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By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Nigerian Police Force in Bauchi State have arrested a student for illegal possession of a gun.

The accused, whose identity is sketchy as at the time of writing this report, is believed to be a 400-level student of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

Police spokesman in the state, SP Ahmed Wakil, stated in Bauchi on Wednesday that the suspect was arrested on Saturday following a tip-off by a vigilance group.

Wakil added that the suspect had already admitted to the offence and claimed that the weapons belonged to another person previously arrested for possession of a locally made pistol in 2021.

The accused is the second student to be caught with a gun in a space of one month in the university. In December 2023, a student identified as Atim Emmanuel, was arrested for owning a revolver pistol and a cartridge.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its judgement this Friday on an appeal seeking to nullify the election of Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mohammed Barde, are urging the court to overturn the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Gombe State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had dismissed their case challenging Governor Yahaya’s victory in the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial poll. 

The five-member apex court panel, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, approved the case for judgment after all parties presented their briefs of argument. 

Additionally, the court dismissed an appeal against Governor Yahaya’s election by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Nafiu Bala, who withdrew the case upon realising it contained pre-election issues. 

In a related matter, the court also deferred judgement on the Kaduna state governorship election dispute, where the PDP and its candidate, Mohammed Ashiru, seek the removal of Governor Uba Sani, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member.

By Haruna Chiroma

Artificial Intelligence, commonly known as AI, has recently garnered significant attention in mainstream media outlets such as BBC, CNN, Al-Jazeera, Daily Trust Newspaper, Forbes, New York Times, Wired, and others. It is widely considered to be the most talked-about scientific discipline globally at present. AI is like a smart and helpful digital friend. It’s a computer system trained to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as learning, understanding language, and solving societal problems.

The AI-based computer system learns from experience and adjusts to new information, making it a bit like a digital wizard that can handle various tasks independently. Siri on Apple devices, Google Assistant on Android phones, Amazon’s Alexa, facial recognition capabilities, Facebook’s language translation feature, friend suggestions on Facebook, and language translators are examples of AI systems in operation. These are some of the few AI systems that illustrate how AI impacts everyday tasks.

The influence of AI on our daily lives is increasing across various domains, including security, small and medium enterprises, education, communication, health, business, entertainment, transportation, homes and workplaces. The realm of AI is a double-edged sword. While we have elucidated the opportunities and benefits, there are growing concerns surrounding risks, ethical considerations, job displacement, potential threats, and legal conflicts. Here, I will delve into the positive aspects, reserving a discussion of some negative dimensions later in the article.

AI is the foundation for transformative technologies like the widely discussed ChatGPT, which has over 18 million active users daily. Now, the GPTs store has been launched for business. An AI non-invasive device has been invented to read what a human is thinking in his mind, convert it to text and display the text on the computer screen for everyone to read. The research has been conducted and pilot-tested at the University of Sydney. Such a device has a multifaceted benefit to humans. For example, anyone with speech impairment can use the device to communicate his thoughts and wants with people without talking.

There is an AI tool for converting text to video that only requires the user to write a story in text, then prompt the AI tool with the story and a video based on the story will be generated. I foresee the possibility of rapidly integrating the text-to-video converter on phones in the near future. Imagine with a simple request like, “Hey Siri, Alexa or Google assistance, turn my story into a cool video,” you’re on your way to experiencing your tale in vibrant animations and vivid scenes. With her AI prowess, Siri makes storytelling not just a written adventure but a visual journey for all to enjoy. The text-to-video converter can potentially revolutionize the movie industry by reducing the cost of production and time for making movies. Content creators like skit makers can utilize such an AI tool to create short videos to post to engage their followers.  

In a remarkable leap forward for technology, a cutting-edge AI device has emerged, revolutionizing how we experience videos by effortlessly transcending language boundaries. A cutting-edge AI tool that seamlessly translates video-spoken words into different languages, showing the same person speaking in different languages, opening up new possibilities for global communication. The device operates as a user-friendly interface where videos are uploaded and transformed into a linguistic tapestry. The device not only translates spoken words but also adapts captions and subtitles, preserving the original intent and emotions of the content. Filmmakers and content creators worldwide have already begun incorporating AI devices into their creative process, providing viewers a more inclusive and immersive experience. As stories seamlessly unfold in multiple languages, the device adds a new layer of depth to digital storytelling.

Let’s now turn to the dark side of AI: Should AI systems attain or surpass human intelligence, there exists the potential for these systems to make decisions that could lead to the extinction of the human race on Earth or decide to go to war with humans. A recent incident in South Korea exemplifies the risks, where an industrial robot designed to identify boxes mistakenly perceived an industrial worker carrying a box as a box, leading to a fatal outcome – death. Legal conflicts further highlight the challenges posed by AI advancements.

The New York Times has initiated a court case against OpenAI, the owner of ChatGPT, in which Microsoft holds a significant investment. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement by ChatGPT, prompting OpenAI to assert that developing a powerful system like ChatGPT without some level of copyright implications is unfeasible. This legal dispute initiates discussions on copyright issues in the AI era. Google is also facing legal action related to AI, with a patent infringement suit filed by Singular Computers against the Tensor Processing Unit, an AI-based processor.

Concerns about job displacement loom large, with an estimated 800 million jobs expected to be replaced by AI in 2024 alone. Additionally, the unethical use of AI tools to generate false or misleading information disseminated through social media raises significant concerns about potential threats to coming democratic elections in Asia, the USA, South America, and the UK, potentially leading to civil unrest.

On a final note, criticisms have emerged regarding AI tools employed in recruitment processes, with accusations of introducing bias and ethical concerns. In a recent publication by Shelton Leipzig on the responsible use of AI systems, she categorizes AI systems into three groups: low risk, high risk, and prohibited. The classification is based on the varying levels of risk associated with each AI system. Certain situations are deemed inappropriate for deploying AI systems, as exemplified by their exclusion in voting during elections.

Some AI systems are considered very low risk, such as those employed in video games or product recommendation systems on e-commerce sites. However, most AI systems fall into the high-risk category, including those used in recruitment and financial applications; 140 use cases were identified within this classification. These multifaceted challenges underscore the complex landscape surrounding AI development and deployment.     

Haruna Chiroma, University Professor of Artificial Intelligence, wrote from the University of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, via freedonchi@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The dust has settled after the dazzling launch of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, and the tech world is abuzz with excitement (and a touch of scrutiny).

While not a complete overhaul, the S24 lineup boasts refined features, AI-powered innovations, and battery life improvements that promise to solidify Samsung’s position as a smartphone leader.

Let’s dive deep into what makes these new flagships tick.

Key Features:

AI Focus: The S24 series prioritizes artificial intelligence, with enhanced camera processing, AI-powered search tools, and personalized user experiences. The ProVisual AI Engine elevates photo quality, while AI Edit Suggestions offer helpful tweaks for your snapshots.

Display Upgrades: While the S24 retains its Full HD+ resolution, the S24 Plus gets a glorious Quad HD+ boost. Both models now boast a staggering 2,600 nits peak brightness, ensuring vibrant visuals even in harsh sunlight. Additionally, variable 120Hz refresh rates adjust to optimize battery life.

Camera Powerhouse: All three models pack a punch with their camera systems. The S24 and S24 Plus sport a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto lens, while the S24 Ultra ups the ante with a groundbreaking 200MP main sensor and improved zoom capabilities.

Long-lasting Power: Battery life receives a welcome boost, with the S24 housing a 4,000mAh battery and the S24 Plus carrying a hefty 4,900mAh cell. The S24 Ultra retains its impressive 5,000mAh battery, ensuring you stay connected all day long.

Price and Availability: The S24 and S24 Plus maintain their familiar price points of $799 and $999 respectively, while the S24 Ultra sees a $100 bump to $1,300. Pre-orders are already open, with in-store sales kicking off on January 31st.

Conclusion

The Galaxy S24 series may not be a revolutionary leap, but it delivers a refined and powerful offering for Android enthusiasts. The focus on AI, upgraded displays, camera improvements, and extended battery life solidifies Samsung’s commitment to cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re a die-hard Samsung fan or simply looking for the best Android experience, the S24 series deserves a closer look.

By Abubakar Umar Gbs

One of the primary challenges students face is the lack of institutional email addresses provided by universities. This seemingly minor oversight has far-reaching consequences, particularly in academic publishing. Platforms like Google Scholar and ResearchGate have become indispensable for scholars worldwide, providing a space to share and access valuable research. However, many Nigerian students are excluded from this global academic dialogue due to the absence of institute-issued email addresses.

In an era where collaboration and knowledge exchange transcend geographical boundaries, the inability to access such platforms places Nigerian students at a significant disadvantage. The academic community is a vast network where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are forged, and research is disseminated. By not providing students with the necessary tools to participate in this global discourse, we are inadvertently stifling their academic growth and limiting the potential impact of Nigerian research on the international stage.

Institute-issued email addresses are not merely a formality but a gateway to a wealth of academic resources. These email addresses authenticate the identity of students, ensuring the credibility of their work on platforms that demand institutional affiliation. Moreover, they foster a sense of pride and belonging among students as they become official representatives of their institutions on the global academic stage.

I urge Nigerian universities to recognise the significance of this issue and take proactive measures to address it. By issuing academic email addresses to students, we empower them to contribute meaningfully to the global academic community. This simple yet impactful step will bridge the gap between Nigerian students and the wealth of opportunities platforms like Google Scholar and ResearchGate offer.

In conclusion, providing institute-issued email addresses to students is not just a matter of convenience but a crucial step towards fostering a culture of academic excellence and global collaboration. By highlighting this issue, we can collectively work towards creating an environment where Nigerian students can fully realise their academic potential and make meaningful contributions to the global research landscape.

Abubakar Umar Gbs wrote via abubakargbs@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi D. Hassan

Nigeria is described as the most populous black nation in the world, with over 200 million inhabitants, Africa’s biggest economy, and endowed with variant mineral deposits to improve the living standards of its citizens. Yet, the country is bedevilled by gross corruption. Poor governance, ethnic tension, and abject poverty threaten integrity and sovereignty.

Even though, in the past, Nigeria witnessed serial military rulers, The nation transitioned to democracy in 1999. Since then, Nigeria’s leadership has emerged; leaders have been elected from different platforms and regions. Thus, the problems lingered; most elections were marred by irregularities, political interference, and power tussles from one inch to the next.

The political parties adopt the concept of rotating power between the north and south to accommodate the plural ethno-religious groups in the country. After the two tenures of Muhammadu Buhari. Bola Tinubu was nominated by the All Progressive Congress (APC). Amidst serials of allegations labelled against him by the opposition to hinder his andidacy, The bulk of Nigerians were enthusiastic about the level of experiences and transformation built in Lagos from 1999 to 2032.

On May 29, a new Nigeria’s president, Bola, was sworn in. In his inauguration speech, he made a striking remark on Nigeria, mentioning, ‘Subsidy has gone, the controversial fuel subsidy scheme. Four decades of financial assistance were institutionalised in the 1970s by the government to minimise the excessive cost of fuel (Premium Motor Spirit) to consumers and affordability to average citizens. Within a week’s time, the prices of basic household items, transport fares, and electricity began to rise at a high pace. Thus, fuel subsidy is the direct government intervention for the common man that benefits directly, without an odd process. Subsequently, the price increment affects the pharmaceutical industry acutely.

In recent months, patients from economically deprived backgrounds with terminal illnesses and diseases have been on recommended drugs and life-support medications. They are exposed to the brunt of fuel subsidy removal principles. Patients with asthma, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and sickle cell diseases find it hard to afford medications at exorbitant prices. Due to financial hardship, inflation, and 1000 per cent hikes in drug prices.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a British pharmaceutical and biotechnological company, withdraws from Nigeria. After 51 years of operation, The pharmaceutical firm is known for producing effective drugs, anti-biotics, anti-asthma, anti-malaria, allergy relief, painkillers, pain cream, and nasal decongestion. According to the report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria faced a setback in sales of N7.75 billion ($9.83 million) from N14.8 billion last year. GlaxoSmithKline’s existence leads to a drug hike, patients being unable to have medication and an increase in fake drugs. Similarly, GSK faces challenges from the high cost of importation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), a lack of steady power supply, and the depreciation of the naira against the US dollar.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the value of pharmaceutical products imported into Nigeria rose by 68 per cent to N81.8 billion ($99.1 million) between July and September 2023. The reports revealed that most of the drugs were imported from China, India, the United States, France, and Germany.

From the price survey across the country, the drugs were selling: asthma inhalers from N4,000 ($4.86) to N12,000 ($14.57), hypertension drugs from N10,000 ($12.14) to N20,000 ($24.28), augmentin tablets from N6, 000 ($7.28) to N24, 000 ($29.14), and Glucophage from N3, 800 ($4.61) to N6, 200 ($7.53). The prices vary between cities and regions.

David Uja, 63, a retired army officer frail from prostate cancer, undergoes chemotherapy for two sessions. Each cost him $100. She said, “For almost two months. All the prescribed drugs I used have already expired. The little pension received from the government is not enough to buy medicines at a high price. The economy is bad for us; people battle deadly sickness.”

“After I complained to my doctor, who relocated to the UK, Thanks to him, he sent me an Orgovyx tablet via courier, an expensive drug over $400, said Mr David.

Dataphyte reports that in 2021, only three per cent of the Nigerian population will have health insurance. Despite the guidelines of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), it is mandatory for Nigeria to benefit from the insurance. Public servants have smooth access to it. An employer will contribute 10% of the monthly basic salary, while the employee contributes 5%. The insurance covers the contributor, spouse, and four biological children less than 18 years old. The current monthly minimum wage is $44.45. Technical non-government workers are denied access to health facilities and medication.

In October, the Central Bank of Nigeria lifted the ban on 43 items after 8 years to allow access to foreign exchange and import-listed goods in the country. Never, pharmaceuticals and medical essentials are excluded from the list.

Interestingly, oil is the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy. Even so, the country has remained poor, with its citizens living below the poverty line of $1 per day. Nigeria has been nearly six months without a fuel subsidy. The majority of Nigerians are unable to afford standard health service delivery. These led to fast and quick deaths among the vulnerable. Others reside in rural areas that lack the means to buy drugs at a high rate. Alternative to traditional medicines.

Therefore, deciding on traditional medicine, given its low cost of purchase, Such medicine lacks a scientific approach, and most traditional doctors determine the nature of an ailment by mere observation. Outwardly of any examination and sometimes depend on spiritual healings in order to detect the course of sickness. These have made life more difficult in a nation with a life expectancy of 53.87 years.

Abdullahi D. Hassan is a freelance journalist and writer from Abuja, Nigeria. His journalistic and literary pieces were published in Daily Trust, The Guardian, Triumph, Politics Today, The Daily Reality, and Kalahari Review.     

By Nusaiba Ibrahim Na’abba

We continue to lose a part of us – our brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues – to drug abuse. It keeps getting scarier, forcing all of us to have bleak thoughts about the future. For us to win this war against drug abuse, we need to do the following and, perhaps, more.

Communality: Our common fight against the pervasiveness of these substances was long lost here. Achieving common goals is now a bizarre thing of the past. When problems happen at family or community levels, we begin playing blame games. And to those who think their wards are ‘righteous’, they’ve done an impeccable parenting job. They describe people who are facing the heartbreak of child-related drug abuse as being incapable, too strict or too loving to their kids to let that happen. They then hop on the trend of gentle parenting as the key to having upright children. But reality shows that some parents who battle these problems possess proper parenting skills.

Now, in the case of the neighbourhood or larger community engagements, menial signs of danger are being neglected. Often, these drug dealings and businesses flourish where there is community negligence. The drug lords are purposeful enough to select urban areas where families live low-key lives. There, they conduct their sales without much or any attention from the communities, using selected morning hours for their exchanges. Quickly, a business of millions will happen in front of your house, and you will forever not know.

We must work together to be more vigilant. I am confident that the power of our communal efforts supersedes a few bad eggs that vow to torment the lives of our beloved youths with harmful substances. This battle is beyond a one-man thing. I’m also not generalising the drug dealings to happen in all urban areas in Kano, but there are several allegations about that.

Sustainable Income Options: About four years ago, the BBC Africa Eye gave staggering statistics of codeine consumption in Kano and Jigawa States in their investigative report titled Sweet Sweet Codeine. Well, the situation has only gotten worse with shisha parlours and other unthinkable substances aimed at destroying us in total. The mere imagination of how much is invested in this business is inconceivable. Unlike food, illicit substance addiction does not embrace sorry as an answer. Even in the eyes of the storm, addicts must get their day’s share. And this is why its market keeps expanding and thriving. Before you start arguing, they never fail in their businesses because they always have a market.

Unless a robust, sustainable income generation mechanism is found and proliferated in the minds of young adults into this business, we will continue to lose hope. It is extremely difficult to convince a young adult who has discovered the ropes of this illegal business to start a legal business with a low income. Their state of growth is one, and the reality you cannot overlook is difficult. Adding to the complexity of the already bad situation, you would find it difficult to neglect how politicians spend money lavishly, which is widely spread on social media.

This is one of the most difficult tools that must be deployed in this fight.

Women Groups: I’m 100% supporting creating women groups who can keenly monitor community levels. Women possess an indispensable role in upbringing, and they receive the largest share of agony when they lose their child to drug abuse. When they are part of decision-making, they can contribute immensely to the patterns they notice in their wards, and finally, they own the collective action.

Nonetheless, they must be trained rigorously on the processes they can use to fact-check drug abuse in their kids. It has been an issue that women do not understand the change in eating, sleeping, or engagement habits of their kids, which is drug-related. With the training, the problem can be tackled early before it escalates.

I can vividly recall when a mature lady entered our house some years ago. She came in with deep red eyes, along with a young girl who was 7 to 8 years old. It was in the evening, around 5 p.m., when we were seated in our compound, chatting. The woman, whose age I cannot ascertain, said she needed help with some money to buy foodstuff. By Allah, her appearance and language did not show she needed help. In fact, she appeared to be more of a well-to-do individual. But you could tell she was desperate for something, and the little girl kept giving her looks of disbelief with every sentence she made.

My mother said she had no money to help her. After a moment, she gathered momentum and said goodbye, leaving with the kid. It was only months after the encounter that my mother explained that she was sure that the woman was high on a substance and that she desperately needed money to keep going.

This world is a scary place.

Language and Codes: People who are associated with illicit substance abuse or business create codes for interaction so that they cannot be easily identified. It is usually only the people in their circle who can understand them.

There must be a way of breaking down their language and codes to identify them quickly. It creates a massive gap in understanding the context of discussions; hence, meeting points and business dealings can be set up effortlessly without anybody noticing. In community kiosks where these exchanges happen, they are facilitated by a unique language and code.

We need to break that language barrier to dissect the problem better so we can address it appropriately.

Nusaiba Ibrahim Na’abba wrote from Kano. She can be reached via nusaibaibrahim66@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A soldier attached to the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Abeokuta accidentally shot himself to death, as confirmed by Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the spokesman of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, supervising the brigade. 

The unfortunate incident occurred when the soldier sustained a gunshot wound to his head. Lt.-Col. Ayeni reported on Wednesday that upon hearing the accidental discharge, the soldier’s colleagues rushed to the scene, discovering him in a pool of his own blood. 

“Investigation has since started to unravel the circumstances and possible remote cause of the unfortunate incident. 

“The remains of the soldier have been evacuated and deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta,’’ Mr Ayeni stated. 

Addressing speculations circulating on social media, Lt.-Col. Ayeni urged the public to disregard insinuations that the soldier took his own life due to non-payment of Ration Cash Allowance. 

He clarified that the late soldier had been deployed to the Brigade Standby Force on Jan.15, adequately fed alongside his colleagues in accordance with the Nigerian Army’s standards for troops on duty. 

Expressing deep concern over the misuse of the incident, Lt.-Col. Ayeni stated the commitment of the division to the welfare of its troops. 

He conveyed the division’s condolences and sympathy to the deceased soldier’s family, highlighting that the division is dedicated to providing necessary welfare to boost the morale of its troops.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) paid a courtesy visit to Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), on January 16, 2023. 

The visit aimed to express gratitude for the CGC’s significant contributions as a distinguished Board member. 

Daniel Igali, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, led the delegation and took the opportunity to congratulate the CGC on his appointment. 

He conveyed the federation’s heartfelt appreciation for the CGC’s active role as a board member and his unwavering support over the years. 

President Igali also acknowledged the CGC’s longstanding association with the board, dating back to his tenure as the Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada. 

This history of collaboration added a special dimension to the expressions of gratitude during the visit. In response, the CGC expressed his thanks for the honor and appreciation extended by the Wrestling Federation. 

Reflecting on his enduring involvement with the board, he assured the delegation of the Nigeria Customs Service’s continued dedication to promoting wrestling and other sports activities within the service. 

The CGC affirmed the service’s commitment to supporting the Wrestling Federation, pledging ongoing assistance and collaboration.

He underscored the importance of fostering training and sporting activities for Customs officers, highlighting the readiness of the Nigeria Customs Service to engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives with the Wrestling Federation. 

The visit highlighted the strong bond and collaborative spirit between the Nigeria Customs Service and sports federations, particularly the Wrestling Federation. 

This collaboration exemplifies a shared commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria, showcasing the positive impact of partnerships between government institutions and sports organizations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, initiated discussions with the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, on January 16, 2023.

The purpose of the visit was to forge collaboration, focusing on critical areas such as system integration and finalising the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Joint Tax Board. 

Mr. Adesokan, during the meeting, stated the necessity of a robust partnership between the Tax Board and Customs, placing particular emphasis on the issues of system integration and the pending MOU.

The discussion also touched upon a proposed technical training session designed to fortify the collaboration. 

Comptroller General Adeniyi stressed the pivotal role of engaging stakeholders in achieving effective tax management.

Acknowledging the collaborative imperative, he expressed his commitment to coordinating with the Human Resources Department to explore the suggested technical training session.

He also directed the legal teams to expedite processes leading to the finalisation of the MOU. Providing insights, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola, highlighted advancements in integration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

This integration aims to register only vehicles that have paid the correct customs duties, contributing significantly to efficient tax management. 

The collaborative efforts between the Joint Tax Board and the Nigeria Customs Service underscore the commitment of both entities to fostering synergy.

Their joint focus on addressing critical issues related to tax management and system integration reflects a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of revenue collection in the country.