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Kaduna Bombing: US Pushes For AI Deployment To Minimize Accidental Bombings

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The Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability within the US government has announced its intention to aid the Nigerian Armed Forces by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drastically reduce unintentional bombings in their battle against terrorism and other security threats.

The Deterrence Bureau emphasized that as the Nigerian military integrates AI, it will not just enhance precision capabilities but also serve as a safeguard, preventing any violations of international humanitarian law during their operations.

At a media roundtable in Abuja, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Paul Dean conveyed, “First of all, deep condolences on the tragedy that happened over this week. I do think your question raises the very salient point that artificial intelligence will help militaries improve their operations in a very tangible way.

“Artificial intelligence will help militaries deliver on their international humanitarian law obligations. It will help militaries improve efficiency, eliminate biases, and improve overall decision-making.

“This, I think, will be of enormous value to global stability. We want to encourage the positive applications of artificial intelligence in the military.

“This initiative that we and our partners launched just last month is centred around achieving just that: maximizing the tremendous value of artificial intelligence in military applications.

“So we are convinced that when states commit themselves to using this technology in a predictable, transparent, stable, and responsible way, the international community will be in a position of maximizing the advantages while reducing the risks of an irresponsible approach.”

Mr. Dean further expressed his organization’s willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government to stem the proliferation of arms and ammunition within the country.

He said, “Really, the work of our Bureau is engaged in the full range of deterring conflict, promoting stability, and norms of responsible behavior in the military domain. And I think this makes us a natural fit for our partners here in Nigeria.

“We’re here to cooperate in areas of mutual interest and concern regarding the prohibition of chemical weapons, the pursuit of nuclear stability, the responsible use of outer space, and the use of risk reduction measures to advance issues of regional security.

“Last month, we were joined by 47 other partners (countries) in endorsing a groundbreaking political declaration on the responsible use of artificial intelligence and autonomy in military applications.

“The 47 countries are from all five UN regional groups, and so this is a cross-regional group of like-minded countries. The door is still open, and this is part of our trip to emphasize that we deeply value Nigeria’s participation in this as a leader.

“We strongly welcome interest by our Nigerian partners to join us in endorsing this declaration and join us in working around this declaration to strengthen the 10 measures of responsible conduct that it contains, refine them, and work with us to build international capacity to implement them.

“In my view, we are at a historic opportunity right now to work together with all of our partners to build from the ground up the international framework of responsibility for artificial intelligence in the military.

“I think Nigeria is a natural leader in this area, and their commitment to responsible behaviour and stability that I’ve heard during my visit here convinces me that Nigeria would be an indispensable and valuable partner whose perspective would greatly add to the discussion of how the international community can ensure that artificial intelligence in the military is incorporated in a safe, stable, and reliable manner.” he added

 

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New NSCDC Boss Takes Charge in Osun, Promises Stronger Security

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed Toma Enya as the new Commandant of the Osun State Command.

Enya’s deployment was approved by the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, according to a statement issued by the Corps’ spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, on Monday in Osogbo.

The new commandant, who was transferred from the Ekiti State Command, officially assumed office on Monday, taking over from Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo.

SEE MORE: Osun Accord, Adeleke Strategise for Legislative Elections

Following the handing-over ceremony at the command headquarters, Sotiyo led Enya to the Government Office in Abere, where they were received on behalf of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi.

Speaking during the visit, Enya pledged to strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing under his leadership.

He also assured that the command would remain committed to ensuring adequate protection of lives and property across the state.

Adewusi welcomed the new commandant to Osun and assured him of the state government’s support to enable the NSCDC to effectively discharge its statutory mandates and contribute to the security and development of the state.

Enya becomes the 18th NSCDC commandant in Osun State.

He hails from Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Enya has served the Corps in various operational, investigative and administrative capacities, gaining extensive experience in security operations and management.

The NSCDC said he has also attended several professional courses within and outside Nigeria, further enhancing his expertise in security architecture, leadership and administration.

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NEWS

FG Aims to Finish Olobiri Museum in 2028

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The Federal Government is committed to completing the the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre (OMRC) by 2028.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, made the disclosure during an inspection of the project in Otuabagi, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Lokpobiri expressed pleasure with the pace of construction, adding that the facility would preserve the history of Nigeria’s petroleum industry while serving as a major centre for research, tourism and industry events.

“I am very happy that I came today to see what is going on here. This is a masterpiece. The main building itself is over 10,000 square metres,” the minister said, noting that the museum and research centre would provide Nigerians and international visitors with a better understanding of the origins and evolution of the nation’s oil and gas industry, including its achievements, challenges and prospects.

The facility, he further said, will also create opportunities for conferences, exhibitions, retreats and research activities in the petroleum sector, even as he praised the quality of the work done so far and Julius Berger’s pace of work at the site.

READ ALSO: Dangote Reveals Date for Much-Awaited Refinery IPO

The minister also emphasised that the Federal Government will continue to give financial support to the project to ensure seamless execution while pledging to maintain close oversight of the project through regular visits, including unscheduled inspections, and praised Julius Berger for the quality of work completed so far, just as he appealed to the host community to sustain their cooperation with the contractors and other stakeholders to guarantee the successful delivery of the project.

Speaking on behalf of the contractor, the Project Manager, Engr. Botha de Bruyn, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project in line with approved specifications and timelines.

He said Julius Berger recognised the historical significance of the facility and would continue to work closely with the Federal Government, the project management team and the host community to ensure its successful completion.

De Bruyn also reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and professionalism throughout the construction process.

Providing an update on the development, the Project Director of the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre, Architect Ladipo Lewis, said the project was conceived to recognise Otuabagi as the birthplace of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

He explained that the facility would document and preserve the history, culture, environment and technological evolution of the oil and gas sector, while also serving as a hub for research, training and knowledge sharing.

Lewis disclosed that the project had attained over 15 per cent completion, with significant infrastructure works already executed.

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International News

Tanzania in Mourning as President Samia Loses Husband

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Tanzania is mourning following the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.

The death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman was officially announced by Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, according to the BBC.

Ndejembi said Ameir had been suffering from a heart condition and died at about 8am local time at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

SEE ALSO: Tanzania Eyes Expanded Dangote Investments in Fertiliser, Energy, Infrastructure

He added that funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, a village on Zanzibar.

Ameir, an agricultural academic, largely kept a low public profile and rarely appeared alongside his wife at official events.

He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021.

The couple married in 1978, before Samia entered national politics, and had four children — three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.

Ruto, AU mourn First Gentleman
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences to President Samia and her family following the death.

In a message posted on X on Monday, Ruto said, “I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.”

He added, “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.”

Ruto further said, “Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” while praying for the bereaved family.

The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also extended his condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.

In a statement issued on Monday, Youssouf said the AU conveyed its “deepest condolences” over the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan and wished the bereaved family “strength, courage and solace.”

The AU Chairperson also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased, concluding, “Inalilahi wainailehi rajiun.”

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