Fasawe said that the world malaria day with the theme, “Malaria ends with us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, was a powerful reminder that “we all have a role to play in ending malaria”.

“Malaria is both preventable and treatable, yet it continues to affect many lives, especially children under five years, pregnant women, and people living in hard-to-reach areas with limited access to healthcare.

“This must not continue.”

She reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to reinvest in its healthcare systems, reimagine how it fights malaria, and reignite its energy, its sense of urgency, and its unwavering commitment.

She said: “We must renew our determination to end malaria once and for all, but the government cannot do it alone.

“We need everyone’s support – health workers, parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community members alike.”

Also, the Permanent Secretary in the secretariat, Dr Babagana Adam, explained that April 25 of every year was set aside to raise awareness about malaria prevention, testing and treatment.

“Our gathering today shows our commitment to taking action and strengthening the efforts of the FCTA to fight this preventable and treatable disease.

“We recently began a valuable partnership with FAMKLIS to ensure antimalarial drugs are available free of charge in our health facilities.

“Today, we continue that effort; everyone here will be able to get tested and receive a free insecticide-treated net,” Adam said.

Dr Kumshida Yakubu of the World Health Organisation, said that the organisation was proud to be part of Nigeria’s commitment to ending malaria.

Yakubu particularly said that the WHO was supporting FCT’s End Malaria Campaign, by ensuring more homes have mosquito nets to protect families and more children get vaccinated to prevent malaria.

She added that the organisation was also supporting the territory to ensure that more health centres have medicines and more communities take part in malaria education.

On his part, Dr Kolawole Maxwell, Director, West and Central Africa Programme, Malaria Consortium, stressed the need to act decisively against malaria, amidst conflict, humanitarian crises, climate change and shrinking resources.

Mawell, who was represented by Dr Jennifer Chukwumerije, a Technical Specialist, commended the FCT Malaria Elimination Programme and the Primary Health Care Board for their tireless efforts in ensuring the health and wellbeing of residents.

He also hailed the success of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in the FCT, protecting thousands of children under five from malaria.

“This is commendable, and I congratulate the FCT for this achievement,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Karu LGA commences street naming, house numbering
General News

Karu LGA commences street naming, house numbering

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Blessing Ibegbu

Karu Local Government Council in Nasarawa State, in collaboration with G Code Global Services Ltd., has commenced a comprehensive street naming and house numbering project for effective urban planning

Mr Gaza Auta, the CEO of the company, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Karu.

According to him, the initiative aimed at improving urban planning, service delivery, and emergency response across the local government area.

He said that the project is focused on establishing a standardised addressing system, as well as helping residents, visitors, and service providers to locate addresses easily.

“It will enhance service delivery; improve delivery of utility services, postal systems and government interventions.

“The objective of the project also is to support urban development, provide data to support town planning, infrastructure, and future growth, ” he said.

He said that the role of G Code Global is mapping and data collection that would carry out surveys and create digital maps of communities.

“Naming and numbering is to assign culturally appropriate street names and numbers in consultation with stakeholders.

“Community engagement; educating and involving the community to ensure acceptance and sustainability of the system.

“Community participation is allowed, residents are encouraged to suggest names for streets, verify house and street details and update documents with the new standardised address,” he said.

“They will also benefit faster in emergency responses, attraction of investments and businesses, and organised data-driven development for Karu.

He said that the exercise which is the second phase of the project started in February and will be on for the next three years. (NAN) 

Edited by Joseph Edeh

NGO distributes treated nets to mark malaria day in Abuja
Health

NGO distributes treated nets to mark malaria day in Abuja

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Skilled Women Initiative (TSWINI), an NGO, has distributed treated mosquito nets to 50 families in the Guzape community, Federal Capital Territory, in commemoration of the 2025 World Malaria Day.

Speaking during the outreach on Friday in Abuja, TSWINI Programme Officer, Angela Okafor, said the initiative aimed to educate the community on mental health and general wellness.

Okafor noted that the focus was primarily on women, recognising them as the backbone of the family, caring for children, husbands, and neighbours and emphasised the importance of keeping women healthy and empowered.

She explained that the organisation was committed to raising awareness, promoting health education and mental wellness, and empowering women through support services.

“We create awareness and also strategies.

“A couple of times I have been here and noticed the environment is not conducive, dirty waterlogged areas.

“I felt the need to come and organise these programmes.

“I believe the women will benefit most because they hold the family together, their children, husbands, and neighbours.”

She further called for more support from both the government and private sector.

“We expect the government to support us in any way they can, resources and finances to help us reach more people, especially in rural communities,” she added.

In appreciation, two beneficiaries, Mrs Patience John and Mrs Doris James, thanked the organisation for its gesture and informative sessions on malaria prevention.

“I can now sleep under this mosquito net. It will prevent mosquitoes from entering my bed and home. May God bless and replenish them,” they said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Counterterrorism: Nigeria adopts technology to secure Sahel region
Defence/Security

Counterterrorism: Nigeria adopts technology to secure Sahel region

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By Ogbaje Sumaila

Nigeria has adopted the Counter Terrorism Technology (CT-TECH+) initiative to enhance its capacity to secure the country and the Sahel region.

The Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, made this known at the official kick-off of the CT TECH+ initiative, organised in collaboration with UN Office for Counter Terrorism (UNOCT), on Thursday in Abuja.

The event was also in collaboration with Interpol and funded by the European Union.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CT TECH+ is a two-year joint initiative that aims to strengthen the capacity of partner states, including Nigeria, to respond effectively to the growing threat of terrorism facilitated by new and emerging technologies.

Laka said that technology has ushered the world into a new era where global citizens now find themselves living in two interconnected realms, the physical world and the digital domain.

He said as innovation continues to evolve and new technologies emerge at an unprecedented pace, it converges vast opportunities and also complex, dynamic, and ever-changing risks.

He said that the digital age had opened a gateway for terrorists to exploit emerging technologies from artificial intelligence to autonomous technologies, encrypted communications, and blockchain-based financial tools, among others.

He said the initiative has provided access to radical content, recruitment platforms, illicit funding mechanisms, and the anonymity provided by cyberspace have also compounded the threats we face daily.

“More recently, we witnessed a disturbing trend where terrorists use commercial drones for surveillance over military deployments and even more concerning, these same drones have been weaponised to deliver explosive payloads.

“These are key areas I would urge this initiative to look into critically, as they reflect the rapidly evolving nature of terrorist tactics.

“In this context, the CT TECH+ initiative is not just timely but essential. It comes at a critical moment when we must outpace those who seek to destroy the very fabric of our societies.

“The only way to do this is through innovation, adaptation, and strategic foresight.

“At the NCTC, we firmly believe in proactive, collaborative, and tech-enabled responses to the evolving threat landscape.

“We are fully committed to initiatives such as CT TECH+ that align with our mandate not only to counterterrorism, but to prevent and address the root causes of violent extremism across Nigeria, West Africa, and the wider Sahel region.

“I am confident that CT TECH+ will elevate our capabilities and also bring us closer to the vision of a secure and resilient Nigeria, and the region in general,” he said.

Laka said that the initiative must not be allowed to become just another talk shop, saying that stakeholders must ensure that it translates into concrete outcomes that will attain the objectives of the initiative.

In his remarks, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gautier Mignot said:”terrorist threats are present on the five continents around the globe and they are taking new forms and shapes using new technologies.

“It is a constant, long-term fight which security agencies must always have to be one step ahead of the terrorists”.

According to him, security agencies have to be more clever, more internationally coordinated than the terrorists themselves who are also enhancing their coordination.

Mignot said the UN and its national organisations were committed to playing a pivotal role to support the CT-TECh+ initiative with a grant of 4.9 million euros.

This, according to him, is to contribute to global security by strengthening partner states’ law enforcement capacity to respond to the increasing use of new technologies for terrorist purposes while protecting human rights in a gender-responsive manner.

“We are very pleased to see Nigeria, among the few selected countries in Africa and in the world, the beneficiary of this initiative.

“I think it is a very right choice, as Nigeria is one of the most affected countries by the threats in Africa, but also one of the most capable to develop modern capabilities to prevent and fight terrorism,” he said.

Also, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Fall, commended the Federal Government for its unwavering commitment to strengthening national security while upholding the principles of international law.

Fall said that it was a time of rapid technological advancement as emerging technologies held transformative potential for development, civic engagement, and the promotion of human rights.

According to him, these same technologies are increasingly exploited by terrorists to spread fear, recruit, radicalise, finance their operations, and conduct attacks.

Fall said that Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Darknet, encrypted communication platforms, and virtual assets have become powerful tools in the hands of those who seek to destabilise societies.

He said that CT TECH+ would, over the next two years, work to review and assess Nigeria’s law enforcement capabilities to tackle technology-enabled terrorism.

According to him, it will build capacity through tailored national threat assessments and legal frameworks, reinforce interagency coordination and public-private partnerships.

“This is why the CT TECH+ initiative is not just a project, it is a platform for action, a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s resilience to the digital threats of tomorrow while upholding the values that unite us,” he said.

NAN reports that the CT TECH was launched on Feb. 10, 2022 at a virtual event attended by over 150 officials from the Permanent Missions to the United Nations, Member States’ capitals, United Nations entities and regional organizations.

The goal of this two and a half year initiative is to strengthen the capacities of law enforcement and criminal justice authorities to counter the exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes and to leverage these technologies in the fight against terrorism.

CT TECH is funded by the European Union and implemented under the UNCCT Global Counter-Terrorism Programme on Cybersecurity and New Technologies. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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