Latest News
FEATURES
For patients in Nigeria, the outrageous cost of life-saving drugs is a daily burden. Several people are now forced to take a risk with their health by extending or missing doses, settling for less potent substitutes, resorting to self-medication or traditional healers, or stopping medication entirely.
For those battling chronic ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer, the affordability crisis has pushed essential medications and treatment out of reach for many Nigerians and strained the public healthcare system.
Experts are worried that a significant number of patients who are not taking their medications as prescribed, stand to develop complications and incur even more expensive interventions later.
Some patients, who spoke with our correspondents bemoaned the negative effects that rising drug costs are having on their well-being, financial situation, and survival.
Ngozi Uchenna, a petty trader, was concerned about her 10-year-old daughter’s persistent cough. At the neighbourhood health centre in Ikeja, Lagos, she was visibly worried at the high cost of the prescribed cough mixture. “I cannot afford the drugs, so I’m taking my child back home,” she stated.
James Akor, who had been coping with sporadic coughs and chest pains, said he resorted to taking herbal mixtures because the hospital treatment bills were outrageous.
“One of the drugs the doctor said I shoud buy costs N120,000 and I will need to buy it two or three times every month. Another drug is about N55,000. Where will I get the money? I don’t have it,’’ he lamented.
‘I can’t afford N1.2m for one drug’
Dayo A. who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023, has not purchased any of the drugs prescribed for him.
He lamented: “The cancer was detected mid-stage, I am only on palliative treatment. One of the drugs prescribed for me was Lupron Depot. The doctor said I should take it once every six months, but it cost N1,200,000.
“I am self-employed and not on health insurance, so I could not afford it. I was placed on another drug, Zoladex, but one vial costs about N750,000, which was also unaffordable for me.”
For Olu F., a father of three, who lamented that paying his hospital bills was a nightmare, said: “I’m a civil servant with a heart problem. Actually, I’m on a basic health insurance plan, but it does not cover the full cost of treatment for my condition, so I’m paying out of pocket.
“I’m usually sacrificing one for the other. It is either I buy my drugs and not pay for one other need or I skip my medication. Either way, it’s not in my favour.”
Kate B. who is diabetic also has a sad story; and many older adults like her are particularly impacted by the rising costs of diabetes drugs, rationing their medication just to make it last.
Hers is a plight of being forced to choose between buying medicine and putting food on the table.
A market survey by Vanguard in Lagos revealed that the prices of common medications such as painkillers, antibiotics, anti-hypertensives and anti-diabetics have been increasing steadily since the beginning of the year.
Hardest hit are prescription drugs, the cost of some of which runs into millions of naira in some instances.
Causes of high cost of drugs
At the pharmacies, it was gathered that in addition to the naira devaluation, price adjustments by drug manufacturers, government regulations, taxes, availability and demand for specific medications are factors driving price increases.
Towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, SDG3, and Universal Health Coverage, UHC, the Federal Government assented to the 2014 National Health Bill aimed at providing increased access to basic health care for the vulnerable population.
But even this has failed because many Nigerians still pay out of pocket for medical expenses, pushing more families into experiencing burgeoning health expenditures.
With hospital care gradually becoming financially out of reach, Nigerians are turning to cheaper but largely untested options such as home remedies, herbal medicines, among others.
But experts are worried by this development. The consensus was that out of pocket expenditures will prevail until the gaps in financing essential health care services, particularly preventive health services, is addressed.
Worry over traditional, herbal medicine
A general practitioner at a General Hospital in Lagos, Femi Akintunde, cautioned that though traditional medicine practices and herbal treatments are prevalent and offer familiarity and cultural relevance, their effectiveness can vary significantly.
“When treatment costs become too high, people are forced to seek affordable and untested alternatives. Although traditional medicine practices and herbal treatments are widely used in Nigeria, their effectiveness can be unpredictable,” Akintunde warned.
Further he said: “While going to the pharmacy is okay for consultations for minor ailments and over-the-counter medications, relying on them for serious conditions can be risky due to limitations in diagnosis.
“Though public clinics offer affordable care, they may face resource limitations and longer wait times. The bottom line is that the inability to access proper diagnosis and treatment from qualified professionals can worsen health outcomes.”
Roadblocks to good healthcare
Another consultant medical practitioner, Bola Akinlolu, identified three major roadblocks to receiving good healthcare in Nigeria today: exorbitant costs for medications and treatment, long distances to reach medical facilities, and sometimes dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers.
Akinlolu emphasised that high cost remained the most critical hurdle, saying without health insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket, necessary treatment or medication might be out of reach.
“Of these, the issue of high cost is the most significant, because even if the patient succeeds in getting to the healthcare facility, and there are health workers to attend to them, there is little that can be done if such patient is not covered by health insurance, and cannot pay the treatment bill out of pocket or cannot afford to buy the required drugs,” he remarked.
Titilola Lawal, a registered nurse and midwife at a Lagos government hospital, blames skyrocketing medication prices as a key reason patients struggle to stick with their treatment plans.
While acknowledging that side effects could also make treatment compliance difficult, Lawal argued that cost was the biggest hurdle.
“Several factors can affect medication adherence but nowadays, high cost is number one. Medications in general are expensive, but some prescriptions, especially ‘orphan drugs’ for chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, can cost millions of naira,” she said.
Lawal explained that even with health insurance, the cost of these drugs could be overwhelming, leading patients to skip doses or ration their medication.
She added that some patients might even start treatment but abandon it halfway when the costs become unbearable.
She expressed particular concern for patients on multiple medication, saying managing such regimens could be challenging, and that high costs could increase the risk of accidentally skipped doses or medication errors.
Tolu Adetola, a pharmacist also regretted the development, warning that delay is dangerous.
“When people delay seeking medical attention, their condition can worsen and become more difficult to treat. This can lead to complications, increased healthcare costs, and even death.
“Worse still, if people with infectious diseases don’t seek medical attention, they can unknowingly spread the illness to others. This can be a particular risk for vulnerable populations.
“The rising costs of medical treatments and drug prices, exacerbated by the weakening value of the naira against foreign currencies, are negatively impacting families.
“Many households struggle to manage their healthcare expenses, which in turn affect their allocation of funds for necessities such as food and transportation.
“The general lack of reliable health insurance coverage by significant number of Nigerians further complicates the situation. Even where insurance is available, insurance companies are grappling with higher costs due to expensive medications,” Adetola said.
Catastrophic health expenditure
Launched in 2005, Nigeria’s National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, aimed to make healthcare affordable and accessible.
However, many Nigerians still face out-of-pocket medical expenses, risking financial hardship due to high costs. “What most Nigerians are facing today as a result of the economic downturn is catastrophic health expenditure.
‘’This is the health care payment beyond a certain fraction, that incurs negative economic consequences, ranging from sacrifice of basic goods and services, depletion of savings by individuals and families, to loss of income, and productivity, as well as disruption of welfare and living standards.
“Narrowing economic status gap across households, and increasing the depth of insurance are crucial mechanisms to reduce the probability of incurring catastrophic health expenditures in Nigeria,” he stressed.
Veteran Nigerian actress Lanre Adesina Hassan, famously known as Iya Awero, tearfully recounted the heartbreaking tragedies that marked her lengthy acting career.
In a riveting recent interview on actress Doyin Kukoyi’s talk show, Iya Awero delved into the darkest corners of her life and career.
When asked by her junior colleague to share an unforgettable experience that almost led her to abandon acting, Iya Awero recounted ordeals fraught with pain and resilience.
Iya Awero shared a gripping tale of her early marital struggles, revealing how she initially faced stiff opposition from her husband, who pressured her to quit her acting career to focus solely on their family.
The Nollywood Veteran recounted how her husband’s demands created a tumultuous period in her life, leaving her torn between her passion for acting and her responsibilities at home.
Determined to pursue her dreams, Iya Awero said she stood her ground with unwavering resolve. Her determination was bolstered by the unwavering support of her colleagues in the industry, who rallied around her and interceded on her behalf.
In a tearful recollection, She recounted the devastating day when one of her children, who had accompanied her to a stage performance event, suddenly collapsed and died. This shocking loss, according to her, left her in a state of profound grief and disbelief, was unable to face her husband in the wake of such a tragedy.
Iya Awero then went on to recount that soon after, her son accompanied her to a funeral, where they stayed overnight at the bereaved family’s home. Tragically, the next morning, she woke to find that her son had passed away in his sleep.
These deeply painful experiences and the overwhelming grief, she revealed, led her to question her own ability to continue acting. However, she expressed gratitude to God for granting her the strength to persevere until this day.
Moved by her tearful anguish, Doyin prayed earnestly for her, asking that God would continue to comfort her and that she would not have to mourn any more of her children.
Media
A General Overseer (GO) and founder of a new generation church simply identified as Bishop Godfrey has been apprehended, the police in Delta State have said.
He was arrested over an alleged attempt to kidnap a fellow bishop in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the State.
According to the police, Godfrey, was arrested along with his wife, an Assistant Pastor, elders and others who are currently detained at the Ughelli Police A’ Division.
It was also gathered that the Police recovered three Army uniforms and over 20 Sim cards at residence of the GO while executing a search warrant.
It was further learnt that the General Overseer, whose church is located in Agbarho, was traced to a hideout, where he escaped to after getting wind of the arrest of his wife and others.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright confirmed the report, saying that investigation was on to unravel the incident.
Former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has tackled the President for asking Nigerians to make sacrifices for their country.
President Tinubu while speaking to newsmen after observing Eid prayers in Lagos on Sunday, June 16, called on Nigerians to show more care for their neighbours and extend charity to all in the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir.
According to him, some level of sacrifices will be required to move the nation forward.
“We have been told by the Chief Imam how we can follow the path of sacrifice. The sacrifice required of a good citizen. Citizenship comes with responsibilities. As citizens, what do we need to do to be committed members of our society? Yes, that is sacrifice; loving your country. Loving your neighbours. Sharing what you have with each other. And to always be thankful to Almighty God”.
Reacting to the President's comment, Dalung in a post shared on X today, June 17, said the sacrifice should begin with the President and his govt.
He wrote;
‘’I listened to @officialABAT calling on Nigerians again to sacrifice, love, and believe in the country. Could this be mockery of the suffering of the masses, or he genuinely believe in what he was saying? If President Tinubu is sincere about what he's saying, then it's confirmation that his government is under siege by the notorious cabal.
The president's body language betrayed him completely from the social reality. He is in his own world distinct from the hardships confronting Nigerians. From my analysis of the speech, Nigeria is on auto pilot dangerous navigating turbulence.
Does President Tinubu knows that Nigerians are suffering? Certainly not, his reckless economic policies, wasteful expenditures, plundering of resources, insensitivity to plights of citizens, boastful and egoistic squndering of goodwill, adoption of corruption and nepotism as state policies are the characteristics of this ignoble regime. Sacrifice should begin with @officialABAT and his jumbo size government, then Nigerians can take him serious, but for now it's mere rhetorics and propaganda.''
Media personality Gbemi has stated that marriage and kids are not for everyone.
The media personality who noted that people should be left alone if they want that, also disclosed that she has friends who don’t want romantic relationships and they are wonderful people.
Gbemi tweeted;
“Leave people alone . Marriage and kids are not for everyone . I have dear friends who don’t want romantic relationships and they are wonderful people . A man or woman deciding not to marry or have children does not harm you in any way.”
One Ayandare Modupe, a finally year student of Adekunle Ajasin University, AAUA, Modupe Ayandare, has allegedly committed suicide.
The student was said to have taken her own life on Monday after she returned from a church vigil.
The tragic incident happened in Akungba-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko South West local government area of Ondo State where the university is located.
The deceased, who was the president of her department, Agronomy, was said to have taken her own life in an uncompleted building.
Noble Olaogbebikan, the Public Relations Officer of the institution’s student union, confirmed the incident.
He disclosed Ayandare committed suicide in the early hours of Monday around 4 am at an uncompleted building that was close to the white garment church where she attended the vigil.
“We express in strong terms our dissatisfaction and agony with respect to the death of one of our students, Ayandare Modupe. A 500-level student of the Department of Agronomy (Agronomy Departmental President).
“The incident happened beside the church she attended around Sportless Villa. The law enforcement agency has already been informed, and all hands are on the desk to get to the root of the situation.”
Also, in another statement, the deceased’s department said: “We have lost one of our own, Comrade Modesty, who served as the President of the Department of Agronomy. Her passing, by suicide at Onireason Street’s permanent site, is a profound loss to us all.”
The Ondo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, also confirmed development.
According to him, the deceased left a suicide note in her bag before the incident.
According to the police spokesperson, detectives had commenced an investigation to unravel the development
Residents of Idekan Farm Settlement in the Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun State were left shocked when a man named Matthew James killed his 55-year-old wife, Etim Mary, due to suspicions of her having an extramarital affair.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident took place around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Our correspondent learnt from several community and police sources that the suspect, now in police custody, committed the crime after suspecting that his late wife was having an extramarital affair with another man in the community.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the police operatives from the Ijebu-Igbo Division had taken the suspect into custody.
The eyewitness further told our correspondent that the suspect claimed he and the deceased woman had a “blood covenant” not to betray each other.
The source said, “They had a blood covenant that they would not leave each other. He suspected the wife was having an extramarital affair. The woman had been married before she met James. He married her when the woman was already ageing. She had grown up with children before James married her.
“James is claiming they both had a blood covenant not to leave each other for any reason. He just returned one morning with a machete and hacked the woman to death. He didn’t run away after committing the crime. He just stood beside her after.”
The spokesperson for the state police command, Omolola Odutola, commenting on Monday’s shocking incident, stated that the wife was pronounced dead by the attending doctor after being rushed to the hospital by other residents.
She said, “She was found lying in the pool of her blood just in front of the house about 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. She had deep cuts on her forehead, shoulders, and other parts of her body. The husband was found with the blood-soaked machete he was believed to have used to commit the crime.
“The body was taken to a general hospital in Ijebu-Igbo, where she was certified dead by a doctor on duty. Her corpse has been deposited at the Alayangbe Private Mortuary in Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo, for the autopsy.
“We will move the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abeokuta as soon as the preliminary investigation is concluded.”
PUNCH Metro reported a similar incident in April in Ekiti, where a suspect named Dare Onipede allegedly killed his wife, Arinola, during a dispute over accusations of her having an extramarital affair.
The suspect allegedly stabbed his wife, the mother of three, to death during the incident.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid a visit to the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The First Lady’s Media Aide, Busola Kukoyi shared the photos of the visit via her X handle on Monday.
Kukoyi stated, “Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu after receiving the Former President who came felicitating on the Sallah Celebration on Monday 17th June.”
FG’s failure to make fresh offer stalls wage talks
Obasanjo’s visit is coming barely 48 hours after the former President was seen donning a cap with President Bola Tinubu’s emblem.
Recall that a video of Obasanjo wearing a cap branded with Tinubu’s insignia at an event attended by some African dignitaries.
As Ondo govt activates surveillance for immediate response
THE Lagos State government, yesterday, explained that the strain of cholera in Lagos is highly aggressive and contagious.
Recall that Lagos has recorded 17 confirmed cases of cholera and 15 fatalities so far.
It also said laboratory investigation has confirmed the strain to be cholera sub-type O-1, adding that the subtype is associated with more severe diseases.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, in a post on X, said the identified strain is “highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination.”
Abayomi said through community-based case finding and contact tracing, the government observed that the number of cases “has peaked and is now significantly declining.”
He said: “The geographical distribution of suspected cases by Local Government Area showed that Lagos Island is the epicentre of the outbreak with 106 cases, followed by Kosofe with 49; Eti-Osa with 38; Lagos Mainland with 30; Ojo with 17; Ikorodu with 16; Shomolu with 11; Surulere with nine; Apapa with eight; Mushin with eight; Ifako Ijaiye with eight; Alimosho with four; Ajeromi-Ifelodun with four; Oshodi-Isolo with three; Ikeja with three; Ibeju Lekki with two; Badagry with two; and Amuwo-Odofin with one.
“We are receiving support from the NCDC and International partners, including the WHO Nigeria and UNICEF Nigeria.
“Local Non-Governmental organizations are actively involved in raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.”
Ondo govt activates surveillance for immediate response
Meanwhile, the Ondo State government said it has activated its surveillance for immediate response to any case of cholera in the state.
The Health Commissioner, Dr Banji Ajaka, noted that there were two cases in the Okitipupa council area early in the year, adding that it was curtailed by the Rapid Response team of the state
Ajaka said: “The surveillance team was also strengthened by the COPREP programme with community informants/contact tracers trained and placed on stipends for eight months; they however would be deployed for active case search in preparation for cholera outbreak.”
There is no denying the fact that the living conditions in the several internally displaced persons camps across Benue State are full of agonies, pains, and discomfort, Arewa PUNCH’s investigations have revealed.
Regrettably, women and children make up the majority of inmates in the 14 official camps scattered across the state.
Worse still, most of the inmates have lived in the camps for almost eight years now, where they suffer from the lack of potable water, food, security, and healthcare.
Ironically, in spite of the despicable and harrowing lifestyle in these camps, many of the male and female inmates still manage to copulate and have children, this is according to very reliable sources and data available to Arewa PUNCH.
Our correspondent reliably further gathered that hardly does a month runs through without recording the birth of a new baby in the camp.
The cluster nature of living in these camps, marked by overcrowding couples, infected with varying types of diseases already at different degrees, according to checks does not discourage the inmates from making out time to mating in very unusual, dirty and unsightly secluded areas such as the makeshift toilets, dusty barefloor, and overgrown bushes within and around to the camp sites.
Checks at the State Emergency and Maintenance Agency office in Makurdi further revealed that no fewer than 25 new births were, for instance, recorded within two months in seven designated camps in the state.
Although, Arewa PUNCH was informed by the camp managers that there are 14 designated camps across the state, a quick look at them showed that, from May 2024 till date, the Agagbe Camp in Gwer West LGA has officially recorded nine births, while the Otese Camp in the Guma LGA recorded six births.
The Daudu II Camp also in Guma LGA recorded two newborn babies so far and the Naka Camp in Gwer West LGA has two recorded births whereas, inside the Ukpiam Camp, four newborn babies were recorded.
At the camp in NEPA, also, one birth was recorded just as the same birth record was noted a piece in both the ApIchwa and Anyiin camps located at Logo LGA.
A thirty-year-old female inmate who simply identified herself as Akpeku Nyemana of room 2 RCM Primary School IDP camp, Agagbe in Gwer West LGA, opened up to Arewa PUNCH that she had lived in the camp since 2020.
She narrated, “I became pregnant here at IDP camp and gave birth to a baby boy this month.”
However, she declined to speak further on how she got pregnant who is responsible for the baby boy and the circumstances that led to her pregnancy despite the overcrowded, undignifying, and dirty lifestyle in the camp.
However, Nyemana commended the state government and other partners for caring for the numerous pregnant and nursing mothers in the Agagbe camp.
Further investigations reveal that the living conditions of the internally displaced persons in all the camps are extremely challenging due to substandard shelters, insufficient sanitation facilities, and scarcity of food and other essential items needed for living a decent lifestyle but which are absent at all the camps visited.
Another inmate, 32-year-old Tondo who lives inside the Ichua camp located along the University of Agriculture road in Makurdi told Arewa PUNCH that all the able-bodied male inmates engage in farming and menial jobs to augment what the government and corporate bodies donate to the IDPs.
“Life in the typical IDP camp is horrible because there is no place like home. You can not get those necessities of life from these camps.
“What we do now is that we encourage the adult males in camp now to engage in farming within the nearby communities to augment whatever the government provides.”
Corroborating Tondo, a volunteer in the Agagbe camp, Terna Jacob disclosed to our correspondent on Wednesday that the Agagbe camp is faced with inadequate shelter, toilet facilities and food items.
He added that due to inadequate shelter, the inmates are camped in five locations which are: RCM Primary School, St Francis Xavier Secondary School, Police Station, Sisters Convent and St Patrick’s Primary School all in Agagbe.
Jacob stressed, “The major problems at the IDP camp Agagbe is shelter and hunger. Though the state government has taken it upon itself to be distributing food and non food items to displaced persons in all the camps across the state on a monthly basis.
Arewa PUNCH recalls that the last exercise on the distribution of food and non food items was held on May 30, 2024, by the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, James Iorpuu and among other items he distributed were 2440 bags of 25kg rice, 729 bags of beans, 160 bags of garri, 1520 cartons of Indomie,175 gallons of groundnut oil, 157 gallons of red oil, 905 cartons of Maggi, 185 bags of salt and 60 bags of sugar.
Iorpuu who decried the alarming rate of IDPs in the state called on all stakeholders, including the government’s agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the international community to continue to collaborate with the state government to attend to the humanitarian needs of the state.
He noted, “the monthly distribution of food and non-food items to the internally displaced persons underscores Governor Hyacinth Alia’s unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of those who have been displaced from their homes and are currently residing in IDP camps across the state.
The SEMA boss lauded the United Nations agencies for their relentless support and invaluable contributions towards improving the living conditions of the IDPs.
He insisted, “We appreciate the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for deploying seven of their critical sectors in our state. Their efforts in camp coordination and camp management, shelter and non-food items, livelihood, water and sanitation, and transitional recovery have been instrumental in ensuring that our IDPs receive the necessary assistance and support.
“We also extend our gratitude to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Population Fund, and Plan International. Your continuous support and resources have made a significant impact in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by our IDPs.
“Your contributions in providing essential services, enhancing protection, and promoting sustainable development are deeply appreciated.
“To our IDPs, I assure you that your plight is at the forefront of Benue-SEMA. We are committed to working tirelessly to secure the resources and support to improve your living conditions and to facilitate your eventual return to your ancestral homes,” Iorpuu assured.
More...
Story Highlights
- African Union ministers have endorsed a Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy for digital transformation across Africa.
- The strategy aims to promote Africa’s AI capabilities and ensure inclusive development.
- This initiative aligns with AU Agenda 2063 and will be submitted for final adoption by the AU Executive Council in July 2024.
African ICT and Communications Ministers of the African Union (AU) said they have unanimously endorsed a “Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy” and “African Digital Compact” to accelerate “Africa’s digital transformation” by unlocking the potential of the new digital technologies in Nigeria and other African countries.
This was disclosed in a statement published on AU’s official website on Monday, June 17, 2024.
Over 130 African ministers and experts virtually convened between June 11 to 13, 2024 for the AU 2nd Extraordinary session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT.
The meeting aimed at igniting digital transformation across the continent amidst rapid evolutions in the sector fueled by artificial intelligence (AI) technology and applications.
Continental Strategy
According to the statement, the Continental AI Strategy guides for African countries to harness artificial intelligence to meet the continent’s development aspirations and the well-being of its people.
It seeks to promote AI’s ethical use, minimizing potential risks, leveraging opportunities and particularly canvassing for African content and context to be featured in the AI governance structures.
“Identifying key priorities and actions to ensure that Africa fully benefits from the huge opportunities AI offers, the strategy calls for Africa-owned, people-centered, development-oriented, and inclusive approach to accelerate African countries’ AI capabilities in infrastructure, talent, datasets, innovation, and partnerships while also ensuring adequate safeguards and protection from threats.
“The Strategy sets the roadmap for African countries to harness the potential of AI to achieve developmental aspirations to education and skills, health, agriculture, infrastructure, peace and security and good governance by developing human capital, strengthening research and innovation ecosystems, and building an AI-ready institutional and regulatory environment to ensure AI works for African people.”
Africa’s success in the global AI arena
At the ministerial session, the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid explained that in other to guarantee Africa’s success in the global AI arena, African countries should invest in its youths, innovators, computer scientists, data experts, and AI researchers.
The Commissioner commended the endorsement of the strategy, stating if followed by relevant stakeholders, Africa’s diversity would be captured in AI systems.
“Adapting AI to African realities is critical. AI systems should be able to reflect our diversity, languages, culture, history, and geographical contexts. As we aim to create an inclusive AI ecosystem and a competitive African AI market that is adapted to our realities and meets our ambitions, we believe examining and approving this strategy will provide a common vision and path to accelerate responsible AI innovation and adoption in Africa”.
“For us Africans, Artificial Intelligence presents tremendous opportunities. It is a driving force for positive transformational positive change as well as economic growth and social progress,” Dr. Abou-Zeid said as quoted in the statement.
Lending his voice, the Minister of Information, Communications, Science Technology, and Innovation of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and Chair of the Bureau of the technical committee, Ms. Nthati Moorsi emphasised the huge opportunities that stem from the adoption of AI-enabled systems to promote homegrown solutions.
The minister was of the view that the AI strategy would stimulate economic growth and sustainable development towards achieving the priorities outlined in the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
What you should know
The meeting is a follow-up on the AU’s call for developing countries to have increased representation and influence within global Artificial Intelligence(AI) governance structures.
Nairametrics previously reported that the AU Mission to the United Nations (UN), had disclosed this during a Special meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a month ago.
This endorsed strategy is expected to constitute Africa’s contribution to the Global Digital Compact and the United Nations Summit of the Future in September 2024.
The committee will submit the strategy to the African Union Executive Council in July 2024, for consideration and final adoption in line with AU rules and regulations.
The development is coming after a pan-African telecom company, MTN Group, and Huawei Technologies collaborated to build a technology innovation lab aimed at accelerating digital transformation and sustainable development across Africa.
The Nigerian government is also looking forward to digital transformation across the nation
Some months back, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, visited SecureID Limited state-of-the-art facilities, commending the firm’s role in Nigeria’s digital transformation.
[Nairametrics]
Guinness Nigeria Plc has debunked insinuations that it is exiting the Nigerian market following the sale of the majority shareholding by Diageo, a British multinational alcoholic beverage company.
In a statement, the company which commenced operations in Nigeria in 1950 said it “wishes to correct the recent speculations and false/malicious misinformation alleging a plan to exit from the Nigerian market.”
Recall that last week, Guinness Nigeria entered a deal with Singapore-based Tolaram Group to acquire the 58 percent stake but Diageo will retain ownership of the Guinness brand, which will be licensed to Guinness Nigeria in the long term.
“Contrary to rumours being peddled on various media platforms, Guinness Nigeria remains firmly committed to its operations in Nigeria and is poised for a new phase of growth and innovation.
“Our unwavering commitment to Nigeria is evident in the substantial investments in infrastructure, employment, backward integration and our community development and social responsibility initiatives.
“The recent announcement of the partnership between Diageo and Tolaram Group further reinforces unequivocally that Guinness Nigeria remains committed to Nigeria and has no intention of exiting the dynamic Nigerian market. Our business will continue strongly, and no jobs or factories will be adversely affected as a result of this new partnership.”
Popular singer, Gabriel Oche Amanyi, better known as Terry G, has crowned Grammy winner, Wizkid as the Jay-Z of the Nigerian music industry.
He made the claim when he appeared on the Afrobeats podcast.
According to him, Wizkid is the Nigerian version of Jay-Z.
Jay-Z is a billionaire American hip-hop legend and businessman, known for his business acumen and huge influence in hip-hop culture.
“Wizkid is the Jay-Z of our generation. He’s the first [born child of the new generation of Nigerian musicians] and we’ll always give it to him. One thing I like about Wizkid is his carriage. He has inspired a lot of people,” he said.
The ‘Akpako Master’ recalled how Wizkid came to his house back in 2016 for a recording session with him.
“Wizkid came to my house in Ishaga in 2016 to record a song with me. I was very happy he came. We recorded 4 songs together. God bless Wizkid,” Terry G said.
Nigerian footballer Kayode Olanrewaju has broken his silence through his lawyer following rumours of paternity scandal involving his children.
Kayode was reacting after media reports suggested that he is not the biological father of the three children he shares with his estranged wife, Dora Ezinne.
However, Kayode’s legal team, Alexime Law Associates, has taken decisive steps to address the controversy.
In a statement released on Monday in Lagos, the legal team highlighted the potential emotional distress and reputational damage caused by these allegations.
On May 26, 2024, Kayode’s attorneys issued a comprehensive response, demanding that media platforms disclose their sources.
They argued that the baseless allegations were part of a concerted effort to malign Kayode’s character and disrupt his family life, potentially orchestrated by Dora to divert attention from her own alleged misconduct.
The legal team specifically called out one Dr Ruth Emosiluamhe Agbukor, who tweeted about the supposed DNA test results, claiming none of Kayode’s children with Dora were biologically his.
The tweet, which reached millions, was amplified by other social media platforms.
Kayode’s legal team demanded that Dr Agbukor reveal her information source, delete the false story, and issue a public retraction.
They warned of potential legal action for libel and charges under the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act if she failed to comply.
This controversy is part of ongoing conflicts between Kayode and Dora, which include allegations of forgery, theft of two Mercedes SUVs worth over N700m, immovable properties worth billions of Naira, infidelity involving UK-based Nigerian Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, and financial misconduct.
Kayode’s legal team claimed that since March 24, 2024, Dora has absconded with their children to an undisclosed location in Abuja and attempted to flee the country using new passports obtained illegally. This plan was allegedly thwarted by the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS) in April.
Dora was also accused of conspiring to misappropriate Kayode’s assets as part of a broader scheme to undermine him financially.
Kayode’s attorneys emphasised that their client will not issue a public disclaimer about the DNA report, as this would imply his involvement in spreading the rumour.
Instead, they are focused on uncovering the true sources of the allegation to support Kayode’s case and restore his reputation, working with intelligence operatives to do so.
“We are committed to uncovering the source of this story as part of our broader strategy to shift focus away from the substantive issues of fraud and misconduct by Dora,” the team concluded.