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Nigeria should anchor AI adoption on governance,  enterprise leadership – experts

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Governance and technology stakeholders have urged Nigeria to anchor its Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption on governance and quality enterprise leadership to compete as a major player in the AI-driven global economy.

They made the call on Tuesday in Lagos at the Centre for Enterprise Governance (CEG) Third Biennial Corporate Governance and Enterprise Development 2025 Conference.

The event had the theme: ” Redefining Enterprise Leadership in a Changing Nigeria: Artificial Intelligence, Protectionism and Governance in Focus”.

The Founder of CEG, Mr Adeyinka Hassan, said that  78 per cent of companies worldwide had already adopted AI, with nearly half of the figure using it to harness big data.

Hassan said the challenge lied in the fact that while the world was moving at a high speed,  Africa was not.

He said that further delay would cause a digital divide and result in economic gulf.

“This conference is a call to leadership and a call to action, as leadership today is not about titles but about adaptive intelligence – the courage to embrace technology without losing our humanity.

“The choices we make now will decide whether we remain spectators in the AI-driven global economy or rise as architects of Africa’s prosperity,” he said.

Mr Olatokunbo Talabi, Secretary to Ogun State Government,  said that effective governance remained the bedrock for enterprise development.

He said that no matter the power of AI or the trends in global trade, without a transparent, accountable and responsive governance, enterprise leadership would not thrive.

Talabi stressed the need to strengthen institutions, promote regulatory clarity, and embrace ethics.

“Enterprise leadership is becoming a demand in Nigeria,  and the role of collaboration in this is really what I want to expressly talk about.

“I tell you that Ogun State Government is ready and willing to work with people that can take us into the next level,” he said.

Mr Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, said the Federal Government had a data governance structure in place –  the data protection regulation.

He said that Nigeria was working to create laws and regulations to help to build its hyperscale data centre and position the country as a hub for data centre and AI infrastructure in Africa.

He, however, said there was the need to build digital technology sovereignty to enhance data control and minimise data breaches.

“We work with the big techs and startups to design and govern AI and other emerging technologies because we don’t want it to be like when social media started and people were saying social media was an ungoverned space.

“Already, we have done about three stakeholder engagement on it to help to make sure that whatever is illegal offline, is also illegal online.

“This is something we need to work together with you all, the private sector, the academia, the startups, because there are things you can do and government cannot do, and there are things government can do, you cannot do,” he said.

Prof. Bolanle Oladejo, Head, Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Ibadan, said that AI adoption was on the rise and transforming various sectors and driving innovation across Nigeria.

She said in the next decade, successful Nigerian enterprise leadership would be shaped by those who could navigate complexity and create value across multiple dimensions simultaneously.

Oladejo recommended development of a comprehensive Al regulatory framework, provision of tax relief and innovation grants to address cost barriers, and establishment of oversight mechanisms for ethical AI.

“Looking forward, I envision a Nigeria where Al-powered enterprises lead Africa, potentially unlocking up to $100 billion in annual economic value from generative Al alone, with Nigeria’s Al market growing to $434.4 million by 2026.

“The quality of enterprise leadership in this transformational moment would determine whether Nigeria emerges as a major economic power in the Al-driven global economy or remains trapped in cycles of unrealised potential,” she said.

Mrs Olayemi Keri, Independent Non Executive Director, First City Monument Bank, said that Al would not guarantee success or failure.

She said that its outcomes would depend on how well organisations would prepare and integrate it.

Keri said that companies that would tie Al directly to business imperatives and invest in strong data governance would see returns.

“For Nigeria, this means Al adoption should not be about chasing global trends but about building wisely step-by-step, investing in infrastructure, governance and context-specific applications that solve real problems.

“Decisions about AI adoption are moral as much as they are technical, and this is why we must ground Al adoption in governance principles of fairness and ethics,” she said.

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NSITF restoring hope, dignity of workers through ECS, says MD Faleye

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The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has underscored the role of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) in restoring hope and dignity to Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the line of duty.

He made the remarks in Abuja during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to 10 beneficiaries of the scheme.

Represented by the General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ogunnike, the MD said the initiative continues to put smiles on the faces of injured workers by supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

According to him, the ECS goes beyond statutory compensation, reflecting a humane commitment to restoring confidence and preserving the dignity of workers affected by occupational hazards.

He noted that workplace accidents often result not only in physical injuries but also emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future.

Faleye explained that for many Nigerian workers, a single workplace incident can permanently alter the course of their lives.

He however said the intervention of the NSITF through the ECS provides a second chance for victims to rebuild their lives and regain independence.

Highlighting specific cases, he cited the experiences of two beneficiaries, Daniel Etim, a staff of University of Uyo Printing Press and Festus Opkara of Tower Aluminium Laos, as evidence of the scheme’s impact.

Daniel lost his arm in May 2024 after it was trapped in an industrial machine during a routine workday, an injury which led to amputation.

“However, through the intervention of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund as administrators of the ECS, Daniel received medical support, with his treatment expenses fully covered under the Scheme.

“Beyond the payment of medical bills, the Fund extended further rehabilitative support by providing him with a prosthetic arm, reaffirming its commitment not only to compensation but also to restoring dignity, confidence, and functionality to injured workers.

“Daniel’s story underscores the broader mandate of the Employee Compensation Scheme, a social protection mechanism designed to ensure that Nigerian workers who suffer workplace injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases, or death are not abandoned in moments of vulnerability,” the NSITF MD explained.

“Similar to Daniel’s is the story of Festus, whose workplace accident dates back to 2015. Having lost his hand in a workplace incident, Festus lived for years with the emotional burden that accompanied his physical condition.

“Beyond the trauma of the accident itself was the constant public attention, the quizzical looks, and the pitying stares that made social interactions difficult,” he stated, adding that “NSITF provided Festus with a silicone prosthetic hand, helping him regain not only physical confidence but also a renewed sense of inclusion and self-worth”.

Highlighting the significance of the ECS, the MD restated that “For beneficiaries like Daniel and Festus, the interventions of the NSITF have become more than institutional obligations; they represent hope, restoration, and reassurance that injured workers are not left to navigate tragedy alone”.

To the MD, these examples speak to a frequently overlooked dimension of workplace injuries: the psychological and emotional scars that persist long after physical wounds may have healed.

“These interventions highlight the critical role of the NSITF in implementing the Employee Compensation Scheme, which continues to serve as a vital safety net for Nigerian workers in both the public and private sectors”, he concluded.

While reflecting on how his life was transformed, one of the beneficiaries, Festus Okpara enthused: ‘I thank NSITF for coming all this way to help. At least with this (a silicone artificial hand), I can go out in public and feel free. NSITF has reduced the level of trauma'”.

It would be recalled that the ten beneficiaries were among the 78 who recently got fitted with artificial limbs in the ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration program of the NSITF.”

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Atiku Chairs historic wedding ceremony in Marrakech as 2 distinguished families unite

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Former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, yesterday chaired the wedding ceremony of Cherina and Muna Okey Ezeibe in the enchanting city of Marrakech, Morocco, in what was a remarkable celebration of love, friendship, family, and African unity.

The wedding, which took place on Saturday, 9th May 2026, brought together dignitaries, family members, and close associates from across the continent in a ceremony marked by elegance and profound symbolism.

At the heart of the celebration were the proud parents of the groom, Mr. and Mrs. Okey Ezeibe, who watched with immense joy as their son began a new chapter of life.

The occasion held special significance given the longstanding friendship and enduring relationship between Mr. Okey Ezeibe and His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a bond built over many years of mutual respect and camaraderie.

Also present were the bride’s proud parents, including her father, Mr. Lassina Zerbo, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, whose distinguished presence underscored the significance of the union as a beautiful convergence of respected families and shared African heritage.

Chairing the occasion, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar described marriage as a sacred institution built on love, sacrifice, patience, and mutual respect, while offering prayers for the enduring happiness, peace, and prosperity of the newly wedded couple.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Marrakech, the ceremony was not merely the union of two individuals, but a celebration of friendship across borders, cultural harmony, and the timeless values that bind families together.

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Dr Enenche, Wife Takes the Gospel Message To Managua, Nicaragua, Bwari, Abuja, Douala, Cameroon

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The senior pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr Paul Enenche and Wife, Dr Mrs Becky Enenche have successfully taken the gospel (goodnews) and message of salvation, healing, deliverance, free medical outreach and welfare ministeration to Managua, Nicaragua, Central America, Bwari, Abuja and Doula, Cameroon respectively.

The crusades began in Managua, Nicaragua, Central America, on the 1st-2nd May 2026 with the Revival Fire Crusade, after which, the revered clerics proceeded for the Healing and Deliverance crusade with the theme; ‘THE GOD OF MERCY to Bwari-FCT, Abuja on the 7th-8th May 2026 and concluded on Saturday 9th May 2026 in Douala-Cameroon, West Africa respectively.

The crusade witness a deluge of miracles, signs, wonders, healings, diverse deliverances, intense worship and praise.

In Nicaragua, the power of God was tangible, lives transformed, yokes broken, destinies released and hearts set ablaze for God. This is a clear move of revival; unstoppable, undeniable and spreading across the land and Nicaragua shall never remain the same again.

While In BWARI, Fct-Abuja, An atmosphere of divine glory; mercy poured out richly, saturating the air, as God’s presence overwhelmed the congregation with healings, deep restoration, uncontainable joy, true liberty and the day 2, was a sacred encounter; calm yet powerful. Hearts were lifted, burdens were broken, and destinies were realigned in the presence of God. Indeed, when mercy speaks, everything changes.

Beyond the crusade, the revered clerics remained intentional about caring for the total wellbeing of the people. While the spiritual transformation was profound, the clerics were privileged to reach out through free medical and welfare ministrations, ministering to the spirit while also caring for the body, with several relief materials, clothings and other food items were distributed.

For instance, In BWARI-Fct, Abuja, 956 Persons were medically attended to and given various treatments and medications, 46 Chest X-rays were conducted, 6 medically emergencies were handled, and 3 patient were taken to the hospital for further medical care.

The total number of Dental patients seen were 374. with 5 tooth extraction successfully done, while 306 scaling and polishing were also conducted.

The week long respective programs concluded and climaxed on Saturday in Douala-Cameroon, where the atmosphere was saturated with faith and the presence of God as multitudes gathered for a divine encounter, and Healings erupted, Lives were transformed, Burdens were lifted and destinies encountered the touch of God. It was evident the God of mercy visited Cameroon in a mighty way. What a fitting climax to a time of divine visitation in Douala.

Worthy of note, the revered clerics remained intentional about caring for the total wellbeing and needs of the people and to the glory of God, every available space at the various crusades venue were filled with people.

Also, No offering was taken or collected at the crusades, as this is the principle of the ministry for every crusade that is conducted by the revered clerics. We return all the glory to the God of mercy for what He has done, Dr Enenche declared.

The revered clerics remain intentional and committed to Kingdom advancement, soul winning and global Evangelism, as they prepare for the 2026 Destiny Recovery Convention (DRC), coming up on the 26th-31st May 2026.

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