An NGO, Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability, has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) application, “Bayani.AI,” to support the tracking of local governments’ budgets, statutory allocations and revenue. It was reported that the application was developed in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation and other development partners. Speaking at the launch of the AI system in Damaturu on Monday, the NGO’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Muazu Modu, said the application would help reformers and citizen journalists hold public officials accountable. According to him, the application provides the public with real-time access to extensive information on the activities of the country’s 774…
Author: Newsdesk
Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) on Monday donated hair dryers, sewing and grinding machines to 300 women and youths in his senatorial district. Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North senatorial district, said that the items donated were to expose the beneficiaries to some sources of income. The senator, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Victor Oshioke, said that the items were meant for them to start their own businesses in order to help them earn a living. “Empowering the constituents will further enhance livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for the people. “We are committed to your welfare through championing…
Some mothers in Gombe State have commended the state government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for inaugurating an integrated health campaign aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality. The mothers gave the commendation in interviews with reporters on Monday during an inspection visit by journalists to healthcare facilities within the Gombe metropolis. It was gathered that the Gombe State Government recently inaugurated a five-day National Immunization Plus Days campaign in collaboration with the Federal Government and UNICEF, with support from other development partners. The campaign, which was launched in Swa community in Balanga Local Government Area, also marked…
The Oyo state government has began subsiding some food items, such as bags of rice, vegetable oil, chicken, and other essential food items for its workers. The state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Ibadan. Oyelade said the initiative was part of the state government’s efforts “to cushion the effects of current economic challenges on workers and ensure a more comfortable December festive season. “The intervention aligns with the welfare-driven agenda of the state government, aimed at improving the standard of living of workers and promoting food affordability.” According…
The Managing Director of Tinapa Business Resort, Dr Francis Ekom, says the business and leisure hub with Free Trade Zone status has the potential of generating no fewer than 12,000 jobs when fully operational. Ekom made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Monday. The MD said a lot of effort has gone into repositioning the resort for investors and also to avoid past mistakes that necessitated taking over of the complex by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). While noting that there have been interest from several investors, Ekom said…
A veterinarian in Bauchi, Dr Abdulkadir Baba, has warned that the ongoing harmattan season in the state could increase the risk of zoonotic diseases. Baba gave the warning on Monday in an interview with reporters in Bauchi, attributing the heightened risk to dry and dusty weather conditions that favor the spread of infections from animals to humans. He explained that rodents such as rats often migrate into homes during the harmattan in search of food, thereby increasing the risk of diseases such as Lassa fever, leptospirosis and Q fever through contact with rodent urine, droppings or contaminated dust. Baba added…
Up to 300,000 smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda are set to benefit from a $2 million technical assistance programme aimed at raising cotton yields, strengthening value chains and increasing rural incomes in a region where the crop is a key source of livelihoods. The funds, approved on 9 December by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group, will support the Cotton Value Chain Project in Northern Uganda. The programme is financed by the Fund for African Private Sector Assistance, a Bank-hosted multi-donor trust fund that provides grants for technical support to boost Africa’s private sector. It will…
Norway has assumed joint leadership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on the “Call to Action” against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in emergencies. The Communication Analyst of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Mr Adewole Ajao, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja. According to Ajao, the development was announced at a symbolic handover ceremony held at the residence of the Norwegian Ambassador in Abuja. He said the handover marked the end of Germany’s tenure as joint lead alongside the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development from 2023 to 2024. Ajao added that…
The Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (IPEMA) hosted the 17th edition of Poultry India Expo 2025 from 25–28 November at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, reinforcing the event’s status as a leading global hub for poultry innovation and trade. The expo which concluded on a high note, drew strong international participation and fostered major industry collaborations, underscoring its growing influence as a premier platform for knowledge exchange and business in the global poultry sector. India’s Rise as a Global Poultry Leader India strengthened its global standing in poultry—ranking 2nd in egg production (142.77 billion, 2023–24) and remaining among the…
The government of Senegal, in collaboration with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and CGIAR partners, has commissioned a state-of-the-art greenhouse at the ISRA–CNRA research station in Bambey to accelerate advanced research and breeding for key dryland crops, enhancing resilience and driving nutrition-focused innovations across West and Central Africa. The new facility, covering 1,384 m² and comprising six independent, fully controlled compartments, will significantly accelerate crop improvement efforts for key dryland cereals and legumes across the region. Designed for phytopathology and plant breeding, the greenhouse enables up to four rapid generation cycles per year, dramatically reducing the time needed to deliver improved…