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Abia Boils As Innocent Youths Arrested Over Killing Of Soldiers
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
There is palpable fear and apprehension among residents of Aba, Abia State following the Nigerian Army’s vow to avenge the death of its men and the attendant arrest of youths by Army officers.
On Friday, Governor Alex Otti placed a twenty-five million naira bounty for information that will lead to the capture of the hoodlums, encouraging Abia residents to go about their legitimate duties without fear.
He also encouraged the military personnel to exercise restraint at checkpoints, on patrol and other security duties.
However, despite the assurance by the Governor, there are reports that some youths in Aba were arrested by the Army on Friday while travellers were allegedly forced to disembark from vehicles, raise their arms in the air and trek for several meters, by military personnel at Umuikaa junction and some other military checkpoints around Aba.
The heavy security presence forced some motorists to meander through village routes to reconnect to their destinations.
To stay safe, many youths living or doing business around the Obikabia junction where the soldiers were killed, have either stayed indoors or fled the area, to avoid being arrested or intimidated.
A resident of Ogbo Hill who spoke on anonymity on Saturday said that many shops around the Obikabia junction where the Army officers were killed, remained locked or deserted by their owners, in fear of any possible reprisal by the Army.
The resident added that some markets in Aba on Saturday recorded a drop in the number of traders who usually came from outside the state.
According to the Ogbo Hill resident, “The vow by the Army to avenge the killing of its men is something that can’t be joked with.
“You know no innocent person will like to fall victim to the avowed revenge”, he said.
Reacting to the situation, the President of Ohanaeze Youths Council, OYC, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka described the killing of the Nigerian Army officers as barbaric.
The group, however, alleged that some innocent youths were either arrested or harassed in Aba and Obingwa by Army officers.
Igboayaka in an appeal to Governor Alex Otti, said ” We demand that those arrested on Friday, 31st May, 2024 in Aba and Obingwa LGA be released”.
Also, the former Governor of Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu who is from Obingwa LGA, while condemning the killing of the Nigerian soldiers, called on the military operatives to exercise professionalism in search of the hoodlums.
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Video: Watch moment Senator Manu tasks NAFDAC officials on poor budget presentation
The Senator representing Taraba Central, Manu Haruna white washed officials of NAFDAC for poor budget presentation during 2025 budget defense on Friday.
In a video, Senator Manu a former Deputy Governor of Taraba State opened the underbelly of NAFDAC on improper presentation of figures in the outlines.
He pointedly told the officials that the presentation was designed to mislead senators.
Watch video below:
News
Why I returned N100m excess fund to Kano Govt Commissioner
The Kano State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Othman, who was recently in the news for returning N100 million excess fund to the state government, has revealed the reason behind his action.
The commissioner while addressing newsmen in Kano on Friday said his action was influenced by the state governor’s “exemplary leadership style,” adding that in an ideal situation, leaders are always a pace setter for others to follow.
He said he did not expect Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf to reveal the act to the public, but the governor chose to do so during the flag-off of the free uniform distribution to encourage the future generation to be transparent.
He said, “In an ideal governance setting, the leader is a pace setter for others to follow. We have seen the governor’s body language and as such we fall in. That is what exactly happened. it is the wish of the governor that everybody should be as transparent as possible.
“He is a transparent governor and therefore we should be transparent as well. I never expected the governor to go public with it, but I believe the reason behind his announcement is indeed genuine.”
The commissioner added that as the head of the committee for school uniform distribution, the state governor entrusted him with the task and advised the committee to execute it to the best of their ability.
The commissioner who was a retired customs officer was in the news when the Governor Yusuf publicly commended him for returning N100 million in unspent funds from a N2 billion budget earmarked for the production of 798,000 uniforms for pupils of primary 1 in the state.
News
Nigerian Online Population Shows Strong Enthusiasm for AI – Report
A new global survey report from Ipsos and Google has shown widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among Nigerian online population.
The study, tagged: “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, and observed that global AI usage has jumped to 48 per cent and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns (57 per cent vs. 43 per cent, up from 50 per cent / 50 per cent last year).
According to the report, in Nigeria, AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher, as 70 per cent of the Nigerian online population used generative AI, surpassing the 48 per cent global average. Moreover, 87 per cent are excited about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks.
Analysing the report, President of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet, Kent Walker, said: “AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better. The survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”
The survey results indicate that optimism about AI is growing within the surveyed online community in Nigeria. Key findings from the survey, show that among survey participants in Nigeria, 70 per cent reported using generative AI in the past year, which is significantly higher than the global average of 48 per cent. A substantial 87 per cent of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI. A significant 81 per cent of surveyed Nigerian adults believe AI will positively change the economy.
Furthermore, 90 per cent of the survey respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI having a positive impact on science and medicine, demonstrating the widespread belief in the potential of AI to drive progress in these sectors.
According to the report, Nigeria’s online population demonstrates a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI when compared to other regions. The survey indicates: Nigeria is among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential.
This contrasts with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.
The report also said the Nigerian online community saw immense potential for AI in science and medical advancements:
“A significant 90 per cent of survey respondents expect AI to have a positive impact on science and medicine. This is one of the highest rates globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI,” the report said, and onlinerd that the population in Nigeria recognised AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development:
“Many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources. Within the Nigerian online population surveyed, there is a prevailing sentiment that supports the fostering of AI advancement rather than restrictive regulations. This suggests that those surveyed are keen to embrace innovation,” the report further said.
The survey results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI.
Google has been pursuing AI boldly and responsibly for years. In 2018, Google was one of the first companies to establish AI Principles grounded in beneficial use and avoidance of harm. Two years ago, it unveiled its opportunity agenda, which shard concrete recommendations for governments to ensure AI benefits the broadest range of people possible.
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