Saturday, July 4, 2026
Home Blog Page 215

AU-ASRIC, Microsoft partner to train 5,000 African women on AI

By
Editor
-
0

African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC), in partnership with International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) and Microsoft, has inaugurated the second edition of Women Elevate Programme.

The Executive Director of AU-ASRIC, Engr. Dr Ahmed Hamdy, said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.

Hamdy said the initiative aimed to address the gender gap in Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills by providing 5,000 women across 61 countries with crucial skills in AI fundamentals, cloud computing, and ethics.

 

“ The program, which is fully aligned with the AU-STRC and ASRIC’s goal of enhancing women’s participation in scientific research, is designed to accelerate Africa’s transition to an innovation-led, knowledge-based economy.

 

“ Building on the success of the first edition, which certified 1,000 women in 2024, this new cohort offers 26 hours of comprehensive, free training,’’ he said.

 

He said participants would gain cutting-edge skills and receive a Microsoft AI-900 certification voucher.

 

“The program also features interactive workshops, personalized mentorship, and access to a global network of professionals, with an exclusive offer specifically for African women,’’ he said.

 

He said that equipping women with high-demand tech skills would help accelerate Africa’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.

 

He said the partnership would ensure the skills taught were relevant and in high demand, making the program a valuable investment in human capital.

 

He said by training women from a diverse range of African countries, the programme would ensure that the future of AI was not only technologically advanced but also culturally sensitive and equitable.

 

“ The launch of the Women Elevate Program is more than just a training course; it is a strategic move with significant implications for Africa’s future.

 

“ The free Microsoft AI-900 certification voucher is a powerful incentive, as it provides a globally recognised credential that can open doors to new career opportunities.

 

“By focusing specifically on women the programme directly addresses a critical imbalance in the tech sector.

“This is not just a matter of fairness, but of economic necessity, as a diverse workforce leads to more innovative and robust solutions,’’ he said.

The ASRIC chief urged African scientists to encourage women within their fields and professional networks to apply for the programme. (https://elevate.icaire.org/).

Steven Gerrard rejects offer to coach former club

By
Editor
-
0

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has rejected the chance to return as Rangers head coach after stepping away from talks to take offer from Russell Martin,

According to Sky Sports News, Gerrard, who has coached Rangers in the past, held open and constructive discussions with the club on Thursday and Friday.

However, the Englishman felt the timing was not quite right for him to return to management at this stage and confirmed that he did not want to continue in the recruitment process.

The report added that talks between Gerrard and Rangers were understood to be positive and both sides agreed to leave the door open for the future.

Recall that Gerrard guided Rangers to win the Scottish Premiership title for a
in 2021.

The former England midfielder has also coached clubs like Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq in the past.

It’s yet to be seen if Gerrard will return to management this year.

 

World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria beat Lesotho as South Africa lost top spot to Benin Republic

By
Editor
-
0

Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Lesotho 2-1 to clinch 14 points in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers on Friday.

This comes as the Republic of Benin trashed Rwanda 0-1 to clinch the top spot on the table.

Meanwhile, South Africa could not seal a point against Zimbabwe on Friday.

Recruitment exercise: Customs fixes date for final Superintendent Cadre examination 

By
Editor
-
0

The Nigerian Customs Service has announced the date for the final computer-based examination for all successful Superintendent Cadre applicants.

The service, in a statement released on its X account Friday, fixed Tuesday, 14th October 2025.

According to Customs, the exercise would be conducted across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“The Final Computer-Based Examination (CBT) for all successful Superintendent Cadre applicants has been scheduled for Tuesday, 14th October 2025, across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“The examination will take place simultaneously across designated states and centres in line with candidates’ states of origin,” the statement reads.

It added that the examination will be conducted concurrently in the following zones:

South West: Lagos and Osun

South East: Enugu and Abia

South South: Rivers and Edo

North Central: Abuja and Kwara

North East: Bauchi and Adamawa

North West: Kaduna and Sokoto.

Customs conducted a similar examination for the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

 

 

 

NIPOST reaffirms vision for Connected Nigeria

By
Editor
-
0

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has reaffirmed its commitment to connecting people, businesses, and communities across the country.

The Postmaster General (PMG) Tola Odeyemi at the world post day event, on Thursday in Abuja outlined its vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria, where every citizen has access to reliable and affordable postal services.

In commemoration of the World Post Day celebrated annually on Oct. 9, Odeyemi noted NIPOST’s commitment to driving socio-economic development and improving lives.

 

Odeyemi detailed several groundbreaking initiatives designed to reshape the nation’s logistics, digital economy, and service delivery systems.

She said NIPOST is primarily focus is on revitalizing postal facilities to enhance last-mile delivery, security, and access to government services.

The PMG noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Post for People: Local Service, Global Reach,” resonates profoundly with NIPOST’s vision and mission.

“Our mission is clear: we are here to connect people, businesses, and communities through a robust, integrated network of postal and logistics services.

“This annual event unites the global postal family in reflection, celebration, and recommitment to service,” she said.

She added that NIPOST is championing the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the economy.

“ To empower them, we introduced a 15% logistics discount for all MSMEs registered with SMEDAN.

“ Our e-commerce platform (Digital Market Places) provides Nigerian SMEs with seamless online shipping, order management, and last-mile delivery solutions,” she said.

She also said NIPOST is focused on digital inclusion, MSME empowerment, and agricultural development.

Odeyemi added that NIPOST is working tirelessly to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities.

“ The launch of the National Addressing System, e-commerce platform, and NIPOST Agro-Infrastructure and Logistics Initiative (NAILI) are testaments to the organization’s dedication to modernization and transformation,” she said.

“ We are committed to digital inclusion, and our National Addressing System, developed in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPoPc), will facilitate efficient mail delivery.

“ Our new digital postcode will capture every part of Nigeria, using a systematic framework for alpha-numeric characters enhance government services accessibility, and emergency services,” she said.

She added that economically, NIPOST is championing the growth of MSMEs by introducing a 15% logistics discount for over 20,000 small businesses registered with SMEDAN, effectively lowering operational costs.

“We are committed to driving socio-economic development by ensuring that every Nigerian has access to reliable and affordable postal services and a channel to access governmental services,” she said.

She pledged NIPOST’s vision is central to the Ministry of Communications’ vision for digital inclusion which supports the presidential directive for universal National Identification Number (NIN) coverage by 2026.

Amupitan appointed as new INEC chairman after Council of state approval

By
Editor
-
0

The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from the North-Central as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit. Yakubu served from 2015 till October 2025.

“President Tinubu told the council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical.

 

“Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of integrity.

 

“In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening”.

 

 

Somtochukwu Maduagwu: Police release names of 12 armed robbers involved in killing of Arise TV anchor

By
Editor
-
0

In a swift move, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command of the Nigeria Police Force, has released the names of 12 armed robbers involved in the incident that led to the death of Arise Television’s anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu.

The report follows the directive of the Commissioner of Police FCT to fish out the criminal elements responsible for the robbery incident that led to the death of one Barnabas Danlami, a security guard and Ms. Somtochukwu.

 

The incident had occurred at Unique apartment in Gishiri village, Katampe district on 29/09/2025.

 

However, EIB reports releases by the police said “operatives of the scorpion squad led by ACP Victor Godfrey acting on actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC successfully arrested 12 of the armed robbers that were involved in that operation.”

 

The names of the suspects include: Shamsudeen Hassan ‘m’ from Malumfashi LGA Katsina state

 

Hassan Isah ‘m’, 22 years from Zaria kaduna State

 

Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. abba ‘m’, 27 years from Musawa LGA katsina state

 

Sani Sirajo a.k.a. dan borume ‘m’ 20 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state

 

Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. abba ‘m’ 28 years from Igabi LGA kaduna state

 

Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. dan-sule ‘m’ 21 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state

Abdul Salam saleh a.k.a. na-durudu ‘m’ from katsina lga katsina State

Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. gwaska ‘m’ 23 years from chikun lga kaduna state

2026 WCQ: Three African countries confirm qualification

By
Editor
-
0
Egypt became the third African country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Pharoahs booked their spot, thanks to a 3-0 win over Djibouti on Wednesday night.
Mohamed Salah scored twice in what was a comfortable victory in Casablanca.
The result gives Egypt an unassailable five-point lead in Group A with one round remaining.
Although Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times, they have been less successful in World Cup qualifying, qualifying for the tournament just four times in 15 attempts – in 1934, 1990, 2018, and now 2026.
They will join Morocco and Tunisia as the only African nations to be assured of a spot at next year’s tournament.

BRGIE’s first-ever US Congressional Briefing on Biafra Opens Door to International Recognition 

By
Editor
-
0

The United States Congress held a congressional briefing on Biafra on September 18, 2025, the first ever congressional briefing on Biafra in modern history.

The keynote speakers of the event included Michael Rubin, senior fellow of the American Enterprise Institute, and Ogechukwu Nkere, Acting Prime Minister (APM) of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).

The Congressional Briefing also included a panel of Biafran-Americans who provided testimonials.

Michael Rubin, during his speech, expressed his support for the Biafran independence movement and provided advice to the movement as to how to be successful in its international diplomacy.

Dr Rubin heavily criticised Nigeria’s persecution of Biafrans, as well as Finland’s imprisonment of Simon Ekpa. Acting Prime Minister Ogechukwu Nkere, during his remarks, expressed the desire of BRGIE to enter into economic, defence, and military deals with the United States, and encouraged the U.S. to sanction Nigeria for its human rights abuses against Biafrans. APM Nkere demanded the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by Nigeria and Simon Ekpa by Finland.

Michael Rubin previously spoke at BRGIE’s Independence Day convention in Finland and has been a stalwart supporter of the Biafran independence movement. Michael Rubin tweeted about the congressional briefing on X as well as a video of his remarks.

The congressional briefing also demonstrates Mr Nkere, who has close ties with the US government, has emerged as the new leader of the Biafran independence movement after the incarceration of Mr Ekpa.

Remarks during the Biafra Congressional Briefing by Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute.

Full US Congressional Hearing on Biafra

Certificate forgery: Real reason Tinubu’s minister Nnaji resigned

By
Editor
-
0

Indications have emerged that President Bola Ahmed pressured his minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, to resign amid a certificate forgery scandal.

Nigerian Newssphere reports that Nnaji’s resignation was not voluntary.

This comes after presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Tuesday, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Nnaji, the Nigerian minister from Enugu state.

“President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria.

“Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents.

“President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours,” Onanuga stated in a statement on his X account.

However, sources close to the minister have confirmed to Nigeria Newssphere that Nnaji was forced by powers within the presidency to throw the tower.

“He was forced by powers within the presidency. “It is not a voluntary resignation,” the source told Nigerian Newssphere.

Meanwhile, Nnaji has not made any official statement after his resignation.

Nnaji has been the subject of discussion over his university certificate forgery scandal.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

1...214215216...361Page 215 of 361

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Your source for Nigerian breaking news, Nigerian latest news, entertainment news, celebrities, celeb news, and celebrity gossip. Check out the website for the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows!

FOLLOW US

© Nigerian News Sphere

Jojobet Girişen çok kazandiran casino sitelerigrandpashabet linkjojobetjojobetJojobet GirişjojobetcasibomholiganbetbetosferjojobetcasibomJojobetjojobetbetciojojobetjojobet girişjojobet girişcasibom güncel girişcasibom giriş