The Nigerian government is harnessing geospatial technology to combat revenue leakages and streamline governance, according to Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. During the 21st Annual General Assembly/Conference and GIS Day in Abuja, Nnaji highlighted how the use of geospatial tools has helped identify and eliminate revenue blockages, streamline tax collection, and manage resources more effectively.

“The president has mainstreamed geospatial technologies into blocking revenue leakages and creating new revenue streams,” Nnaji stated. Additionally, the government has approved four new satellites for Nigeria to further strengthen these efforts.

Geospatial technologies, which involve tools for capturing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced data, are considered essential for addressing key national challenges. Nnaji emphasized that these technologies play a crucial role in sectors like urban planning, agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure development.

At the event, representatives of the Geoinformation Society of Nigeria, including President Fitka Bilshakka, urged Nigerian universities to incorporate geospatial science into their curriculums to inspire the next generation. Bilshakka stressed that geospatial technology is vital to addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, ranging from security to environmental issues.

The Chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Kwarra, also underscored the importance of geospatial data in national planning, noting its transformative potential in addressing the country’s pressing challenges. He emphasized that accurate demographic and geospatial data are critical for driving sustainable development.

This commitment to geospatial technology aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of enhancing governance, economic growth, and national development through innovation.

By Aaior K. Comfort

Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield, pioneers in artificial intelligence (AI), were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics on October 8 for their groundbreaking work on neural networks. Their research has laid the foundation for modern AI systems that are transforming society but also raising significant concerns about potential risks.

Hinton, often referred to as the “Godfather of AI,” and Hopfield expressed deep concerns about the future implications of the technology they helped develop. Hinton, 76, made headlines in 2023 when he resigned from his position at Google, warning of the “profound risks to society and humanity” posed by AI. Following the Nobel announcement, Hinton reiterated his worry, suggesting that AI systems could eventually surpass human intelligence and potentially take control.

The Nobel Committee recognized the two scientists for “foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks.” Hinton’s creation of the Boltzmann machine and Hopfield’s associative memory model, the Hopfield network, were key contributions to the development of AI technologies used in everything from facial recognition to language translation.

While celebrating the benefits of AI, Ellen Moons, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, also highlighted the concerns surrounding its rapid development. She emphasized the importance of ethical use and responsible oversight of this powerful technology.

Hopfield, professor emeritus at Princeton, echoed Hinton’s concerns, calling the advancement of AI “unnerving” and urging a deeper understanding to avoid unintended consequences.

Hinton, currently a professor at the University of Toronto, compared AI’s potential impact to that of the Industrial Revolution, predicting that AI will surpass human intellectual abilities, much like machines exceeded human physical strength.

• El-Rufai Charges Nigerians to Explore Tech Opportunities
• Sanusi Calls for Govt-private Collaboration

From Lateef Taiwo

The Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform Katsina State into a leading hub of technology and innovation in Northern Nigeria. The Governor made this known during the launching of Arewa Tech Fest 2024 a two-day major technology fiesta held in Kano State from September 25th – 26th, 2024.

Governor Radda emphasized the state’s commitment to creating a future where technology empowers every citizen and drives economic growth. “In Katsina, we are committed to crafting a future where technology and innovation fuel our growth, our economy, and the opportunities we create for our young people,” he stated. This vision, he explained, is anchored in the “Building Your Future Strategic Policy Framework,” a blueprint aimed at positioning Katsina as a center for digital transformation.

Central to this vision is the establishment of the Katsina Directorate of ICT (KATDICT), tasked with leading the state’s digital transformation efforts. Governor Radda highlighted KATDICT’s role in equipping the state with the necessary infrastructure, policies, and human capital for a digital revolution. “Through this institution, we are laying the foundation for a tech-driven Katsina,” he affirmed.

The Governor placed significant emphasis on human capital development, announcing that 68 young Katsinans have been awarded scholarships to study Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology at world-class universities abroad. “We are not just building individuals; we are building the future leaders of our tech-driven economy,” Governor Radda declared, underscoring the administration’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

In a move to boost digital infrastructure, Governor Radda revealed that the state has waived all Right-of-Way charges to encourage investment in fiber-optic networks. “Today, major telecommunications companies and technology players are laying fiber-optic cables across our state, connecting our communities and providing the backbone for businesses, learning, and government services to go digital,” he said.

The Governor highlighted the implementation of 12 forward-thinking policies designed to create an enabling environment for innovation and attract investment. He stressed the importance of these policies in fostering entrepreneurship and unlocking the potential of Katsina’s youth. “Through our many E-Government initiatives, we are creating more efficient, streamlined services that cut down waiting times, improve transparency, and bring governance closer to the people,” Governor Radda explained.

Looking to the future, the Governor announced plans for a Unified Government Portal and a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to further streamline government operations and improve service delivery. He also unveiled the Data Revolution Masterplan, positioning Katsina as a state driven by evidence-based governance.

Earlier, the Convener of Arewa Tech Fest and the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, stressed that technology offers Nigeria immense opportunities for problem-solving innovation. He, however, charged Nigerians not to just talk about the amazing things happening in the tech sector. “We must make real efforts to provide resources needed to create, build and deploy technology to rapidly accelerate human capital development and promote economic prosperity,” El-Rufai said.

The Kano State Government, Katsina State Government, Zamfara State Government, Niger State Government, KK Kingdom, IHS Tower Nigeria, Afreximbank, Outsource Global Resource among others are acknowledged by the Convener Malam El-Rufai for sponsorship and partnership.

On his part, the 16th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to economic development and education. “Think of a value chain and remember that technology is not an end in itself,” Sanusi stated, urging stakeholders to consider the broader implications of technological advancement and skill acquisition. He went on to stress the futility of education without proper economic integration, saying, “Even in training human beings, if you train a software engineer and he doesn’t find a job, you’ve wasted your time.”

Sanusi further elaborated on the need for strategic planning in human capital development, particularly for the youth in northern Nigeria. “So even as you begin to train this northern young man, this northern young woman, have the endgame in sight,” Sanusi advised. He emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors, stating, “This is where you need collaboration between governments, private equity investors, entrepreneurs, and society like us.” The Emir concluded his remarks by calling for concerted efforts to create employment opportunities, saying, “We need to bring these young people and put them together with these kinds of initiatives and see how we can get them employed in every part of Kano.”

In his closing remarks, Governor Radda called for collective effort in realizing this vision. “This is not just my vision; it is our vision,” he stated, inviting investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to join in Katsina’s tech-driven journey. “Together, we will transform Katsina into a leading hub of technology and innovation in Northern Nigeria,” the Governor concluded, reaffirming his belief in the talent of Katsina’s people and the bright future ahead.

The event, an initiative of Afri-Venture Capital brought together policy makers and dignitaries within and outside Kano State, including Sen. Afolabi Salisu, Chairman Senate Committee on Innovation and Cyber-Security.