NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Stakeholders call for effective collaboration on satellite infrastructure investment

Stakeholders call for effective collaboration on satellite infrastructure investment

179 total views today

By Ijeome Olorunfemi/Vivian Emoni

Stakeholders from various sectors have called for an urgent and effective collaboration to propel investment in satellite infrastructure and also prioritise integration of space technologies into development blueprints.

The stakeholders made the call in Abuja in a communiqué issued by Mrs Olayemi John-Mensah, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Investment’s (ACCI) Media and Strategic Officer, after a three-day 2025 Africa Space Economy Conference and Exhibition (ASEC).

The conference was organised by the ACCI and National Space Research and Development Agency (NASDRA), with the theme “Space Economy and Emerging Markets in Africa.”

The conference had government officials, private sector players, research institutions, development partners, diplomatic communities, and international organisations in participation.

The participants, however, expressed optimism about Africa’s growing involvement in space ecosystem, while also identifying key structural challenges.

According to the communiqué, the challenges include limited access to satellite infrastructure, inadequate funding for innovation, and the need for skilled labour in satellite engineering, data processing and policy development.

“Stakeholders should prioritise the integration of space technologies into development blueprints, particularly in agriculture, health, urban planning and telecom,” it said.

The stakeholders at the conference recommended that governments, through agencies such as NASRDA, should expand access to satellite infrastructure via different models to stimulate private-sector participation.

They recommended that the African Union (AU) and Member States must use their regulatory frameworks and jointly promote research, education and technology transfer within the continent.

“Capacity-building programmes should be tailored to include youth and women, especially through partnerships with universities and technical institutes.

“Stakeholders must explore sustainable financing models such as blended finance, government grants, venture capital and donor support for space innovation,” it said.

The communiqué also recommended that a national monitoring strategy using space technologies to monitor, enforce compliance, and derive maximum value from natural resources should be developed.

The stakeholders also encouraged NASRDA and ACCI to establish an Emerging Technology Innovation Park focusing on Information Communication Technology (ICT), robotics, and geospatial applications to support entrepreneurship in the sector.

It added that government institutions should be mandated to adopt satellite data systems for planning, monitoring and reporting, which would be driven through by space capabilities.

“Also, there is a need to increase awareness among the public and industrial sectors, on the value of space data.

“This can be achieved through targeted outreach and national campaigns.”

The stakeholders as well recommended that Nigeria should deepen its data partnerships with regional and global institutions to enhance access to cutting-edge space assets and promote knowledge exchange.

It also said that relevant ministries and national planning offices should have designated officers to coordinate space programmes, to align implementation with national strategies.

In the areas of military and security, they recommended that training and adoption of space technologies should be deployed to enhance national safety and surveillance operations, among other recommendations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Green Energy: NGO trains 30 women on electric tricycle services in FCT

Green Energy: NGO trains 30 women on electric tricycle services in FCT

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By Joshua Olomu

The Skilled Women Initiative (TSWINI), an NGO, has trained and empowered 30 underserved women on the services of electric tricycle, locally known as Keke NAPEP, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the comprehensive training offered modules on electric vehicle assembling, driving, maintenance, troubleshooting, safety, and clean energy use.

According to the organisers, the 4-week hands-on training was executed through the NGO’s flagship  RideVolt  Electric Mobility Programme, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting economic sustainability and tackling the rising cost of fuel.

In her remarks at the graduation ceremony on Friday, Chisom Nwankwo, founder of TSWINI and the RideVolt Programme, said the programme aligned with Nigeria’s green energy trajectory with gender-inclusive economic growth.

According to her, the training is a flagship initiative of TSWINI in collaboration with other stakeholders.

She said the 30 women, most of whom were previously unemployed or underemployed, now possess practical skills that position them as pioneer contributors in Nigeria’s emerging green economy.

“Our goal is to place these women at the centre of the clean mobility revolution, and we have empowered each with an electric mobility toolbox as starter packs.

“By equipping them with electric vehicle skills, we are opening up sustainable income opportunities while addressing transportation challenges and climate goals; these women will not only drive change, they will steer it.

“The RideVolt by TSWINI programme’s impact reaches beyond individual empowerment; we are building the future of transportation, one woman, one electric vehicle at a time.

“As these women prepare to be employed as drivers and operators of RideVolt’s clean mobility services across estates, universities, hospitals, and markets, their work will directly reduce local air pollution and decrease reliance on fossil-fuel-based transport.

“The ripple effect of this is cleaner communities, improved public health, and inclusive economic participation particularly for women and youth,” she said.

Nwankwo said TSWINI plans to expand the programme to other parts of Nigeria and scale its clean transportation and energy offerings.

She, therefore, urged stakeholders, including development agencies, government bodies, and private sector players to support the next cohort of trainees, to help establish female-led e-mobility hubs, and invest in localised manufacturing of e-mobility components.

According to her, 10 women out of the 30 trained will automatically be employed under the Skilled Women’s RideVolt and VoltHub programmes of the organisation.

She said they would be employed as drivers and operators in the Closed User Community Drive Programme for estates, universities, among other areas.

“These 10 women will start work by September this year, and the Skilled Women’s RideVolt will provide vehicles, mobile charging units for them and onboard them.

“There is going to be a driving app, and this will offer them opportunities in different fields; the empowerment and engagement will continue in phases for others,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

FG, groups to bridge unemployment gaps among marginalised groups

FG, groups to bridge unemployment gaps among marginalised groups

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government, Mastercard Foundation and Jobberman have pledged to collaborate to ensure the employment of marginalised groups in the country using new technologies.

 

The stakeholders made the call at a roundtable on “Technology and Employment Inclusion in Marginalised Contexts” held in Abuja on Thursday.

 

The roundtable was organised by Mastercard Foundation in collaboration with Jobberman, a subsidiary of the Africa Talent Company (TATC), under the Young Nigeria Works programme.

 

The participants identified structural, cultural and technological barriers hindering marginalised people including Persons With Disabilities (PWD) from engaging in the digital labour market.

 

Speaking at the event, Mr Mohammed Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, said PWDs had continued to face systemic exclusion from employment opportunities.

 

Isa said that the displaced people were disconnected from digital resources while young women in underserved areas were hardly represented in tech-driven spaces.

 

He said he has been an advocate of the implementation of the minimum five per cent employment opportunities for PWDs in public institutions.

 

“We must go a step further and call for an urgent amendment to the National Disability Act to extend this quota to the private sector.

 

“No qualified person with a disability should be excluded from contributing meaningfully to our economy,” he said.

 

Ms Hilda Kabushenga, Chief Executive Officer of TATC, said that the researches showed that in reality 65 per cent of women in marginalised areas could access jobs via WhatsApp.

 

Kabushenga explained that technology was evolving, adding that it was important for job platforms to feature adaptive technologies for marginalised people especially PWDs.

 

“One of the things Jobberman has done is that we have all our courses available on WhatsApp, it costs 200 Megabytes in terms of data accessibility, it is voiced, it is presented in graphics, it’s a lot user friendly.

 

“If we are developing technology for people within marginalised context, think about what’s most accessible to them in terms of audibility, accessibility and usage,’’ she said.

 

According to her, governments can provide incentive to private sector to hire, especially PWDs and Internally Displaced Persons.

 

Mrs Rosy Fynn, Country Director, Mastercard Foundation Nigeria, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to inclusive economic growth.

 

“This roundtable aligns with our mission to enable 30 million young Africans, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

 

“Inclusion is not a side conversation, it is the main agenda and we must design systems where marginalised groups are not just considered but centred,” she said.

 

Mrs Temi Dalley, Group Executive, Human Capital and Corporate Services, Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC, urged government to invest in digital infrastructure and inclusive policies.

 

“It starts with economic and financial reforms to empower our currency, which in turn makes smart phones more accessible and affordable.

 

“Businesses must embed inclusion in their technology, hiring and supply chains, while NGOs and educators must equip people with digital skills for real-world jobs,” Dalley said.

 

She called on tech developers and designers to build their applications and websites with equity and empathy in mind.

 

Mr Olamide Adeyeye, Country Head of Programmes, Jobberman, said the organisation was leveraging WhatsApp to connect employers to job seekers in marginalised groups irrespective of geographical barriers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdul Hassan/Uche Anunne

Defence sector, startups partner to accelerate innovation ecosystem

Defence sector, startups partner to accelerate innovation ecosystem

197 total views today

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to collaborate with technology-driven enterprises, research institutions, and industry leaders in developing innovative solutions to enhance national security.

Musa made this known at the launch of Phase II of the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme 2.0, held in Abuja.

Themed “Innovation in Orbit: Empowering the Next Generation of Space-Tech Entrepreneurs”, the programme is aimed at supporting early-stage space-tech ventures, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting solutions that address key national priorities.

Musa, who was represented by the Chief of Defence, Transportation and Innovation, Air Vice Marshal Nkem Aguiyi, noted that as security threats become increasingly complex and asymmetric, the nation’s response must be intelligent, data-driven, and adaptive.

“Our investment in innovation must be viewed not merely as economic strategy, but as a strategic national imperative.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is ready to partner with technology enterprises, research bodies, and industrial leaders to co-create solutions that secure our borders, protect national assets, and promote peace and stability,” he said.

He called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors to support the initiative by providing training platforms, access to funding, and the infrastructure required to nurture innovative ideas.

“Through sustained collaboration, we can unlock the full potential of our brightest minds,” he added.

Musa emphasised that the synergy between defence and technology had never been more critical.

He noted that the Accelerator Programme was a clear demonstration of a shared commitment to nurturing home-grown solutions, empowering young entrepreneurs, and transforming Nigeria into a knowledge-based economy.

“By creating pathways to mentorship, funding, and technical support, NIGCOMSAT is not just accelerating startups but also accelerating national progress,” he said.

He further commended the inclusion of Nigeria’s Startup Act and innovation policy framework in the programme, describing them as key tools for building a sustainable and globally competitive innovation ecosystem.

“For the Armed Forces, this is an opportunity to work closely with innovators in building tools and systems that strengthen national resilience and security,” he added.

Also speaking, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, described the launch as a testament to Nigeria’s readiness to harness indigenous innovation for national development and strategic growth.

Egbetokun, represented by the Force Communications Officer, CP Hammed Sule, said the initiative would help bridge digital divides, empower institutions, and enhance service delivery across sectors.

“We are committed to working with NIGCOMSAT to ensure these innovations result in tangible improvements in national safety and security.

“With improved connectivity, the Police Force can enhance its use of technology to protect lives and property, secure infrastructure, and respond promptly to emergencies nationwide,” he said.

The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, said the Accelerator Programme was designed to scale impact by equipping entrepreneurs with tools, mentorship, funding opportunities, and global exposure to tackle real-world problems.

“Space is no longer a distant frontier. It is a vital domain that supports everything from precision agriculture and disaster management to financial technology, environmental monitoring, and national security,” she said.

Egerton-Idehen said the programme was created as a launchpad for Nigerian startups, engineers, data scientists, and innovators eager to build space-based solutions.

“As the world moves towards a trillion-dollar space economy, Africa must position itself not just as a consumer, but as a creator of space technologies,” she said.

According to her, Nigeria’s large youth population, growing tech talent, and expanding digital infrastructure place the country in a strong position to lead.

“We must go beyond investing in satellites. We must invest in ideas, people, and systems that turn potential into practical innovation,” she added.

The programme, she noted, aims to incubate early-stage ventures and facilitate strategic partnerships among startups, academia, and industry.

A beneficiary of the programme, Mr Joseph Bozimo, founder of IDB Analytics Limited, said his innovation seeks to use biomigration data to predict insecurity and prevent farmer-herder conflicts.

“Everyone here has a digital footprint,  from your phone number to your NIN. That’s the basis for integrating technology and security,” he said.

Bozimo noted that access to tools and exposure through the Accelerator Programme had helped bring structure and collaboration to their ideas.

“With platforms like Amazon Web Services and policy actors on board, we now have the support needed to move forward. What remains is continued innovation and consistency,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Tijani elected ITU’s vice-chair in Geneva

Tijani elected ITU’s vice-chair in Geneva

184 total views today

By Jessica Dogo

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Council in Geneva.

The Deputy Director/Head of Press, and Public Relations Unit, Eunice Akro, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

Akro described 2025 as a global testament of Nigeria’s commitment to digital transformation and inclusive innovation as well as a remarkable milestone.

According to her, the election took place in Geneva, Switzerland against the backdrop of the ongoing ITU Conference.

Akro said, “The ITU founded in 1865 is the oldest specialised United Nations (UN) agency responsible for information and communications technologies (ICTs).

“It is charged with global mandate of connecting the world through innovative, inclusive and sustainable digital solutions, facilitating connectivity in communication networks.”

Meanwhile, Tijani, in his acceptance speech, expressed delight stating that Nigeria remained committed in its resolve to supporting the collective mission of the ITU, particularly by prioritising in its key areas.

He said that the areas were the provision of resilient and sustainable digital infrastructure and timely access by all communities, especially the underserved to meaningful connectivity.

The minister appreciated the ITU Secretary General, Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the management team and all member states for the trust placed on him.

Tijani also congratulated the ITU Chair, Ms Cristiana Flutur of Romania and pledged to work closely with her to attain shared goals.

He called on all the members to make the ITU a beacon of long-lasting inclusive innovation and trusted collaboration.

The minister pointed out that the world was presently in a defining moment, made by the accelerating pace of technological change and deep structural shifts in the society.

Tijani said, “With this leadership position, Nigeria is poised in an enhanced capacity to shape the African continent and beyond.

“Yet, we are also uniquely privileged to witness the transformative power of digital technology, a force that allows us to be more introspective, inclusive and informed as we shape the future.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ITU conference is ongoing in Geneva, Switzerland. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Nigeria tasks African nations, business community on exploring space economy

Nigeria tasks African nations, business community on exploring space economy

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi/Vivian Emoni
The Federal Government has tasked other African countries and the business community within the continent to explore opportunities that abound in the space ecosystem.
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, made the call at the opening of a three-day second edition of the African Space Economy Conference and Exhibition (ASEC) in Abuja.
The conference was hosted by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in collaboration with the Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
The theme of the conference is “Space Economy and Emerging Markets in Africa.”
Nnaji said that space economy had evolved from an elite scientific frontier into a catalyst for global progress, driving climate change monitoring, disasters, improving agriculture and strengthening national security.
“These technologies are transforming lives and driving economic growth across the world.

“Africa has a critical role in this transformation and by embracing space technologies, we can enhance weather forecasting, resource management, healthcare delivery, digital connectivity, delivering real benefits to communities across the continent.

“To achieve this, collaboration is essential because no single nation can unlock the full potential of the space economy alone. 

“We must strengthen public-private partnerships, international alliances and regional cooperation to share knowledge, develop infrastructure, and build collective capacity,” Nnaji said.

According to the minister, Africa must invest in talent, foster innovation and adopt bold policies. 

Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of ACCI, said that the Nigerian space ecosystem had the capacity to contribute about one billion dollars to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by late 2020s.

Obegolu stated that the private sector would be seen contributing 700 to 800 million dollars of that contribution.

“By 2035, projections show that the broader business ecosystem in Nigeria could benefit from an annual value of up to 15 to 25 billion dollars, cutting across critical sectors.

“These are not distant dreams, they are within reach if we continue to mobilise strategic public-private partnerships, attract domestic and foreign direct investment and create a business-friendly environment that nurtures innovation,” he said.

The president added that space-based technologies were already improving agricultural productivity, enhancing national security and disaster response, expanding broadband penetration and capacity building.

He added that the ACCI was championing the mobilisation of investments into space-tech enterprises, supporting research and development, innovation and digital infrastructure development.

Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of NASRDA, said that the space economy was about the commercialisation of space, transforming research findings and innovations into market ready products and services.

Adepoju said it included development of satellites, launch vehicles, Earth observation tools and space-based applications that drove different sectors of the economy.

“There is growing investment in satellite technologies, new space research centres and stronger collaboration between government institutions and emerging private actors.

“Regional organisations such as the African Union and national agencies are showing increased commitment to space-based solutions that drive socio-economic growth and resilience,” he said.

He added that NASRDA was engaging new business models to support sustainable space sector growth like their Ground Station-As-A-Service (GSaaS), that allowed satellite operators to access their ground station infrastructure without massive capital investments.

“By offering satellite communication and data downlink services on-demand, GSaaS lowers the barriers to entry for industries ranging from telecommunications to Earth Observations, environmental monitoring, and scientific research.

“This initiative not only strengthens Nigeria’s leadership in space but also contributes to the commercialisation of space, opening up new revenue streams while expanding access to satellite technologies across the continent.

Dr Kyari Mohammed, representative of Dr Ahmed Hamdy, Executive Director of African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission (AUSTRC), said that Africa needed to collaborate for strategic autonomy and sovereignty, climate resilience and disaster management.

He said that Africa should collaborate for digital infrastructure connectivity and youth engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Mohammed called for integration of space into national development plans, create local ecosystems for innovation, support youths and women in space science and strengthen collaboration across the continent.

Some private sector organisations also called for strong collaboration to build a resilient space ecosystem in Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

U.S.-Based Nigerian, Mathew Ogieva, shines as Grand Award Judge at ISEF 75

U.S.-Based Nigerian, Mathew Ogieva, shines as Grand Award Judge at ISEF 75

177 total views today

By Raji Rasak

Mr Mathew Ogieva, a U.S.-based Nigerian and visionary in geoscience and data innovation, has continued to leave an indelible mark on global Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) advancement.

Ogieva, in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, said he served as Grand Award Judge at the 75th Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

NAN reports that the 75th ISEF was held from May 10 to May 17 in Columbus, Ohio, the world’s largest annual STEM competition for pre-college students.

It is an annual science fair in the United States, owned and sponsored by the Society for Science, a non-profit organisation based in Washington DC.

Ogieva, therefore, described the event as “world’s largest and most prestigious science competition featuring nearly 1,700 participants from over 60 countries.
“In the Earth and Environmental Sciences category, I helped to evaluate over 70 groundbreaking projects, bringing my expertise and passion to the forefront of global youth innovation.
“My influence spans coast to coast and beyond, having judged at California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF 2025) – California Lutheran University, Earth and Environmental Science category.”
He said that his judging legacy was not just on projects, but in igniting purpose and mentorship across continents.
“I am currently serving on the 2026 CSEF Judging Advisory Committee.
“State Science Day & STEP Fair (Ohio, April 2025) – Under the Ohio Academy of Science, Terra NYC STEM Fair (March 2025) – held at New York University (NYU) – Tandon School of Engineering.
“Technovation Girls Global Competition (2025) – Evaluating tech solutions by girls in over 60 countries and Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS, May 2025) – Championing science excellence among youth in Virginia,” he said.
NAN reports that Ogieva’s extraordinary ability lies not only in scientific expertise but in uplifting the next generation of global problem-solvers and he is proud to strengthen ties in Nigeria to advance scientific innovation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
Knobel calls for ethical AI, global governance to protect developing countries

Knobel calls for ethical AI, global governance to protect developing countries

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By Ibukun Emiola

Prof. Marcelo Knobel, Executive Director, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), says strong ethical frameworks and inclusive global standards will prevent Artificial Intelligence (AI) from further widening global inequalities.

Knobel told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that ethical considerations must be embedded from the outset of AI development, especially to protect marginalised communities in developing countries.

“There’s a significant risk that AI systems can worsen existing inequalities if deployed without assessing their social impacts,” he said.

He listed algorithmic bias, data sovereignty, and personal data protection as top ethical concerns, noting that researchers in the global South need both tools and training to manage AI responsibly.

Knobel says TWAS aligns with UNESCO’s ‘Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence’, which promotes human rights, justice, and environmental sustainability.

He stated that data privacy must be maintained through strong governance frameworks, anonymisation, and informed consent processes that are sensitive to cultural and local contexts.

“TWAS can promote data sovereignty by expanding training on data governance and advocating equitable international research collaborations,” he said.

He warned that current AI governance frameworks were fragmented and underrepresented, creating regulatory inconsistencies and power imbalances.

“Finding this balance requires institutions to integrate ethical considerations from the earliest stages of AI development, rather than treating them as an afterthought.

“This means involving diverse stakeholders—including representatives from communities that might be affected by these technologies—in the planning and development process.

“Institutions should establish clear governance structures that provide oversight without stifling innovation.

“This might include ethics review boards with expertise in AI applications, mandatory impact assessments before deployment of new tools, and ongoing monitoring of AI systems to identify unintended consequences,” Knobel said.

According to him, transparency is also crucial, both in how AI systems function and in acknowledging their limitations.

He stated that scientists and research institutions must be willing to pause development when ethical concerns arise and redirect efforts when necessary.

“Finally, capacity building around ethical AI should be prioritised, especially in developing countries.

“By equipping scientists worldwide with the knowledge to evaluate AI systems critically, we can ensure that innovation proceeds responsibly across all contexts.

“Additionally, many current approaches focus narrowly on specific applications rather than establishing foundational principles that can adapt to emerging capabilities.

“We need flexible frameworks that can evolve alongside the technology, while maintaining core ethical commitments,” Knobel said.

He said that TWAS was preparing to join global AI governance coalitions and consulting fellows to develop policy positions that reflect the unique priorities of the global South.

“We are mapping international initiatives and identifying entry points where our network can contribute meaningfully, particularly in areas like climate adaptation, public health, and education,” Knobel said.

He also announced that TWAS would be holding a high-level roundtable on AI ethics during its General Conference in Brazil in September. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso and Moses Solanke

Kperogi cautions journalists on dangers of AI

Kperogi cautions journalists on dangers of AI

216 total views today
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Farooq Kperogi, a Nigerian-American Professor and newspaper columnist, has called on journalists not to allow Artificial Intelligence (AI) to erase their uniqueness, humanity and individuality.
The media scholar gave the advice during an interactive session with the Editorial Management Board of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
“The biggest challenge in the practice of journalism now, is the impact of Artificial Intelligence.
“During our days in school, some of us had to memorise the dictionary, punctuations and many others. So, I write in a unique style, but now, ChatGPT can do that more flawlessly.
“However, I oppose using AI to write news, because it erases our individuality; if everyone writes same way, then, there will be a problem.
“I have developed a style of writing over the years. So, it will be too late for me to start using AI to write story.
“Your style is unique to you, it is your signature, but AI is threatening to erase all of that,” he said.
According to him, AI imposes American style of writing, which he describes as “linguistic imperialism”.
Kperogi posited that imperialism is unacceptable, because what makes humanity unique is its uniqueness and diversity, culminating to a popular saying, “variety is the spice of life”.
“By and large, while ChatGPT helps for interpretation of data, information and other tasks, we should still maintain our uniqueness.
“Our writing bears the weight of our identity, social historic experiences, and we don’t want to wipe out that in the name of convenience.
“As much as we should use AI tools to improve our works, we should be self- conscious of the damaging long term effects,” he said.
The Don, however, dismissed the fear that AI would take over the jobs of media practitioners and lead to job loss.
He said, if deployed with caution, AI will not take over jobs, but enhance them, because it will be deployed as a tool to support judgment and uniqueness, not as a replacement.
“When it comes to feature article writing, you cannot use ChatGPT. The tool fails miserably, because feature writing centralises human beings as we all know.
So, AI is a tool being used to enhance journalistic work, but it has no capacity to replace human beings in journalistic works,” he said.
Kperogi commended NAN for maintaining neutrality in its reportage in spite of the fact that the agency is funded by the Federal Government.
“What makes NAN stand out is the neutrality of your tone, independence of your voice, and the objectivity that you always display in your reportage.
“AI models have no capacity to make you renounce that; so let’s resist it and be ourselves,” Kperogi stressed.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali commended the don for the validation of NAN, adding that his relationship with Kperogi spans three decades.
Ali said he has always cautioned journalists on the use of AI.
“AI reflects your own personality; the smarter you are, the better you use AI. You have to be mindful of your linguistic identity.
“We all have our uniqueness and we should not allow AI to take that away from us,” Ali said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
BPP, NDPC partner to strengthen data protection

BPP, NDPC partner to strengthen data protection

211 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to data protection in Nigeria.

He disclosed this in a statement on Saturday by Zira Nagga, Head of Public Relations, BPP, following a courtesy visit by a delegation from the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

Adedokun stressed that data protection is vital to Nigeria’s economy and development, particularly in areas such as demography, health, education, and other key sectors.

He emphasised that no country should leave its data unprotected, as it plays a crucial role in future planning and national development.

“Data governs the world. It is essential to technological progress and must be protected for a country or business to be taken seriously,” he said.

Adedokun described the visit, aimed at fostering partnership on data policy implementation and protection, as timely and aligned with national goals.

He said the BPP would collaborate closely with the NDPC to boost data development, capacity building, and enhance the procurement system.

“The BPP will support compliance as part of the ‘Nigeria First’ Policy, although it is not a core procurement eligibility requirement,” he explained.

He suggested a hybrid training model to help build strong capacity in data protection, privacy awareness, and policy understanding.

According to him, a dynamic training approach will reduce logistics costs and improve public confidence in data safety and privacy.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, NDPC CEO and Pioneer National Commissioner, praised Adedokun and the BPP for supporting data protection initiatives.

He said the partnership supports President Bola Tinubu’s vision and will strengthen data privacy across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“The collaboration will create awareness and train BPP staff to ensure a firm grasp of data protection principles and policies,” he stated.

Olatunji said the NDPC would establish a working group to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding beneficial to both institutions.

He added that President Tinubu signed the NDPC into law on 12 June 2023 to uphold citizens’ rights and protect national and business data.

Olatunji also noted that strict legal measures were in place to enforce data protection and ensure full compliance nationwide.

Both agencies agreed to form a team to sign the MoU and focus on capacity building and data management in procurement and beyond. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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