Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the modern world, revolutionizing industries and reshaping economies. In the fast-evolving landscape of AI the leading nations such as the USA and China, have spearheaded a revolution in AI and positioned themselves as superpowers in the race for AI supremacy in this technological domain, with advancements in AI adoption closely tied to a nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Following the USA and China, countries like the UK, the State of Israel, and the European Union have also made significant strides in AI development. The regulation of AI has become a crucial aspect in most leading countries to ensure ethical and responsible AI deployment.

The development of AI technologies by giant tech companies has propelled the industry into a trillion-dollar economy, marking a significant milestone akin to the discoveries of electricity, fire, and the internet. However, the success of AI requires substantial investment and robust infrastructure, such as reliable electricity and water supply, which are often lacking in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa.

The race for AI supremacy among leading economies could be traced to the era of the dot coms, gaining momentum with the introduction of groundbreaking AI models like ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022. Since then, tech companies have been producing a plethora of AI models that have had a profound impact on global technological advancement. And investing billions of dollars in research and innovation, as a result of what some observers call FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

One of the greatest concerns amongst some African intellectuals in the AI race and development, is the place and capacity of Africa in AI readiness. Nigeria, with its recent National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Initiative (NAIS), in April 2024, has demonstrated leadership and a newfound commitment to establishing itself as a leader in AI on the African continent.

The NAIS brought together Nigerian AI experts, researchers, tech companies and enthusiasts from around the world to collaborate in Abuja, the capital city, to develop a comprehensive roadmap and framework for AI implementation in the country. Notably, international tech giant companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta also participated in the four-day strategy session. The strategy session was facilitated by esteemed institutions like the Lagos Business School and Data Science Nigeria, under the guidance of Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

The breakout sessions during the NAIS covered crucial areas such as Research & Innovation, Infrastructure, and International collaborations, highlighting Nigeria's commitment to leveraging AI for driving innovation and sustainable development across various sectors.

The USA and China have been frontrunners in the global AI race, with both countries investing heavily in AI research and development to maintain their competitive edge. The USA, home to tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, has been at the forefront of AI innovation, particularly in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, and autonomous systems. China, on the other hand, with companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and Huawei leading the charge, has made significant strides in AI applications, particularly in areas like facial recognition, e-commerce, and smart cities.

The UK, Israel, and the European Union have also emerged as key players in the global AI landscape, with a focus on fostering AI talent, encouraging innovation, and setting ethical standards for AI deployment. The UK, known for its strong research ecosystem at the University of Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College and other institutions, and supportive regulatory environment, has been a hub for AI startups and academic research in areas like healthcare, finance, and transportation. Israel, with its thriving startup culture and government support for AI initiatives, has excelled in AI technologies related to cybersecurity, agriculture, and defense. The European Union, through initiatives like the European AI Strategy and the AI Act, aims to promote trustworthy AI that respects fundamental rights and values.

In contrast, many African countries, including Nigeria, are still in the nascent stages of AI adoption and development. The lack of infrastructure, funding, and skilled workforce poses challenges to harnessing the full potential of AI for economic growth and societal development. However, initiatives like the NAIS in Nigeria signal a shift towards prioritizing AI as a strategic tool for innovation and progress.

As the global AI landscape continues to evolve, collaboration and knowledge sharing among nations will be vital for addressing common challenges and leveraging AI for the collective good. The race for AI supremacy is not just about technological advancement but also about ethical considerations, inclusivity, and sustainable development. By fostering a culture of innovation, investing in AI research and talent development, and establishing ethical guidelines for AI deployment, countries can harness the power of AI to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and Climate Change, and the fight against Insecurity, create a more prosperous and equitable future for the human race.

Sonny Iroche
Post Graduate Studies. Artificial Intelligence for Business.
Saïd Business School. University of Oxford. UK.
Linkedin.com/in/sonnyiroche

The federal government has declared Wednesday, 1st May, 2024, a public holiday to mark the Workers’ Day celebration.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the federal government.

The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency, and equity in all spheres of labour, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in the workplace.

It added that the federal government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens.

The Minister, in the statement, acknowledged the invaluable contribution of workers and wished them a happy celebration.

The statement read, “The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 1, 2024 as a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration.

“The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in the workplace.

“Dr. Tunji-Ojo said, ‘In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens.

“Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.’

“While acknowledging the contribution of workers, he called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in in the implementation of sustainable practices and policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.

“The minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as he wishes workers a happy celebration.”

[NaijaNews]

The first day of Senate’s plenary in the renovated red chamber was marred by a verbal war among Senators over sitting arrangement on Tuesday.

LEADERSHIP reports that both chambers of the National Assembly were formally reopened on Tuesday after about two years of renovation work.

During the renovation, lawmakers were using makeshift chambers in both wings of the National Assembly.

The project was completed before their 40-day recess, prompting their resumption to the remodelled Chambers on Tuesday.

But trouble started in the Senate when the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, started reading the names of Senators who marked their birthdays during the vacation.

At a point, Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u (APC, Zamfara North) angrily stood up from the seat allocated to him to lodge a complaint with the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

His complaints to Bamidele, which started on hushed tone, degenerated to a shouting match between the two of them and consequently sparked reactions from other Senators and eventually escalated into a rowdy session, which lasted for about 30 minutes

Senator Ya’u was seen pointed his finger at the Senate Leader, complaining bitterly that the new seat allocated to him at far right corner of the chamber was not befitting of him, being a ranking Senator, who once held a principal position of Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate during the 9th National Assembly.

The verbal war between the Senate Leader and the Senator Ya’u festered further when Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) joined the fray.

Goje also complained to Bamidele that ranking Senators were not well positioned in the new sitting arrangement .

However, in a troubleshooting move, the President of the Senate called on the Senate Leader and the aggrieved Senators surrounding him, to approach him, which they did and eventually paved way for Akpabio to read his welcome address after normalcy was restored.

After Akpabio’s welcome address, an emergency closed-door session was called for by the Senate Leader, apparently to diffuse the bottled anger among Senators over the sitting arrangement.

Details Later…

[Leadership]

The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has concluded plans to take delivery of eight vessels containing over 300m litres of fuel to address the current fuel shortage.

Chairman of MEMAN, Huub Stokman, disclosed this during a press conference to address the current fuel scarcity across the country.

Daily Trust reports that fuel queues have lingered since the beginning of the week as motorists spend hours at filling stations.

Stockman who empathised with Nigerians over the frustration and difficulty they are experiencing said the priority of the major marketers and other stakeholders in the supply chain is to restore stability and ensure fuel supply.

He said, “Our top priority as MEMAN is to restore stability and ensure fuel supply with all depots and retail outlets across Nigeria promptly. We want to reassure the public that there is an adequate supply of PMS available.

“Our members are taking over 8 vessels this week with over 300m litres which is well above our normal level. Our depots will extend their loading times to ensure we load out as much as we can including tomorrow. Our partners in NARTO and PTDs have assured us of their support to make sure the product gets to the retail outlets quickly and safely. We would extend opening time of selected retail outlets to serve our customers as quickly as possible.”

According to him, independent marketers have been allocated additional PMS to alleviate the situation.

He also disclosed that the marketers are not changing prices, saying NNPC retail is not changing their price.

The Chairman further blamed the current situation on multiple causes bothering on logistics like bad weather outside the shores, saying, “However in the coming days we expect to see major improvement in the fuel situation. Based on the data we see, it would not take two weeks. I truly believe we would see improvement this week.”

[DailyTrust]

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday, April 29, released the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results.

The examination which began on Friday, April 19, ended on Monday, April 29.

Here’s a breakdown of the results:

1. 1,989,668 candidates registered and sat for the examination in 118 towns and over 700 centres across the country.

2. 1,842,464 results have been released so far with 64,624 under investigation

3. 0.5% of candidates scored 300 and above, a total of 8,401

4. 4.2% scored 250 and above, a total of 77,070

5. 24% scored 200 and above, a total of 439,974

6. 76% scored 199 and below, a total of 1,402,490

7. 50.6% of the candidates (1,007,275) were female

8. 49.4% of the candidates (982,393) were male

[TheNation]

The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that Nigerians are essentially funding corruption and inefficiencies within the Federal Government.

Atiku made this assertion in a statement released on Tuesday to commemorate this year’s International Workers Day.

On May 1, International Workers’ Day is celebrated worldwide, with many nations acknowledging workers’ achievements and advocating for fair compensation and better working conditions through demonstrations and marches.

The theme for this year’s Workers’ Day is “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate.”

The former Vice President, who characterised the dire situation of Nigerian workers as a harsh reality, asserted that no administration has disregarded workers’ rights to the extent of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He stated “Despite prolonged pledges and flowery words by the government, the much talked-about prospects of wage increment for the Nigerian worker remains a mirage. Every dawn unveils renewed hardships and harsh living conditions.

“After the contraction and contradictions by the government about whether the subsidy regime has gone or it is still being implemented, the country is today facing the angst of frustration by Nigerians who waste precious man-hours in queues at petrol stations across the country.”

He added that although the petrol subsidy has supposedly been removed, its effects persist, exposing the incompetence of the present federal government.

Atiku said “In an unprecedented manner and condescending of both the Nigerian worker and the general public, this current federal government announced a unilateral removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit without consultations with representatives of the Nigerian worker.

“The continued increase in tariffs in different service offerings without addressing the corruption and inefficiencies in the system only amounts to long-suffering Nigerians subsidising the corruption and inefficiencies in the system.

“Since the days of legendary, Pa. Michael Imoudu, to later day firebrands such as Pascal Bafyau and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Nigerian worker has been at the forefront of the fight against tyranny and bad governance.

“No administration in our history has trampled workers’ rights like this one. Daily, workers face uncertainty over skyrocketing prices of essential goods.”

Atiku stated that the handling of the nation’s microeconomic situation resembles a cumbersome laboratory experiment, leaving the Nigerian worker in a vulnerable position.

“The Nigerian worker has had it so rough under this current administration and it is unfortunate that while the living conditions of the Nigerian worker remain at a miserably low ebb, the Nigerian government continues to regale its international audiences with tales of how the masses are being weaned of their wasteful dependence on government.

“It is thus beginning to appear, that as far as the current federal government is concerned, the management of our country’s micro-economic outlook is an unwieldy laboratory experiment, to which the Nigerian worker is laid prostrate.

“While I cannot but share my sympathy with the Nigerian worker for the way the current government has ridiculed her for far too long, I must equally express my felicitations with the Nigerian worker on this year’s Workers Day”, he concluded.

[Punch]

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out of Euro 2024, national team coach Domenico Tedesco said Tuesday.

Real Madrid’s Courtois has missed the entire season with a knee ligament injury and suffered a further setback in March which required another knee operation.

Capped 102 times since his international debut in 2011, Courtois said last December that he was giving up on playing at the European Championship in Germany due to his left knee injury.

“On this topic, everything has already been said. I don’t want a tit for tat situation,” Tedesco told German media on Tuesday.

Courtois has been on frosty terms with Tedesco since June 2023, after being overlooked as captain following an injury to Kevin De Bruyne, with Romelu Lukaku instead chosen to wear the armband.

Tedesco pointed out that by announcing his decision in December, Courtois had allowed the Belgian staff to prepare other options.

“We are focusing on players who are in good shape,” he said.

The 31-year-old Courtois returned to the Real Madrid group on Monday ahead of the Spanish club’s Champions League semi-final first leg at Bayern Munich.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti has said he hopes to have Courtois back for Saturday’s league game against Cadiz ahead of the Champions League second leg.

 [Vanguard]

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says it will take decisions that will cripple the supply of petrol due to the non-payment of over N200 billion bridging claims.

The development comes amid a scarcity of petrol, which has led to an increase in transport costs.

Bridging claims entails the cost of transporting fuel from depots to approved zones to ensure a uniform pump price across the country.

In a communique released after a press conference on Tuesday, Oliver Okolo, the association’s unit chairman and spokesperson, Aba Depot, said the debt is being owed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NMDPRA).

Okolo said NMDPRA failed to pay the N200 billion debt, accruing since September 2022 — despite a directive for payment from Heineken Lokpobiri, the minister of petroleum resources (oil).

“We are poised to take far-reaching decisions that may cripple the supply and sales of petroleum products across Nigeria, if our demands are not met within the shortest period,” he said.

He said the NMDPRA’s delay in offsetting the debt has led to the “deaths of many of our members and the unfortunate collapse of their businesses”.

“As businessmen and women, our members acquired bank loans to keep their fuel retail outlets running daily across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, to serve the teeming population of Nigerians,” he said.

“However, it is demoralising to know that many of our members have gone bankrupt and have become financially insolvent as a result of their inability to meet their financial obligations to their banks, arising wholly from their inability to get their monies from the NMDPRA.

“Consequently, also, the banks have taken over the business premises of many of our members.

“As indigenous organisations, and Depot Chairmen, we are unhappy that rather than receive support from the government to boost our businesses, we are being discouraged, by the head of NMDPRA.

“It is noteworthy to recall and state here that at a stakeholders meeting held on the 20th of February, 2024 with Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), and the NSA Nuhu Ribadu, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Authority of NMDPRA, was mandated by Mr. Heinehken Lokpobiri to clear the entire debt in 40 days.”

However, after the 40-day deadline, Okolo said a paltry sum of N13 billion has been paid.

The NMDPRA and IPMAN have a history of disputes over bridging claims, with the latter often threatening to withdraw services.

[TheCable]

A famous Nigerian musician with the stage name, Patoranking, in his track, “Celebrate me”, admonished us on the need to celebrate and appreciate people while they are alive. High Chief Tom Ikimi, CON, FNIA KSG, D.Sc, the Akinrogun of Ife, the Inneh of Igueben, is, in the word of Patoranking, a “big name” and a towering figure in both stature and influence. He stands out as a beacon of resilience, wisdom, integrity and leadership.

High Chief Tom Ikimi, my elder friend and brother from Igueben, Edo State, was born on 10^th April, 1944, in Kumba, Southern Camerouns. He attended the St. Joseph’s College, Sesse-Buea in Southern Camerouns; obtained a National Diploma in Building and Civil Engineering from the Midwestern Polytechnic, Auchi (the former Midwestern Nigeria, now Edo and Delta States); and a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he was a prominent member of the Students Union and the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS).

As a top Nigerian politician, Ikimi has, over the years, held various high-ranking positions in the Nigerian political firmament and has been involved in helping to midwife different political parties throughout his career. He was a foundation member of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); and he led the party to win the 2012 Edo State Gubernatorial elections. He was also a foundation member and national leader of the Advanced Congress of Democrats, inaugurating the party in Edo state on February 21, 2006. Other party activities were honourably executed in the All Peoples Party (APP); the People's Democratic Party (PDP); and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the present ruling party.

The tenacious politician made a lasting mark as the pioneer Chairman of the National Republican Convention (NRC), one of Nigeria's two leading political parties during the transition to civilian rule in the early 1990s. His main rival was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) chaired by Babagana Kingibe. However, the Babangida military junta had with military dicta suddenly dissolved the Ikimi and Kingibe cabinets in October, 1992. Subsequently, Chief Tony Anenih (fondly called “Mr. Fix it”) became the Chairman of SDP, while Dr. Hahmed Kusamotu became Chairman of the NRC. The election that produced Chief M.K.O. Abiola who roundly defeated his closest rival, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, by 8,341,309 (58.36%) to 5,952,087 (41.64%) votes was held under this latter leadership. Ikimi had indeed been active in Nigerian politics since the 1980s and has played significant roles in various political administrations.

One major contribution made by High Chief Tom Ikimi towards strengthening democracy is his pioneering involvement in the founding of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria. He was one of the founding fathers of the APC. He played a key role in the merger of several opposition parties to form the APC in 2013. The formation of the APC provided a formidable platform for opposition politics in Nigeria; and eventually led to the party's victory in the 2015 presidential elections. This ended the 16-year rule of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). However, in 2014, Chief Ikimi quitted the APC as he accused the party leadership of ignoring national sensitivities in the administration of the fledgling party.

Chief Ikimi's political influence transcends mere party activities. Engaged in various movements advocating for democracy, good governance, and national integration, Ikimi embodies a commitment to Nigeria's political development. It is worthy of note that during General Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, Chief Ikimi and other prominent figures faced deregistration from the PDP. This had exposed the party's agenda to eliminate internal opposition with a view to facilitating Obasanjo's self-succession and transmutation agenda. In sharp response to this, chief Ikimi rallied with trusted allies to establish the Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD). This movement not only effectively challenged Obasanjo's autocratic ambition; but it also championed democratic principles during these trying times.

On the diplomatic sphere, Chief Ikimi's illustrious career exemplifies a remarkable dedication to diplomatic excellence and global leadership. Ikimi had served as the Special Adviser to General Sani Abacha in 1994 during which he prepared the memo that led to the establishment of the highly successful Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). He later served as Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs in the heat of military dictatorship. Chief Ikimi's diplomatic acumen shone brightly throughout that turbulent era. In April, 1995, he graced the international stage, leading Nigeria's delegation to the Review/Extension Conference of the Parties to the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York, where his eloquent delivery of Nigeria's national position left an indelible mark on the global scene.

Furthermore, his leadership was evident at the Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Bandung, Indonesia. Throughout his tenure, Chief Ikimi's presence resonated at numerous international gatherings, including the 40th Anniversary Meeting of the Movement of Non-Aligned countries in Bandung, Indonesia, and the Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement in Cartagena, Colombia.

Ikimi’s role in representing Nigeria at various sessions of the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council, articulating Nigeria's stance on various issues with eloquence and authority, underscored his unwavering commitment to advancing the nation's interests on the global stage.

Before his political engagements, Chief Ikimi in the realm of professional calling, had established his own architectural practice in 1977. Over the years, he demonstrated remarkable prowess in executing a diverse range of projects, encompassing private residences, sports facilities, office complexes, and industrial buildings, both locally and internationally. Notably, his architectural firm achieved international recognition and fame when it won the prestigious competition for the design of the new OAU office and conference Centre projects in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. Recognized for his contributions in the field of Architecture, he attained the status of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA). Beyond architecture, Chief Ikimi has cultivated successful business ventures spanning construction, trade, and farming, showcasing his versatility and entrepreneurship.

In recognition of his unquantifiable contributions to community development, Nigerian politics and public service, Tom Ikimi was honoured with the title of High Chief Oduma in his native Igueben Kingdom. “Oduma” simply means lion. Ikimi is indeed the roaring lion. While his career has seen both highs and lows, his achievements have left indelible footprints on Nigeria's political landscape.

Today, as I reflect on Chief Ikimi's illustrious journey, I am reminded of his unwavering commitment to service and dedication to the betterment of his country. Throughout his exemplary career, Ikimi has exemplified the noblest virtues of selflessness and sacrifice, always placing the needs of the country and others above his own. No wonder Pope John Paul II in 1993 honoured him with the revered Knighthood of St. Gregory the Great (KSG). Rivers State University of Science and Technology followed suit when he was honoured with the Honourary Degree of D.Sc (Architecture). 

Chief Ikimi's leadership has been characterized by rare vision, foresight and wisdom in guiding countless individuals and organizations towards greater heights of success and prosperity. His innate ability to inspire and empower those around him has been instrumental in fostering positive change and development on both local and national scales.

Beyond his sterling professional achievements as an accomplished architect of global fame, Chief Ikimi is cherished for his warmth, compassion, empathy and humility. He possesses a rare gift of connecting with people from all walks of life, forging meaningful relationships and alliances built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

I celebrate Chief Tom Ikimi's today, not only for his remarkable accomplishments, but also for the countless lives he has touched and transformed. May the Oduma’s indelible legacy continue to inspire generations to come, serving as guiding light and beacon of hope for all who aspire to make a difference in the world. Through his smiles and affability, the taciturn Oduma lights up dark crevices, energises tired muscles and rekindles hope to the hopeless, hapless and vanquished citizens of Nigeria – the hoi folloi; the Frantz Fanon’s “Wretched of the Earth”.

Happy birthday to a great Pan-Nigerian patriot! May all your days be filled with joy and love in appreciation of all that you are; all that you have don; and all that you stand for.

Let me end this tribute to this towering Nigerian and luminous man of many parts by quoting Edgar Allan Poe, “Life is a song – sing it. Life is a game – play it. Life is a challenge – meet it. Life is a dream – realise it. Life is a sacrifice – offer it. Life is love – enjoy it”.

So, Oduma, enjoy life to the fullest as you hit the octogenarian age. Beyond this, receive Genesis 6:3. It is your portion.