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  

261 total views today

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

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

Experts advocate adoption of NavAid drones to enhance Airspace Safety
Aviation

Experts advocate adoption of NavAid drones to enhance Airspace Safety

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By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Bobga Danjuma, President of Livia Soft Company in the US, has urged African countries to adopt modern aviation equipment to enhance airspace safety.

Danjuma gave this advice on Thursday in Abuja at an executive workshop on NavAid drones, with the theme ‘Advancing in Air Navigation and Safety.’

He stated that modern aviation equipment would improve safety, efficiency, sustainability, and capacity building across Africa.

Danjuma urged African countries to adopt advanced tools like the NavAid Drone, a cutting-edge technology transforming the aerospace industry.

“Africa needs this technology to help navigate airports and runways without relying on expensive aircraft-based calibration,” he said.

He explained that drone-based navigation is a cheaper alternative. Within weeks, an operator can learn to fly a NavAid drone, even in strong winds.

“The barrier to entry for using NavAid drones is very low, making this innovation beneficial for Nigeria and the entire continent,” he added.

Danjuma said NavAid drones reduce calibration costs for navigation aid systems while also lowering carbon emissions.

Also, Mr Luc Haeberle, Managing Director of Colibrex Smart Drone Solution, explained that NavAid drones calibrate Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), which guide aircraft during landings.

“NavAid drones ensure precise calibration of navigation aids, minimising errors and enhancing safety,” he said.

He noted that regular drone-based calibration improves reliability, reduces accident risks, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.

In his welcome address, Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, highlighted the importance of air navigation and safety.

Represented by Mr Michael Chukwu, Director of Safety, Keyamo said growing air traffic demands more innovative, efficient, and reliable solutions.

“I warmly welcome you to this workshop, where we explore NavAid drones’ groundbreaking role in shaping aerospace development,” he said.

Keyamo stated that the workshop would deepen participants’ understanding of air navigation challenges and how advanced drone technology is revolutionising the industry.

“NavAid drones represent the future—enhancing safety, streamlining operations, cutting costs, and promoting sustainability,” he added.

He said participants would witness a live demonstration of the NavAid drone and discuss real-world applications with industry experts. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

DICON-D7G: Developing viable military industrial complex in Nigeria
Defence/Security

DICON-D7G: Developing viable military industrial complex in Nigeria

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By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance in military hardware and technology recently received a significant boost with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the D7G joint venture.

On Jan.18, 2024, DICON and D7G Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture company codenamed DICON-D7G Nigeria Limited; it is aimed at meeting the defence needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.

The DICON-D7G joint venture is designed to leverage the strengths of both partners to develop a comprehensive military industrial complex in Nigeria.

DICON, with its extensive experience in military hardware production, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.

On the other hand, D7G, a manufacturing company with its global network and access to cutting-edge technology, provides the necessary support and resources to drive innovation and growth.

The DICON-D7G joint venture has several key objectives–the development of military hardware; designing, developing and producing a range of military hardware, including small arms, ammunition and armored vehicles.

The joint venture seeks to facilitate the transfer of technology and expertise from D7G to DICON, enabling the latter to develop its capacity for military hardware production.

The partnership also aims to build the capacity of DICON and other local industries to produce military hardware and equipment; also, the joint venture is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Nigeria.

During the inauguration of the board of DICON-D7G Board on March 19, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing dependence on foreign arms procurement and enhancing Nigeria’s defence industrial base.

Musa said that Nigeria had remained committed to strengthening its defence capabilities to ensure that its gallant men and women in uniform had access to high-quality, locally manufactured military equipment, ammunition and other operational assets.

According to him, the establishment of a strategic partnership between DICON and D7G Nigeria Limited, represents a bold step towards actualising the vision.

He added that the joint venture was for the production of military hardware and equipment for the armed forces, as well as for intelligence, security and paramilitary organisations.

The CDS added that the partnership with D7G would offer a unique opportunity to expand production capacity, leverage advanced technology and foster knowledge transfer that would strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global defence industry.

“The partnership we celebrate today is a testament to our resolve to build a resilient defence manufacturing sector that will meet the immediate and future needs of our military and security institutions,” he said.

On his part, the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Aniedi Edet, said the context of the collaboration with D7G was in terms of supply of defence materials and production of local defence items on the basis of 30 per cent to DICON and 70 per cent to D7G.

Edet said that the company was currently engaged in DICON with the first set of defence stock expected to arrive in DICON soon.

According to him, expected stocks include the 103 AK-47 weapons and other assorted weapons that will be assembled as soon as they arrive.

He said that DICOM and D7G collaboration held great prospects for the nation’s military industrial complex, adding that D7G was one of DICON’s most viable partners.

The Chief Executive Officer of D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, said the partnership would focus on bringing new generation technology for defence capabilities in Nigeria.

He said that the industry would soon begin production of ammunition, arms assembling and bomb fit for Nigeria and all of the African market.

More so, Retired Maj.-Gen. Mainasara Masanawa, Director, Land Systems, Innovation, Research and Development for DICON-D7G, said the joint venture was formed to develop Nigeria’s military industrial complex to enhance security in line with the DICON Act 2023, as well as President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on security.

He said the firm, in collaboration with DICON, was set to establish the first military jetty in Lagos on a land covering about 160,000 square metres.

He said the jetty would be used, in addition to stocks of arms and ammunition, for assembling drones on armed aerial vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, 4×4 vehicles, 6×6 armoured personnel carriers and mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles.

Masanawa said the idea was also to use that opportunity to develop human capacity as the complex intended to employ skilled retired military specialists in the company.

He said that the armed forces had trained their personnel effectively and most of them had retired and would go with their knowledge.

According to him, it is an opportunity to bring them back and tap from them.

“We will also employ young engineers, scientists, electrical and electronic engineers that we will bring on board that will be guided by these skilled military personnel to develop weapons systems, radars, electronics, and also give youths the opportunity to display their skill in this new generation of artificial intelligence,’’ he said.

Masanawa said the joint venture had led to production and assembling of arms in Kaduna factory that would be readily available to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, while developing their factory in Lagos.

He said the company would also go into ship building when its factory comes on stream.

According to him, it will save the government funds in terms of foreign exchange because Nigeria can sell our goods and services, both in naira and in hard currency.

“However, if the government is to procure from outside, they have to pay in hard currency.

“So, we will be saving the government’s forex by providing all the defence equipment needs of the armed forces and paramilitary organisations in Nigeria locally.

“With that, our armed forces and security agencies will be self-sustained and self-sufficient to address all security challenges that have been existing, or may emanate in the future,’’ he said.

Security analysts say the groundbreaking partnership between DICON and the D7 Group of Companies is poised to revolutionise Nigeria’s military industrial complex.

“The DICON-D7G joint venture offers numerous benefits to Nigeria, including reduced dependence on foreign suppliers.

“By developing a viable military industrial complex, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers of military hardware and equipment.

“The joint venture will enable Nigeria to produce military hardware and equipment that meet its specific national security needs, as well as stimulate economic growth in Nigeria by creating jobs and generating revenue.

“The joint venture will also facilitate the development of new technologies and expertise in Nigeria, which can be applied to other sectors of the economy,’’ a security expert said.

Some experts also say the DICON-D7G joint venture offers numerous opportunities for Nigeria, as well challenges that need to be addressed.

They say the challenges include infrastructure development as the joint venture requires significant investment in infrastructure, including manufacturing facilities, testing equipment and logistics.

“The partnership requires the development of human capacity in areas such as design, engineering, and production.

“The joint venture requires significant funding to support the development of infrastructure, human capacity and technology.

“In spite of these challenges, the DICON-D7G joint venture offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to develop a viable military industrial complex.

“With the right support and investment, this partnership can help Nigeria achieve its national security goals while also stimulating economic growth and development,’’ a security analyst said.

In all, the DICON-D7G joint venture is a significant step towards developing a viable military industrial complex in Nigeria.

By leveraging the strengths of both partners, this partnership can help Nigeria achieve its national security goals while also stimulating economic growth and development.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of national security and economic development, it is stakeholders’ view that the DICON-D7G joint venture offers a beacon of hope for a brighter future. (NANfeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Innovator seeks special funding to boost AI, tech ecosystem
Science & Tech

Innovator seeks special funding to boost AI, tech ecosystem

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Founder of Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN), Mr Andrew Abu, has called for stronger partnerships with relevant agencies to improve access to funding for startups in the country.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, Abu said such collaboration would boost Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.

He noted that while the country’s tech sector has the talent, ideas, and market potential, it requires strategic funding and policy support to drive innovation and economic growth.

“Nigeria’s technology ecosystem is brimming with potential, yet access to funding remains a persistent challenge.

“This is in spite of the existence of funding instruments like the CBN intervention funds, the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) innovation financing, and the Bank of Industry (BOI).

“The disbursement of these funds has not been effectively structured to support the real needs of tech startups.

“The time is ripe for a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the CBN, and others to establish a structured funding model that provides accessible financing for Nigerian innovators”.

Abu noted that the Startup Act (2022) provides a legal framework for supporting startups, but financial institutions and key agencies must implement it effectively to drive real impact.

“The Nigeria Startup Act was designed to stimulate innovation, encourage foreign investment, and provide structured incentives for startups.

“However, its impact can only be fully realised if financial institutions actively leverage its provisions to channel funding into the ecosystem,” he said.

He urged the CBN, in collaboration with the DBN, BOI, and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), to establish a dedicated Startup Investment Fund to provide financing for certified startups under the Startup Act framework.

He said this would reduce bureaucracy and ensure that funds reach the right hands.

“Many startups struggle with access to credit due to a lack of collateral.

“Therefore, DBN and BOI can introduce low-interest loan facilities and credit guarantees to encourage banks to lend to early-stage tech businesses without excessive risk concerns.

“CBN and BOI can structure equity-based funding schemes where startups receive direct capital injections in exchange for minority government stakes, ensuring long-term sustainability.

“NSIA, as Nigeria’s sovereign wealth fund manager, should allocate resources for strategic investment in promising startups, especially in high-growth sectors like fintech, AI, and health tech,” Abu said.

He also called for sector-specific funding for high-growth tech industries such as fintech, health tech, edtech, and agritech, adding that AI-driven startups should receive similar support.

Abu suggested that a Smart Agriculture Innovation Fund be established to support startups using AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

He further recommended that BOI, NSIA, and DBN collaborate with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to fund innovation hubs across the country, particularly in underrepresented regions.

“These hubs should serve as incubation centres where startups receive both funding and business development support.

“NITDA’s experience in digital innovation and startup incubation makes it a key facilitator of capacity-building programmes for tech entrepreneurs,” Abu said.

He emphasised that NITDA and NSIA are at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital transformation and should play a crucial role in ensuring policy implementation and providing technical support for digital enterprises under the Startup Act. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

FG to advance technology towards safer skies – Keyamo
Aviation

FG to advance technology towards safer skies – Keyamo

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal Government says it will engage more technologies to improve efficiency, passenger experience and safer skies in the aviation sector.

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said this on Saturday in Abuja, at a symposium to mark the 25th Anniversary of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The theme of the symposium was ” Human Capital Development: Upskilling the Next Generation of Aviators”.

Keyamo, who was represented by Dr Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said that such technological advancement would play a vital role in shaping the  future of aviation in the nation.

He expressed optimism that technological advancement would lead to economic improvement, as well as an exceptionally safe and secure aviation industry.

“The NCAA Silver Jubilee Anniversary Lecture aims to emphasise the importance of maintaining aviation safety as the foundation of the industry’s growth and development.

“While the NCAA has achieved remarkable success over the past 25 years, sustaining these accomplishments requires a deliberate focus on strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and the adoption of innovative practices.

“Aviation safety is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process of adaptation and improvement.

“With advancements in technology, rising passenger demands, and increasing globalisation, the dynamics of aviation safety are evolving rapidly,“ he said.

Keyamo said that the symposium demonstrated collective resolve of rebirthing, rejuvenating and repositioning Nigerian aviation and air transportation in the context of the nation’s social-economic and political landscape.

According to him, the symposium promises to provide lasting solution kits for a new era of the air transport industry.

The Director-General. NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said that the agency had played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the aviation sector, ensuring safety, regulatory excellence, and fostering growth within the industry.

Najomo said that the symposium indicated collective commitment to strengthening aviation standards, enhancing collaboration, and shaping the future of air transportation in Nigeria.

“Right from the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) to the current NCAA which we are celebrating, our journey has been one of dedication, resilience, and innovation.

“NCAA was built on the growth achieved by its predecessor organisations through remarkable transformations, from regulatory reforms to advancements in aviation safety and service delivery.

“As we celebrate current achievements, we must also look ahead to embracing new technologies, improving operational efficiencies, and fostering partnerships that will elevate our aviation industry to even greater heights,” he said.

Najomo said that the NCAA was faithfully guided by the minister’s Five-Point Agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasised infrastructure development, safety enhancement, economic growth, and job creation.

“NCAA will ensure a robust regulatory framework, foster a healthy business friendly environment for investors, and enhance the competitiveness of the nation’s aviation sector in line with global best practices.

“To our esteemed stakeholders, your contributions have been invaluable in shaping NCAA’s success. To our dedicated staff, your unwavering commitment has been the foundation of our achievements.

“As we chart the course over the next 25 years and beyond, let us reaffirm our resolve to uphold the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and global best practices,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Leverage on technological advancement- Surveyor-General
Science & Tech

Leverage on technological advancement- Surveyor-General

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By Ahmed Dantala

Mr Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, the Surveyor-General of the Federation, has appealed to surveyors in the country to leverage on new technology in their responsibilities.

 

Adebomehin said this during the 2024 Conference of the Zonal Directors and Chief Resident Surveyors (CRS) on Thursday in Abuja.

 

The theme of the Conference is: The Future of Work: Adapting to Change in the Geospatial Ecosystem and the Public Service.

 

CUE-IN-VIDEO

“The new thing in mapping now as at today is digital twin. There is a need for us to take the scripture, go and search for more knowledge so that when you are talking about them, you talk like an authority

 

“As CRS and zonal directors, you should take the bull by the horn, letting us know that the future of the work is completely different from what we were taught in school

 

“We have technological advancement as the future of work, which we all have to go and equip ourselves with.

CUE-OUT-VIDEO.

 

 

Mr Onyekwere Nwogu, the Director, Infrastructure Surveys, office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, also urged participants to explore the strategy and techniques that would reshape the future of their work.

 

CUE-IN-VIDEO.

 

“Throughout this conference, we would exploit the strategy and technology that will reshape the future of work

 

“We must recognise that by championing lifelong learnings, embracing technological innovations and fostering a right attitude to work, we can turn challenges into opportunities.

 

CUE-OUT-VIDEO.

 

 

Ms Oluwaseun Falana, one of the keynote speakers at the event, called for more collaboration and use of technological advancement in order to excel in the new age.

 

CUE-IN-VIDEOS.

 

“Collaboration is a cornerstone of productivity and technology plays a pivotal role in enabling it, especially in digital things.

 

“Technology foster innovation, accelerate problem solving and improve overall efficiency

 

“Digital transformation has reduced those lengthy time at work to the bearest minimum.

 

CUE-OUT-VIDEOS.

 

Falana also reminded the participants to maintain due diligence and professionalism in order to meet-up with the demands of the 21st century technology.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

ASRIC urges African scientists to lay foundations for new scientific era
Science & Tech

ASRIC urges African scientists to lay foundations for new scientific era

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By Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Chairman of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), Prof.  Sammy Chumbow, has urged African scientists to lay foundations for a new science and technology era using innovation and research.

Chumbow made the call on Friday in his closing remarks at the 7th ASRIC Congress in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

He said the transition into a scientific era as Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024 has ended and Africa was set to adopt the policy strategy of STISA 2024.

Chumbow said, “The strategy aims to guide the continent’s STI development over the next decade.

“Therefore, African scientists should harness the power of science, technology, and innovation to drive economic growth, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that STISA-2024 is the first of the ten-year incremental phasing strategies to respond to demands for STI in different sectors.

They include:  Agriculture, energy, environment, health and security, among others.

STISA-2034 will build on the successes of its predecessor, STISA-2024, and address emerging challenges and opportunities in Africa’s STI landscape.

STISA-2034 was validated by the African stakeholders in STI in November 2024 and will be endorsed at the AU Summit in February 2025.

The chairman stated that this development marked a significant milestone in Africa’s quest to harness the power of science which should be tapped into by African scientists.

Chumbow added that the strategy would reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of African countries, which should foster a united approach by African scientists to STI development on the continent.

He also called on the council’s Bureau to study the objectives and mandates of ASRIC guidelines so as to sharpen their focus on initiatives that produce continental and regional STI development.

Chumbow urged the bureau’s members not to lose touch with research institutions and university officials and to adopt the principles of focal point so as to make a difference in their fields.

The Executive Director, African Union Scientific and Technical Research Commission (AUSTRC) and ASRIC, Dr Ahmed Hamdy, in his closing remarks, said entering another transition period marks a major shift in innovations.

“Coming forward from where we are where the changes are so obvious, entering a period of major transition globally. We are facing several challenges spanning from climate change, emerging diseases among others.

“Let us as scientists look at each of these challenges separately to have a better understanding of how best we can tackle them using STI,’’ he said.

Hamdy said that the challenges of global change required a transition not only in society but also in the scientific community which scientists should rise up to.

“Global change poses unprecedented challenges to scientific and policy communities, a kind that cannot be tackled using existing conceptual frameworks and methods.

“They are likely to change how we live and relate with each other and scientists should rise to the occasion,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Nigeria needs advanced satellites to cut bn annual capital flight- Expert
Science & Tech

Nigeria needs advanced satellites to cut $2bn annual capital flight- Expert

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

A Space Engineer, Prof. Spencer Onuh, has stated that Nigeria needs to acquire more advanced satellites to reduce capital flight on data and imagery sourcing, which costs the country over two billion dollars annually.

Onuh said this on Tuesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, reflecting on the impact of the National Space Programme over the past 25 years.

He explained that satellite data is very expensive, with government institutions spending significant sums to acquire data and imagery from other countries.

“We have the challenge of capital flight on data and imagery because our satellites were designed with specific resolutions.

“These institutions are looking for a certain level of resolution which our satellites don’t have the capacity to provide, hence they go outside Nigeria to get them.

“Military standard is sub-one metre, and our own house resolution is 2.5 metres, it is a big challenge.

“Nigeria is losing 2 to 3 billion dollars annually on data, because data is expensive.

“If you are looking for data for town planning or the military, you need imagery from sub-one metre, 30cm, or 50cm resolution satellites,” he said.

According to Onuh, agencies seek such resolutions because they provide better value for their needs, and the demand for higher-resolution data is increasing rapidly.

He added that acquiring satellites with higher resolutions is capital-intensive but would save the country significant costs in the long run.

Onuh identified another challenge affecting Nigeria’s space programme: cloudy skies and environmental conditions, which make obtaining imagery with existing satellites difficult.

“We will need a Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite to solve the issue of cloud cover.

“We need to monitor our weather, which is becoming a major challenge this can be addressed with a meteorological satellite.

“If Nigeria is planning another phase of satellite design and manufacture to address the issue of cloud cover, we need to consider these factors.

“We also need to replace our communication satellite, which will soon be deorbited and may begin to decay in performance,” Onuh said.

He urged the Federal Government to commit to revolutionising the space programme, emphasising that it would benefit the entire country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Benson Iziama

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