By Oluseyi Sodiya

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping industries and daily life, the ethical implications of this technology have become a subject of paramount importance. While AI holds the promise of groundbreaking advancements, it also presents significant ethical challenges that society must address to ensure a responsible path forward.

The Promise of AI

Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, from healthcare and education to finance and transportation. In healthcare, AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and predict disease outbreaks, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses. In education, adaptive learning systems can provide personalized instruction tailored to each student’s needs, enhancing learning outcomes. Financial institutions are using AI to detect fraudulent activities and automate routine tasks, increasing efficiency and security. However, these benefits come with a caveat. The rapid deployment of AI technologies often outpaces the establishment of ethical frameworks to govern their use. This gap raises critical questions about privacy, bias, and accountability.

Privacy Concerns

One of the foremost ethical concerns surrounding AI is privacy. AI systems often rely on large datasets that include personal information. While these datasets enable AI to function effectively, they also pose risks to individual privacy. The use of AI in surveillance, for example, has sparked debates about the extent to which personal data should be collected and analyzed. To strike a balance, it is essential to develop robust data protection laws and ensure that AI systems are designed with privacy-preserving techniques.

Bias and Fairness

Another significant ethical issue is the potential for AI to perpetuate and even exacerbate existing biases. AI systems learn from historical data, which may contain biases reflecting societal inequalities. If not carefully managed, AI can reinforce these biases, leading to unfair outcomes. For instance, in hiring processes, biased AI algorithms may favour certain demographics over others, perpetuating discrimination. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to ensure that AI systems are trained on diverse and representative datasets, and that their decision-making processes are transparent and auditable.

Accountability

The question of accountability is also central to the ethical use of AI. When AI systems make decisions that affect people’s lives, who is responsible for the outcomes? The complexity of AI algorithms can make it difficult to trace the decision-making process, leading to a lack of accountability. To address this, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines that define the roles and responsibilities of AI developers, users, and regulators. Implementing mechanisms for auditing and monitoring AI systems can also help ensure that they are used responsibly.

Balancing Innovation and Responsibility

To harness the full potential of AI while addressing its ethical challenges, a balanced approach is needed. Policymakers, technologists, and society at large must collaborate to develop ethical guidelines that promote innovation while safeguarding human values. This includes investing in research on ethical AI, promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering public awareness about the implications of AI technologies.
In conclusion, as AI continues to advance, it is imperative to strike a balance between innovation and responsibility. By addressing the ethical concerns associated with AI, we can unlock its transformative potential while ensuring that it serves the greater good. The journey toward ethical AI is a shared responsibility, and only through collective efforts can we navigate the complex landscape of technological progress and human values.

By Anwar Usman

Ibrahim Anate, the acting Executive Secretary, Kogi State Agency for the Control of Aids, has declared that no fewer than 50,000 people are currently living with HIV/AIDs in the state.

Anate made this kniwn in an interactive session with journalists during a road Walk in commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day in Lokoja, the state capital, on Monday.

The walk was organised by the Centre for Integrated Health Programmes, in collaboration with the Kogi State Agency for the Control of Aids.

In his speech, Anate said, “About 50,000 people are living with HIV presently out of which 36,066 are presently on treatment in Kogi State.”We are seriously fighting the scourge and we are giving the awareness to all the community and the hard-to-reach areas of the awareness of HIV in Kogi State.”

He further added that the state government, under Alhaji Usman Ododo, is doing its best to see that people who are living with HIV AIDs are on treatment and pregnant women who are HIV positive deliver negative babies.

“The current administration is also striving to ensure that people who are positive in Kogi State will turn to negative. The government is seriously commited to provide support to the Ministry of Health, and KOSACA to see that we take the campaign to the very hard-to-reach community and the community at large in Kogi State,” he added.

However, Anate, appealed to Ododo to sign the Anti Stigma HIV Law, which was recently passed by the state House of Assembly.

“When the governor ascents to this law, people that are HIV positive can have the confidence to declare their status. Many can’t do this because of the stigmatization in the society”, he added.

On his part, the Kogi State Technical Lead, Centre for Integrated Health Programmes, Inyama Lawrencia, lamented the transmission of HIV AIDs from mother to child in the state.

“We have been advocating for every mother to go for anti-natal services so that they can know their HIV status. With the record on the ground about mother-to-child HIV transmission, CIHP has been working in the communities to sensitise women to ensure that they come out to the masses to know their HIV status.

He noted that “one of the challenges is that due to the economic constraints of the country, Some Women who are supposed to go out to know their status don’t even go because of financial constraints”.

By Ibrahim Abdullahi

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, commemorates the 32nd International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration worldwide.

On this very special day, several celebrations of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities will take place in different parts of the world, making it a worldwide event. 

However, for others, it is a historic occasion. This may be the first time they celebrate the day; this could be because they have recently joined the community of people with disabilities due to illness, accident, or other reasons.

 Many thanks to former Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari and the individuals involved in the tireless and backbreaking efforts to pass and implement the Disability Bill into Law 2018, which has never been in Nigeria’s history since its independence.

I want to remind us that DISABILITY is not a curse or disease. It is a condition that can be rehabilitated depending on the type of disability one is struggling with. There is always ability in disability. We should not be discouraged!

Thanks to those who, in some way, took time to celebrate with us and the good people of Nigeria and Africa in general for witnessing this special day with us. 

The world stands still for us to salute our courage and fortitude to triumph over challenges we overcame and the ones coming our way. The world celebrates our abilities despite our disabilities.

We live in a world where change has become a constant basis of our individual and collective societies. In this advanced technological modern period, technological wonders appear at regular intervals, and our lives as members of particular societies regarding persons with disabilities are clearly different from those of those without disabilities. This requires inclusion to reshape our community. 

Ending discrimination, injustice, and humiliation against people with disabilities is essential. We should embrace diversity in all its forms. Tolerance and accepting our differences are important; we must be recognized as humans. Let us unite to improve our society, Nigeria. Some scholars say that everyone is disabled in one way or another, and I agree. 

Happy International Day of Persons with Disability, everyone. 

Ibrahim Abdullahi can be contacted via ibrahimbsw23@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu will depart France on Monday for Cape Town, South Africa, to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The commission, set to convene on December 3, will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on December 2 at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu and Ramaphosa will discuss bilateral, regional, and international matters of mutual interest.

Building on their June 20 discussions in Johannesburg, the two leaders will assess progress since the 10th BNC session held in Abuja from November 29 to December 1, 2021.

“The 11th session of the BNC will feature discussions across eight working groups, focusing on political consultations, consular and migration, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments,” the statement added.

During the high-level meeting, both nations will sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation.

Established in 1999, the BNC serves as a platform to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Nigeria and South Africa. The inaugural Heads of State meeting took place in October 2019 in Pretoria.

This year’s session marks the 25th anniversary of the Commission, underscoring the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

President Tinubu will be accompanied by state governors, ministers, and senior government officials.

By Jamilu Uba Adamu

As the beautiful game continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the importance of safety and security in football stadiums cannot be overstated. In modern football administration, substantial investments are made to train security personnel on crowd control measures, ensuring spectators and players are safeguarded on match days.

However, the reality in Nigeria is alarming. A stadium with a capacity of 18,000 was recently grossly overcrowded with nearly 30,000 football fans. The stark reality is that overcrowding due to ticket overselling poses a significant threat to the structural integrity of our dilapidated stadium stands. The consequences of a disaster are too catastrophic to contemplate.

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) must proactively address this ticking time bomb. The NPFL must encourage teams to educate fans, club officials, and security personnel on crowd control and ticket sales management. This includes training stewards and security officers on safety measures, such as emergency evacuation procedures, first aid, and access control measures. 

In addition, clubs should take responsibility for ensuring their stadiums meet the minimum safety standards. We all want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone! 

The benefits of prioritizing safety and security in our football stadium extend beyond preventing disasters. A safe and secure environment enhances the fan experience, fostering a more enjoyable and family-friendly atmosphere.

In conclusion, the NPFL and clubs must address our football stadium’s safety and security issues with the urgency they deserve. By investing in education and training all relevant stadium personnel, we can prevent tragedies and ensure that football matches remain thrilling in a safe and secure atmosphere. As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine.” Let us act now to safeguard lives.

On this note, it is worth commending the efforts of Dr. Christian Emeruwa, Head of Safety and Security at the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He has been instrumental in training safety and security officers, police, and other relevant stakeholders through the CAF Safe Stadium Initiative. 

Dr. Emeruwa’s tireless efforts have benefited several African countries, including Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, and Uganda. We hope that the Nigerian NPFL will soon benefit from this initiative and prioritize the safety and security of our football fans.

Jamilu Uba Adamu wrote from Kano via jameelubaadamu@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated 1,518 slots to Jigawa State for the 2025 Hajj.  

Alhaji Ahmad Labbo, Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Dutse.  

Labbo stated that 70 percent of the allocated slots have been distributed to the 27 local government areas in the state for sale to interested pilgrims. 

The remaining 30 percent is held in reserve until the initial allocation to each local government is fully utilized.  

He further revealed that intending pilgrims are required to pay a deposit of N8.4 million while awaiting NAHCON’s official announcement of the Hajj fare.  

Labbo urged prospective pilgrims to make early payments to enable the board to complete preparations for the pilgrimage.  

The Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca undertaken by Muslims worldwide.

By Uzair Adam

The House of Representatives has indefinitely postponed its planned special session on tax reform bills, originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

This development was disclosed by the House Clerk, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, in an internal memo circulated to lawmakers on Saturday.

The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, had earlier announced that the session would focus on deliberating the four tax bills currently before the National Assembly.

These include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

However, the House leadership decided to delay the session to allow for more comprehensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including state governors and regional representatives, who have voiced strong opposition to the proposed legislation.

The memo reads, “I am directed by the House Leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the Special Session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, 3rd December 2024, to discuss all the Tax Reform Bills, has been postponed to a later date.

“This rescheduling is due to the need for further and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders.

“A new date and venue for the session will be communicated in due course. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”

The Daily Reality learned that the bills have faced significant pushback, particularly from the 36 state governors and northern stakeholders, who are demanding a review of the proposed laws, citing concerns over their impact on state revenues and regional interests.

By Haroon Aremu

After fierce contention between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump for the next occupant of the White House, with the latter emerging victorious, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s congratulatory message to the President-elect reignited intense discussion about the relationship between both nations. 

The president’s eagerness to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the United States raises questions. Has the partnership between both countries truly benefited Nigeria? Or was Mr. President’s call merely another political courtesy? These questions prompt us to examine the nature of Nigeria’s relationship with the U.S., its economic implications, and the broader political dynamics at play.

Nigeria and the U.S. have maintained a long-standing economic relationship. Nigeria is one of America’s top trading partners in Africa. In 2019, bilateral trade between the two nations exceeded $10 billion, and the U.S. remains Nigeria’s largest foreign investor, particularly in the oil and gas sector. 

However, Nigeria’s economy continues to struggle, primarily due to its overreliance on oil. With global shifts toward renewable energy, including in the U.S., Nigeria must diversify its economy to remain competitive and avoid being left behind.

Critics argue that while the U.S.-Nigeria partnership has brought some benefits, these advantages are not felt equally across the population. The wealth generated from trade and investment remains largely concentrated in the oil sector, leaving many Nigerians excluded from broader economic gains. The promise of diversification remains largely unfulfilled, and the average citizen continues to bear the brunt of the country’s dependence on oil.

The political dynamics of the U.S. and Nigeria share striking similarities, particularly in their recent elections. Both the 2020 U.S. election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden and Nigeria’s 2023 election, where Bola Tinubu contested mainly against Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, were “reportedly” marred by allegations of fraud, electoral manipulation, and identity politics. Just as many Americans questioned the integrity of their electoral process, Nigerians also faced concerns over corruption and electoral malpractice.

However, Nigeria can learn from the U.S. by adopting reforms that promote a certain level of transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness in its electoral system, as witnessed in 2024. While the U.S. system has its challenges, its efforts to ensure a fair and free election through checks and balances offer valuable lessons for Nigeria, which must work to eliminate corruption and build public trust in the electoral process. 

These reforms will help create an electoral system that reflects the people’s will and ensures fair participation. 

Transparency, accountability, and the active participation of civil society will be vital to improving Nigeria’s elections and ensuring the people’s will is genuinely reflected in government.

Nigeria’s economy faces pressing challenges, including over 30% inflation and a soaring unemployment rate. The country’s dependence on oil exports makes it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. 

The need for diversification has never been more urgent. Nigeria must expand into agriculture, technology, and manufacturing sectors to create a more sustainable and resilient economy.

While U.S.-Nigeria partnerships in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure development have created some jobs, the benefits are often limited. Without proper policies and management, the economic gains from these partnerships fail to reach those who need them most. Corruption hinders inclusive growth, with the wealth generated by foreign investments rarely benefiting the broader population.

The U.S. has provided substantial aid to Nigeria over the years, including over $125 million in COVID-19 assistance and various health initiatives, such as PEPFAR, which has improved healthcare access. 

Educational programs have also significantly impacted Nigerian schools, providing millions of books and teaching resources. However, critics argue that much of this aid addresses immediate needs without addressing the deeper, systemic issues that hinder long—term development, such as corruption, poor governance, and institutional inefficiency.

Though aid has brought short-term relief, Nigeria must push for real, lasting change. Relying on external assistance alone is not enough without addressing the root causes of poverty, unemployment, and economic instability. 

Development cannot be achieved through aid alone—it requires internal reforms and institutional strengthening.

To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is at a critical juncture. It faces significant economic challenges, including the risk of recession, but the partnership with the United States offers an opportunity to stimulate growth, attract investment, and create jobs. 

While the World Bank acknowledges Nigeria’s efforts through macro-fiscal reforms like unifying exchange rates and phasing out gasoline subsidies, these changes must be carefully managed to minimize short-term negative impacts on vulnerable groups. 

Scaling up social protection programs, investing in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and promoting economic diversification into areas like agriculture, technology, and manufacturing are essential to reducing reliance on oil and ensuring long-term stability. 

The World Bank’s $2.25 billion funding through the RESET program can enhance revenue mobilization, improve governance, and foster private sector growth.

Nigeria must strengthen its dialogue with the U.S., showcase investment opportunities, and deepen cooperation on security. Moving forward, Nigeria must prioritize real, actionable partnerships that deliver sustainable benefits to its people, avoid actions akin to political fraternization, and focus on inclusive development. 

The world is watching, and now is the time for decisive action to secure Nigeria’s future.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun, author of Youth Service for National Stability: A Corpers’ Chronicle, advocates for national development, has received an award from PRNigeria Center, and is an investigative research journalist. He can be reached at exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Following Wednesday’s Senate session, experts were invited to explain President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin addressed concerns raised by lawmakers and the public about the initiative.

In an interview with the BBC, Barau explained that the President’s new tax policies aim to strengthen Nigeria’s economy but noted their complexity necessitated expert input.  

“This is why we invited those who developed the policies on behalf of Mr. President,” Barau said, emphasizing the importance of lawmakers fully understanding the reforms.

The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Senator Sani Musa, recommended bringing in experts to clarify the proposals, as many legislators and citizens were unclear on their details.  

“Some of these experts had previously been invited by state governors and the House of Representatives for similar explanations. We saw it as a necessary step,” he added.  

Barau highlighted the significance of televising the session, saying, “Transparency was key, which is why we ensured the session was broadcast live.” 

However, he acknowledged that some senators claimed they were unaware of the meeting despite official notifications.  

He also clarified that the second reading of the tax reforms does not signify their final approval.  

“This is just the beginning of the process. The Finance Committee will now review the policies in detail, consult with tax experts, and present a comprehensive report. 

“We urge stakeholders, including youth and women, to continue documenting their concerns,” Barau said.  

He emphasized the importance of thorough review and consultation to avoid unintended consequences, adding, “No leader intends to harm their people, but we must fully understand the policies’ implications.”

Addressing recent political tensions, Barau referred to an incident in Kano where rice was seized, leading to hasty accusations.  

“Such actions undermine due process. Jumping to conclusions without proper investigation does not help our country,” he warned.  

Barau also called for unity and respectful discourse in the Senate, urging collaboration across party lines.  

“Resorting to insults and accusations contradicts our cultural and religious values. Even God does not condone such behavior,” he said.

As the Senate continues its review, Barau urged patience and constructive engagement from all stakeholders to ensure the reforms serve the best interests of Nigerians.

By Uzair Adam

Nigerian military troops have intensified their nationwide operations, eliminating 135 terrorists, apprehending 185 suspects, and rescuing 129 kidnapped victims within the past week.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, provided the update during a briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Saturday.

He disclosed that in the North Central region, some terrorists have begun surrendering due to sustained military offensives and collaborative non-kinetic engagements with community stakeholders.

Among those who surrendered are notable figures such as Yellow Jambros, Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi (Alhaji Lawal), Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Yellow Ibrahim, Gana’e, and Babangida.

Buba emphasized that the military would maintain its operational momentum to dismantle terrorist networks and encourage further surrenders.

During the operations, troops recovered 113 weapons and 2,415 rounds of ammunition, including 72 AK-47 rifles, 11 fabricated guns, 15 Dane guns, eight pump-action shotguns, and four hand grenades. They also seized 46 motorcycles, 15 vehicles, 28 mobile phones, and various communication devices.

In the Niger Delta, troops destroyed 93 crude oil cooking ovens, 12 dugout pits, 37 boats, and 82 illegal refining sites.

They also recovered 909,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 71,060 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 13,580 litres of petrol.

Maj.-Gen. Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, stating, “We remain in a winning position in this war and will continue to innovate in our approach.”