Google on Wednesday announced an expanded commitment to closing Africa’s digital skills gap with the launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling Blueprint for Africa. In a statement released in Lagos, the company described the Blueprint as a comprehensive policy roadmap designed to help governments develop a future-proof, AI-ready workforce. The framework focuses on three key groups: AI Learners, AI Implementers, and AI Innovators. The launch forms part of a broader suite of Africa-focused initiatives, including a $2.25 million investment to support expert organizations developing trustworthy public datasets for AI. These organizations are working in partnership with the UN Economic…
Author: Newsdesk
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has unveiled an ambitious digital overhaul of the continent’s trading systems, launching the Africa Digital Access and Public Infrastructure for Trade (ADAPT) programme in partnership with the Tony Blair Institute, the IOTA Foundation and the World Economic Forum. The initiative, announced this week, aims to create a shared digital public infrastructure to replace the fragmented, paper-heavy processes that have long slowed trade across Africa. Removing barriers that hinder intra-African trade Global supply chains continue to rely heavily on paperwork, with an estimated four billion trade documents produced daily. A single shipment often…
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of children by enhancing child protection mechanisms and advancing Child Rights Initiatives. Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, stated this while commemorating the Universal Day of the Child and launching the State of the Nigerian Girl Report 2025 on Wednesday in Abuja. Organised in collaboration with Save the Children International (SCI), the event emphasised the need to honour Nigerian children and recognise their positive contributions to society. Represented by Dr Maryam Keshinro, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, the Minister highlighted the importance of documentation in child protection and…
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has inaugurated the construction of a $400 million Rare Earth Metal Processing Plant by Hasetins Commodity Ltd in Ukeh community, Karu Local Government Area. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Sule congratulated the company for tapping into the state’s abundant mineral resources. Rare earth metals, a group of 17 metallic elements including Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium, and Europium, are crucial for modern technologies such as electronic devices, clean energy vehicles, and medical equipment due to their unique magnetic, fluorescent, and catalytic properties. China currently dominates rare earth mining and processing, but the discovery of…
The Initiative for Social Impact and Sustainable Development (ISISD) has called for greater attention to men’s mental health, emphasizing its role in creating a safe and inclusive society. Funmi Falobi, ISISD’s Co-ordinator, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos to mark International Men’s Day. Observed annually on November 19, International Men’s Day promotes positive male role models, highlights men’s mental and physical health, addresses discrimination, and fosters a more inclusive society for men and boys. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Men and Boys.” Falobi stressed the importance of global awareness on men’s mental health and encouraged men…
The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has raised concerns over dangerous levels of water contamination in Lagos, Kogi, and Kebbi states, urging urgent action to protect public health and ensure safe water access. NiHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammad, disclosed the findings during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. According to Mohammad, the agency’s Water Quality, Flood Assessment, and Validation Report detected high levels of heavy metals, microbial pollutants, and physical contaminants in groundwater and wells across the three states. “The findings follow recent flooding events that have heightened water safety risks,” he said. In Lagos, excessive levels of nitrite, fluoride,…
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) on Wednesday organized a one-day capacity-building workshop for local government officers in Abia State to equip them with skills to promote inclusive disaster preparedness at the grassroots level. The sensitization workshop aimed to ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in climate change adaptation and disaster management initiatives. Supported by the Disability Rights Fund, the training drew disaster response officers from various LGAs, representatives of ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as leaders of disability clusters. In his remarks, Mr. David Anyaele, Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission, said the…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that while the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is accelerating in healthcare, basic legal safety nets that protect patients and health workers remain largely absent. The warning comes in a report from the WHO’s Europe office, where AI is already helping doctors spot diseases, reduce administrative tasks, and communicate with patients. “The technology is reshaping how care is delivered, how data are interpreted, and how resources are allocated. But without clear strategies, data privacy, legal guardrails, and investment in AI literacy, we risk deepening inequities rather than reducing them,” said Dr. Hans Kluge,…
The UK Government, through its Digital Access Programme, has partnered with Blue Sapphire Hub, a civil society organization, to expand digital literacy and inclusion in rural communities across northern Nigeria. In a statement on Wednesday, the British mission said the collaboration aims to empower undeserved populations in targeted states by leveraging storytelling, digital influences, and community-driven initiatives to bridge the digital divide and unlock economic opportunities. The mission noted that discussions during a recent high-level stakeholder meeting focused on practical strategies to ensure technology serves as a tool for progress and equality. “Stakeholders agreed to scale digital literacy programmes in…
Katsina State Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Bishir Gambo, has expressed delight over the state’s recognition as Open Defecation-Free (ODF) by the Clean Nigeria Campaign Secretariat. ODF status is granted to states or communities where everyone uses safe, hygienic toilets and no one practices open defecation. Speaking on the sidelines of the campaign’s 6th anniversary, Gambo said the award reflects Governor Dikko Radda’s commitment to implementing the state’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) policy. He credited the achievement to the combined efforts of communities, government, and development partners. The commissioner emphasized the importance of sustainability, noting that WASH projects remain…