The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), the country’s satellite operator, has called for immediate promolgation of policy action that will enable the country to harness the potentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
NIGCOMSAT, also warned that Nigeria risks missing out on Africa’s projected $1.2trillion share of the global AI economy by 2030.
Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this in a statement issued at the weekend following her participation in the Meeting of the National Council for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, economies, and societies worldwide, with projections that it will contribute up to $15.7trillion to the global economy by 2030. Africa stands to gain $1.2trillion of this if the right policies and innovations are in place”, Idehen said, citing a PricewaterhouseCoopers report.
The NIGCOMSAT MD underscored the transformative potential of AI in agriculture, highlighting its applicability in Benue State, widely regarded as Nigeria’s “food basket.”
According to her, machine learning tools could revolutionize agricultural practices by improving pest detection and optimizing planting schedules using satellite imagery.
“AI offers us the chance to not only flourish economically but also to achieve food security. However, we must ask ourselves if we are prepared to manage this technology responsibly”, she added.
Idehen also noted that internet access remains a significant barrier to AI adoption in Nigeria.
“For AI tools to be effective, basic digital infrastructure is essential. Addressing this gap must be a priority.
“AI is happening. We have the opportunity to manage this technology revolution responsibly, both in Africa and globally, through innovation and governance”, she said.
In August 2024, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy released a draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, aiming to position Nigeria as a global leader in AI.

Corlins Walter

The Chairman of Emohua Local Government Council, Chief David Omereji, has said  the council has so far spent over N1 billion  for the electrification of communities in the area.
Omereji said this while addressing staff of the council at the council headquarters recently.
He said the move was part of his administration’s resolve to ensure  peace and development of the LGA.
According to him,  the Council spent about N29 million on monthly basis for the maintenance of the Emohua Local Vigilante group known as OSPAC, with each member being paid a stipend of N100, 000 monthly.
He diaclosed that 11 out of the 14 wards are currently enjoying electricity, while efforts are on to light-up the remaining ones.
“I also want to use this opportunity to inform the political class for purposes of records and for the understanding of the people that the Council under my watch have done more than enough”, he said .
The Emolga boss explained  that all that have been achieved  were through the personal effort of the Council, without support from anybody as rumoured in some quarters.
Omereji further reaveled that a number of other projects, including roads, fencing of schools, hospitals, courts premises, and reconstruction of some abandoned buildings at the Council Headquarters are being undertaken by his administration.
He enjoined the people of the area to support his administration’s drive to bring purposeful development to the LGA.
The Emohua Council boss, who reiterated his hatred for noise making, stated that  his  works would speak for him, and solicited the support of staff of the council and the entire people of the area.
He noted the fact that some people may not be happy with his achievements, saying that he would remain focused, while  advising critics of his government to do so constructively with facts and figures.

King Onunwor

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom,  King Leslie Eke, has urged the President, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Mines Industries And Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, to focus on building strong relationships with the local business community.
Eze Gbakagbaka stated this at the investiture of Nwoga as the 64th President of PHCCIMA in Port Harcourt, recently.
He said as a leader, it is essential to be approachable, to listen actively, and provide valuable support to businesses, especially during challenging times.
The Monarch, who also is the Chairman of Supreme Council of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, urged the PHCCIMA boss to consider hosting events, workshops, and seminars that cater to specific needs of women entrepreneurs and business owners in the state.
“By doing so”,  he noted,  “the Chamber, through you, will not only foster a sense of community, but also create opportunities for growth, collaboration, and empowerment”.
He also appealed to women in business not to pay attention to distractions which may come in several form, but develop thick skin for offences and press more of business ideas and development.           “As a Christian, you know, offences must come, but your interest should be built around that which will market to the world. I see you becoming the next Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwuala”, he said.
Another thing to spur the new PHCCIMA boss to action, he said, was the legendary emergence of Dr. Nwoga as the first female President of the Chamber since 1957.
He also called on the leadership of the Chamber to ensure that they key into the conducive business atmosphere as already created by the Governor Siminalayi Joseph Fubara’s administration and woo investors to the state.
Meanwhile, he reassured Nwoga and her team of his support as a Royal Father to make sure that they succeed as a team.

By: King Onunwor