September 8, 2024

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1 EFCC returns vehicles, money to Canadian Police

2 FG grants UTM Offshore licence for 2.8m tonnes floating LNG facility

3 Wike signs MoU with Chinese companies on electricity, water supply

4 FG conducts clearance operation on illegal mining site in Kogi

5 ECOWAS MPs propose laws to boost subregional healthcare, education

Science & Tech

RMRDC diversifying to boost production, exports – D-G

Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) says it has taken steps to diversify the economy, strengthen international competitiveness, reduce import dependency and boost Nigeria’s productions and exports.

Director-General of the council, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, on the sideline of an event to celebrate his 100 days in office.

He expressed the desire to return the council to its original mandate of diversifying the economy through production, generating revenue and contributing to economic growth.

“Therefore, there is a need for RMRDC to diversify her economy, strengthen international competitiveness and transition from consumption and import dependency to production and export.

“Our vision is clear; to catalyse sustainable industrial development in Nigeria, ensuring that our country maximises its abundant raw materials resources for its prosperity and global competitiveness.”

The D-G promised to refocus and transform the Council into a world-class research organisation that would drive innovation in raw material exploitation, development, utilisation, supporting business growth and contributing to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

NAN reports that FG’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a transformative policy thrust aimed at real sector development which is one of RMRDC’s mandates.

“The Council will refocus its productivity and operational efficiency as a premier research institute.

“This will strengthen staff and improve welfare to achieve the best standards.

“In addition to boosting the Council’s visibility among research institutes to achieve remarkable productivity, we’ll also strengthen the Council’s place in the international arena.”

The RMRDC boss emphasised the need for research that directly feeds into the needs of the industrial sector.

“We need to ensure you have research that is easily commercialisable; we want research that the industries can accept and that will contribute to industrial competitiveness,

“The new research template designed by RMRDC has already been circulated to universities across the country with the support of the Nigerian Universities Commission.”

The D-G also said that the Council would soon launch an e-registration and certification portal to enhance transparency in the raw materials sector as well as enhance transparency in intellectual property and patent portfolio.

“We plan to engage donor partners and diplomatic missions in October, where the Council will present its programmes and explore potential collaborations.

“The RMRDC is also looking beyond traditional funding sources to support its initiatives.

“We hope that if it is successful, we will have substantial commitments that will help in funding some of the initiatives we have lined up,” Ike-Muoso said. (NAN)

Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Hajia Sani

Science & Tech

NIPOST undergoing reforms for better service delivery

By Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Postmaster-General of the Federation, Ms Tola Odeyemi, says Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) is undergoing reforms to enhance service delivery.

Odeyemi said this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the sidelines of a three-day management retreat in Abuja.

According to her, the reforms focus on revenue generation, partnerships, financial services, courier and logistics, last-mile delivery, and the digitisation of NIPOST services, which aim at improving customer service quality.

Odeyemi said the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) was one of the key initiatives driving NIPOST’s growth.

According to her, the partnership is intended to reduce the cost of moving goods and services through NIPOST by 15 per cent for the 22 million businesses registered with SMEDAN.

She added that the NIPOST also planned to explore opportunities for efficiency and revitalise its presence across all 774 local government areas.

“Improving the quality of service will be a top priority for the over 100 NIPOST management staff present at this meeting.

“To remain relevant and earn the trust of our customers, satisfying their needs and even exceeding their expectations is a priority for us,” she said.

She emphasised the current leadership’s commitment to transforming NIPOST into an entity that adds value to government activities and positively impacts the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The postmaster-general said that the Federal Government, in line with its ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, was committed to making NIPOST an affordable, last-mile delivery hub for goods and services.

“Aligning postal services with national goals and improving daily operations has become necessary; we must deliver the maximum level of service expected from NIPOST,” she said

According to her, NIPOST is currently striving to upgrade its logistics and courier processes to world-class standards.

Odeyemi, who described logistics and courier services as the backbone of any thriving economy, added that they facilitate trade, connect markets, and ensure the seamless movement of goods and services.

She also stressed the need to explore the transformative potential and opportunities for efficiency by utilising NIPOST structures across the country for postal banking.

The NIPOST boss said that the agency, in its ongoing reforms, would embark on full digitisation of postal operations to help in addressing the issue of mail loss. (NAN)

Edited by Hajara Leman/Deji Abdulwahab

Science & Tech

Expose children to technopreneurial skills for national, economic development – Expert

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, Executive Director, Young Global Leadership (YGL) Network, an NGO, says young leaders’ exposure to technopreneurial skills will ensure a stable economy and contribute to the county’s development.

Ndukwe said this at the opening of the 2024 Young Global Leadership Annual Diplomacy, Entrepreneurship and Technopreneurship programme held on Tuesday in Abuja.

She said that YGL in partnership with a consulting firm, XEM Ltd. had designed the programme/bootcamp to empower the next generation of Nigerian leaders and entrepreneurs.

”The bootcamp is hosting talented young people aged 8-15, offering them a unique opportunity to develop critical diplomacy, entrepreneurship and technology skills,” she said.

Ndukwe said the bootcamp was necessary in view of the desire of many parents to have their children travel abroad to study and become global citizens, not being mindful of them having a global mindset.

“Entrepreneurship has come into play because if you look at what is happening especially with fresh graduates, you will see that everybody wants to work but is working sustainable?.

“The easier way for you to make it in life today is to commercialise your skill and knowledge; when you commercialise your skill and knowledge, you attain self satisfaction and financial sustainability.

“We started the leadership and entrepreneurship programme to see how to help the young ones take advantage of the opportunities that are available in the world of technology. Life is not just about socialising.

“We prepare our young leaders to be the agents of global impact and national development.

“We have to teach them how to be responsible and also be contributory citizens in their immediate community by first identifying their weaknesses and their strengths, and then harnessing the knowledge into something useful,” Ndukwe said.

According to her, YGL is determined to ensure that young ones identify their talents and as such decided to build the child’s self esteem and public speaking confidence.

Ndukwe added that for young leaders to be outstanding, they have to be taught about diplomacy, to understand the culture or the global environment.

“When they are not intentionally raised to know these things they are faced with emotional challenges, cultural challenges as well as psychological issues.

“So the bootcamp through interactive sessions and hands-on projects, participants will gain insights into global affairs, leadership, innovation, technopreneurship and the importance of social responsibility.

“The programme is designed to equip young minds with tools to become proactive citizens and fulfil their potential,” Ndukwe said.

She therefore called for parents to support the children, noting that most parents only believe in a conventional school environment.

The expert also appealed for government’s support, as reputable resource persons were usually engaged to mentor the children, since the organisation was contributing to social cohesion, societal integration and national development.

On his part, the programme’s coordinator, Mr Samuel Chukwu said the children were being mentored to be future leaders.

“We have realised that what a country needs to be a world power or to survive is leadership and a strong economy.

“That is why we have classified this bootcamp under leadership and entrepreneurship.

“We believe in catching them young; we don’t believe anybody is too small, so all we can do is to give them every skill they need to become leaders of tomorrow.

“So, I encourage parents to embrace this because the world is a global village and your children need all the support they need to get.

“Bring them to this programme and let us help you nurture Nigeria citizens that are positive contributors,” Chukwu said.

One of the young leaders, David Chigozirim, a Junior Secondary School (JSS 2) student, and a third time participant, said that he learnt about public speaking and could now speak boldly and confidently in the crowd.

He further said he learnt so much about technopreneurship using the internet to create business ideas and popularise them worldwide.

On her part Fatima Sagir, a Grade 4 pupil, said she had learnt about diplomacy and international interactions, especially how to relate with other citizens of other countries.

Sagir said she also learnt about emotional intelligence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bootcamp tagged “Diplomacy and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp” will end on Aug. 23. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Science & Tech

50 journalists undergo training on technology, innovative reporting

By Precious Akutamadu

StartupSouth Enterprise Development LTD/GTE, on Thursday, trained 50 journalists in the South-South region on how to utilise innovative technology tools in reporting events and ecosystem in the Niger Delta and beyond.

The organisation is a startup ecosystem development and advocacy outfit that inspires founders building high-scale ventures in Nigeria with specific focus on the South-South and South-East regions.

Addressing the participants, the Convener, Uche Aniche, said that the workshop was aimed at training journalists in technology reporting.

Aniche also said that the workshop would enable journalists in the Niger Delta region to understand the terms and tools of innovative technologies to be able to report the upcoming launch of innovative groundbreaking solutions built by Xend Finance.

He urged journalists to be passionate and intentional in their understanding of technology innovation, and the importance of applying them in their daily reportage to promote accountability in society.

One of the facilitators and Head of News, Nigeria Info FM, Port Harcourt, Mrs Chioma Ezenwafor, said that technology reporting had gone very far and created publicity about the latest innovation.

Ezenwafor said that technology and innovative reporting entailed using modern and innovative technological tools in reporting events and the ecosystem.

She further underscored the importance of knowing innovative technology terms and using them appropriately in reporting or writing articles as journalists.

She said that technology journalism helps to drive innovations, can also drive power, and help journalists to ask right questions when things are going wrong in the technology industries, and hold them accountable.

Ezenwafor urged journalists to understand the tech journalism landscape, the key tech and innovation, which she mentioned as Fin tech, Edtech, Agritech, blockchain and Health tech.

She also urged them to niche down and report on any of these tech keys and also identify the relevant stories in the tech innovation.

A Senior Tech Writer, TechCabal,
Mr Frank Eleanya, urged journalists to use apps on their smartphones to harness the potential of tech innovation.

Eleanya also advised them to build strong online presence, personal branding and audience engagement aside storytelling.

He urged journalists to use data to create compelling narratives in storytelling, and also study the history of tech before reporting tech innovations.

Contributing, the Founder of iBrandTV, Mr Keni Akintoye, urged journalists to identify tech tools that can make them stand out as experts.

Akintoye further encouraged them to understand data analysis and use them in their daily work to produce quality reports. (NAN)

Edited by Sam Oditah

Science & Tech

NCC orders immediate reactivation of phone lines barred by telcos

By Jessica Dogo
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered the immediate reactivation of cell phone lines barred by the telecommunication companies.

The Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Dr Reuben Muoka, in a statement on Monday, said the commission gave the directive by considering the challenges the blockages had caused many telecom subscribers.

Muoka recalled that over the weekend, many telecom subscribers were unable to access their phone lines because of the inability to verify their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).

According to him, this meant that their numbers were blocked by their telecom service providers in keeping with laws and policies of the NIN-SIM linkage.

“Telecoms consumers and the public will recall the compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM which began in December 2020 when the government directed telecommunication companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that were not linked to NIN.

“Since December 2023, the Commission has since reviewed the deadline a few times; April 15, 2024 was set as the deadline for the full network barring of subscribers with four or fewer SIMs that had unverified NIN details.

“This deadline was then reviewed to July 31, 2024, to give consumers more time to ensure their submitted NIN details are properly verified.

“Despite these extensions, many phone lines are yet to be linked with verified NINs,’’ Muoka said.

According to him, the objectives of this exercise by the Federal Government include enhancing national security and ensuring the national SIM ownership database is accurate.

He said the NIN-SIM linkage policy aids verification and protection of users’ identities and provides critical infrastructure that enables citizens to access the benefits of the digital economy.

“The consumer is our priority, therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend.’’

This action, he added, was being taken in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.

He reminded deactivated consumers that the reactivation for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.

He urged members of the public who are yet to verify their SIMs to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ijendu Iheaka/Deji Abdulwahab

Science & Tech

Fintech platform wins second edition of NSIA Prize for Innovation

 

 

By Rukayat Adeyemi
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says Sycamore, a peer-to-peer lending fintech platform, has emerged winner of the second edition of its Prize for Innovation (NPI 2.0).

This followed an assessment of pitches from ten innovators to an expert panel of judges drawn from the business and technology ecosystem in Lagos.

The evaluation was based on key metrics, including market potential, team composition, traction, and competitiveness of the proposed solution.

Sycamore, led by Babatunde Akin-Moses, leverages technology to connect lenders and borrowers.

Founded in 2019, Sycamore primarily empowers African businesses and propels economic growth by bridging the credit gap with technology.

Sycamore won a combined prize value of 100,000 dollars.

Kunda Kids, an edtech media company, focused on providing well-illustrated, engaging, African-inspired digital content to children, parents, and libraries globally, followed closely at second position with a combined prize value of 70,000 dollars.

PaveHQ, a learning and career ecosystem that supports students in achieving a successful career, came third with a total combined prize value of 50,000 dollars, bringing the total combined prize value to 220,000 dollars.

While speaking at the NPI Demo Day, Mr Aminu Umar-Sadiq, Managing Director, NSIA, said that ‘the NSIA Prize for Innovation’ was conceptualised due to the role that technology plays to shape positive socio-economic outcomes.

According to him, it strengthens multiple sectors, significantly expand opportunities across multiple sectors and re-position homegrown talent for global relevance.

The NSIA Prize for Innovation, in its second year, has received commendable attention from the tech ecosystem, as the registration of credible start-ups across Nigeria to join the programme has grown from 2,000 to over 7,000 entries within the current year.

The NPI programme validates the Authority’s commitment to propel innovation, support entrepreneurship and position young Nigerians within the technology eco-system for global relevance.

This year, the programme has been expanded to include a five-week all-expense-paid training at Draper University, Silicon Valley, U.S., to enable all top ten innovators to expand their horizons and potentially deliver solutions on global platforms.

The NSIA Prize for Innovation is the Authority’s multi-year commitment to identify and nurture early-stage innovative businesses within the tech ecosystem to create a sustainable positive impact.

It adopts a four-stage competition process to catalyse investments for early-stage businesses, aiming to foster local innovation and position Nigerian tech entrepreneurs globally. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Science & Tech

FG tasks NBTI on research-based solutions to security, agric sector challenges

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government has urged the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), to step up research on finding solutions to Nigeria’s security and challenges in the agriculture sector.

Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, made the call in her keynote address on Wednesday in Keffi while declaring open a Four-Day Retreat for Directors and Centre Managers.

The theme of the retreat is “Renewed Hope: Empowering NBTI Leadership for Technological Advancement and Economic Transformation.’’

Nko-Asanye said she was hopeful that the capacity building event would properly equip the participants in driving the mandate of NBTI.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu administration is one of those great things that have taken us back to when we had Hope Nigeria about 31 years ago; that hope has come and we are the ones to drive the hope.

“So, this is empowering the leadership for technological advancement and economic transformation that cannot be achieved if we are not committed to the dreams of our forebears in aspiration for a better future for our children and generation yet unborn.

“The world is going through tremendous challenges—industrial, socio-cultural, economic, technological, among others.

“These are all embedded in your vision-which empowers as the forerunners, to facilitate the structural development of effective and efficient competitiveness in creating sustainable startups and entrepreneurial skills for women and youth in our great nation.

“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges stopping us from having enough food for national nutrition value chain in agricultural sector,’’ she said.

She said that governance was a global problem evident in the cries of war all over.

According to her, some of the challenges are even threatening with nuclear warfare; hence the need the need for NBTI to intensify research towards making Nigeria a safe place.

“Insecurity is part of our greatest challenges; it is a prime sector that this gathering should try to research and see what we can do to address the issues of insecurity.

“It is a very big challenge to our nation; people cannot go to farm because of insecurity.

“The gathering, therefore, is a forum for us to deliberate on how to reposition the psychology of commercialisation of technology and technical innovations in our nation.

“So, this is very dream and aspiration of our Minister, Geoffrey Nnaji,’’ she said.

Earlier in her address of welcome, Dr Patricia Chukwu, Director-General, NBTI, said that the board was poised to providing crucial support and resources to emerging entrepreneurs and innovators across the nation in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said that through its Technology Incubation Programme(TIP), capacity building initiatives and strategic partnerships, NBTI aimed to create a nurturing environment where innovation could flourish and succeed.

Chukwu said that NBTI, operating through its zonal offices in Lagos, Kano, Minna, Nnewi, Bauchi and Benin, as well as 36 centres spread across all states in the federation, had developed and marketed thousands of products locally and internationally.

The director-general said that the theme of the retreat resonated with the optimism and vigour with which the participants must approach their duties.

“Empowering NBTI management is essential to ensure that we are equipped with the requisite skills, knowledge and resources to fulfill our mandate effectively.

“This empowerment comes through continuous professional development, strategic planning and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within our organisation.’’

According to her, technological advancement is not an end in itself but a means of achieving broader economic transformation.

She said that the objective was to create an ecosystem where innovation thrived and technological solutions developed to address real-world challenges.

The NBTI boss also listed her five-point strategies to include Robust Commercialisation of Research and Development Findings—focus on transforming research and development into marketable products and services that can drive economic growth.

“Extensive Capacity-Building Initiatives—invest in training and development of programmes to enhance the skills and capabilities of our staff and stakeholders.

“Strategic Focus on Enhancing Internally Generated Revenue—develop and implement strategies to increase our financial sustainability through diversified income streams.

“Facilitation of Favourable Work Environments—create and maintain work environments that foster productivity, innovation an employee satisfaction.

“Advocacy for the Enactment of Supportive Legislation for the Agency—work towards securing legislative backing that strengthens our operations and expands our impact,’’ she said.

In his goodwill message, Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, Vice-Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, commended NBTI management on their strides in capacity building and advancing technology incubation in the country.

Represented by Prof. Yakubu Ngwai, the vice-chancellor said the institution was ready to partner with NBTI on technology innovation and incubation in order to drive national development.(NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Science & Tech

Firm unveils strategic roadmap for Abuja Smart City Project

By Philip Yatai

A firm, Havel Corporate Concept, an affiliate of ioSafe Nigeria, has unveiled a Strategic Road Map for the implementation of Abuja Smart City Project.

The document was unveiled along with the logo and official website of the project, during the 2024 Nigeria Data Expo and Conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Dr Ahmed Badanga, Chief Executive Officer of the firm and convener of the project, explained that the vision was to transform Abuja to a smart city by 2040.

Badanga said that the move was to support the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s capital city by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike.

“Only a few services and transactions taking place in Abuja, from the studies and data we have collected, are being done digitally.

“So many services are being delivered manually and for that reason, we feel it is time to digitalise services in Abuja,” he said.

Badanga noted that nothing would be achieved without data, adding that the data expo and conference was to create awareness on the link between data and the smart city project.

He said: “You cannot talk about smart cities without talking about data; they are intertwined.

“We have been promoting data awareness and promoting data issues in Nigeria for about 10 years now and we feel there is a need for us to also see how we can utilise the opportunity of having the right infrastructure to transit Abuja to a smart city.

“Our vision is to transit Abuja into a smart city where everybody will be using technology to access various services in the comfort of their houses.”

Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, said that data was everything, saying, “without data, you can’t plan; without data, you can’t have a policy.

“So, what we are doing here today, is really important and strategic for national planning, socio-economic development and sustainable development of the country.”

Olatunji noted that Abuja was growing, adding that “if you don’t plan for the way the city is growing, there may be chaos in the future.

“If you plan, you will envisage the number of people that come in, you look at the kind of infrastructure you want to put in place.

“You will also look at the kind of social amenities you want to put in place, the kind of security that you want to put in place, business opportunities in the city, housing urbanisation and the rest.”

On his part, Mr Robb Moore, Data Specialist and Smart Grid Specialist, United States of America, said that beyond data and technology, Nigeria and the FCT needed innovative minds to make the difference.

“If you don’t have the people here in Nigeria that are willing to take the chance, make the business, make it grow, risk everything, you won’t have the creators or the agents that make things grow.

“So, you will have to be willing to listen to very unpopular ideas; you must be able to listen to people who are telling you what others are not telling you to make a difference,” Moore said.

Meanwhile, Mr Nasiru Usman, Vice-Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), described the Abuja Smart City Initiative as crucial towards transforming Abuja to a befitting capital city.

Usman said that AMAC had partnered with relevant government agencies on data generation and management to address security concerns in the area.

On adoption of technology, the vice-chairman said that efforts are ongoing to empower residents of the council with information and communication technology skills.

“This will enable the people to tap from the opportunities the digital-driven world provides,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Science & Tech

U.S. explores more opportunities in Nigeria’s tech, education, other sectors

By Funmilola Gboteku
The United States government has expressed willingness to invest more in Nigeria’s tech and education sector for mutual development of both countries.

U.S. Consul-General to Nigeria, Will Stevens, said this during a visit of President Biden’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement Team (PAC-ADE) to Vibranuim Valley Tech City at Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday.

Stevens said that for the U.S. government to better understand the African market, it sent the PAC-ADE team to further bolster economic, technology, cultural and education ties in Nigeria.

According to Stevens, the diaspora council are people from the academia, finance, business, tech, think-tanks, and religious sectors.

Stevens said that by engaging with government officials, civil society leaders, tech leaders and private-sector partners they would be able to promote diaspora-led investments in various sectors.

“Also, through the various dialogues, they can advise the U.S. president on how to develop better strategies and bring more investment to the continent.

“We are also touring tech centres to see the incredible advances that are happening in the sector here in Lagos and in Nigeria to make investments,” he said.

While taking the delegates on a tour, Ms Moyosore Asubiojo, General Manager of Vibranuim Valley, said the tech city had different technology companies, focused on various sectors, such as Power, Aviation, Education and Fintech.

Asubiojo said the companies were striving to leverage technology to address challenges not only in Nigeria, but also beyond its borders.

“Some of the tech companies are Power Tech, EduTech VigiPay, and AviTech among others.

“We incubate numerous tech companies here, seeking ways to use technology to solve problems in Nigeria and globally,” she explained.

She added that they also specialised in talent outsourcing by connecting organisations to the best skilled talents in Africa under its garden academy company.

NAN reports that the PAC-ADE’s visit follows the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken’s week-long visit – Jan. 21 to Jan. 26 – to some African countries seeking to build on the December 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit.

Blinken’s visit was to expand fast-growing economic, development and security partnerships across the African continent. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Science & Tech

FCTA equipping youths with ICT skills for sustainable dev’t – Wike

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says FCT Administration is equipping youths in the territory with functional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills for sustainable development.

Wike stated this at the opening of a five-day training of 300 youths on various ICT skills in Abuja on Tuesday.

The free training was organised in collaboration with Nigeria in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDO-Americas), as part of activities to commemorate the NIDO Worldwide Week.

The training would cover artificial intelligence, digital marketing, cyber security, digital forensics and mobile application.

The minister, who was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, commended NIDO-Americas for their commitment to learning, growth, and collaboration.

The efforts, according to him, is creating a platform for engagement and knowledge exchange between diaspora community and the FCT youths.

He said that the diaspora community plays a pivotal role in shaping the development and progress of the country by bringing their wealth of resources – knowledge, skills, experiences and finances.

This, according to him, is invaluable to Nigeria’s economy, and growth.

“Your contributions range from healthcare to technology; education to entrepreneurship; the Nigerian Diaspora continues to make significant contributions that impact lives back home.

“I wish to emphasise the importance of harnessing this professionalism, expertise and resources to accelerate the development process in Nigeria and the FCT in particular.

“Together we can build a stronger, more resilient Abuja that serves as a model for sustainable urban development and innovation.

“By tapping your talents and resources, we can create enduring partnerships that can drive inclusive growth, ensure job creation, and improve the standard of living of our people.”

Wike said that the diaspora input and collaboration would play a key role in FCTA’s determination to create a more vibrant and sustainable capital city.

He appealed to the diaspora community to also invest in infrastructure, transportation, housing, healthcare and renewable energy, among other critical areas.

“Your insights, expertise, and financial resources can play critical roles in enhancing our basic infrastructure, amenities, and overall quality of life in our beloved capital city,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman, America Diasporas Committee, Dr Ezekiel Macham, explained that the NIDO Diaspora Worldwide Week was part of efforts to give back to the society.

Macham said that about 500 youths registered for the training but only 300 were selected for the training in FCT.

He commended Wike for accepting to host the training in line with his commitment to human development in FCT.

Also, Dr Victor Ubani, Chairman, NIDO-Americas and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, who was represented by a former chairman of NIDO- Americas, Mr Obed Menago, reiterated the diaspora community’s continued support towards Nigeria’s development.

One of the beneficiaries, Samuel Chinonye, thanked FCTA and NIDO-Americas for the opportunity to acquire skills on cyber security to enable him carve a niche for himself in the ICT-driven world. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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