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.

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.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly backing the creation of a new Ijebu State in Nigeria’s Southwest region.

The proposed state would be carved out of Ogun State, following a long-standing demand by the Ijebu people for recognition as an independent entity, a fresh report has revealed.

Sources revealed that President Tinubu gave his assurances during a meeting with the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, at his Bourdillon residence on January 5.

During the meeting, Oba Adetona said that Ijebu is the only former colonial province in Nigeria that has not been granted statehood, unlike other provinces such as Oyo and Sokoto, which have been divided into multiple states. The monarch argued that the Ijebu people have waited long enough for their own state.

“The president did not hesitate to express his support,” People’s Gazette quoted a source familiar with the meeting as saying.

Oba Adetona had reportedly highlighted the region’s resources and infrastructure, including industrial estates, an international airport under construction, and plans for a deep-sea port, while making case for the state creation.

In December 2024, Oba Adetona, alongside other traditional rulers and leaders from the Ijebu province, held a meeting to discuss logistics for the proposed state. These discussions focused on issues such as the location of the state capital, the creation of local government areas, and the allocation of federal resources.

The monarch expressed confidence in the region’s ability to thrive as an independent state, stating that it is well-positioned for growth and development. “Ijebu province is economically viable and already has all the infrastructural facilities needed to sustain a state,” he had said.

Before that, in November 2024, Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, introduced a bill titled the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (Creation of Ijebu State) to the National Assembly. The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow for the creation of the new state.

With bills for the creation of other states in other regions of the country, it passed various legislature stages.

Critics argue that the move for the creation of Ijebu State is ill-timed, given the country’s pressing economic issues, including poverty, inflation, and insecurity.

Some political analysts have speculated that President Tinubu’s alleged support for state creation could be politically motivated, as new states might be more inclined to back him for a second term.

Meanwhile, the presidency has reportedly avoided issuing an official statement on the matter, possibly to prevent sparking controversy among supporters of other state creation initiatives across the country.