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Tinubu: Artificial Intelligence important in Securing Nigeria
*Confers Fellowship as 91 graduate from DSS Security Institute
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the weekend in Abuja underscored the role of artificial intelligence in the current fight against terrorism, pledging that his administration was committed to increasing funding and research in artificial intelligence to make the country safer.
President Tinubu made the pledge shortly after conferring the Fellowship of Security Institute (fsi) on 91 persons who completed a10-month course in artificial intelligence at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja.
Represented by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, President Tinubu said the whole world was embracing artificial intelligence to combat modern day crimes, and that Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind in this global security trend.
President Tinubu lauded the Department of State Services for what he said was its leading role in maintaining internal security, and promised his administration’s commitment to strengthening internal security.
In his welcome address, the DG-DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, thanked the President for his appointment and honouring the Service.
He gave an insight to the history of NISS, stating that DSS established a Training School known as Abuja Training School (ATS) in 1999, which later evolved to the Institute of Security Studies (ISS), in 2008.
This, stated the DG, was primarily for the training of senior officers in Advanced Security and Intelligence Policy-making. At the end of the course, explained the DG, participants will be conferred with Fellow of the Security Institute (fsi); a criterion for advancement into the management cadre.
Ajayi explained that, in June 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, signed into Law, the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Bill, thereby elevating it at par with both the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and the National Defence College (NDC).
He added that though the DSS still coordinates the activities of NISS largely, it is now mandated by law to organise Research and Policy Training for Intelligence, Military, Security, Law Enforcement, Regulatory and Strategic Agencies in Nigeria and across Africa.
This, according to Mr Ajayi, was the reason NISS has on its board, representatives of other Intelligence Agencies (DIA and NIA). He added that NISS will deepen its national and subregional outlook.
The DG, who at the epochal event, had six of his predecessors at the same event, spoke on the benefits of synergy and coordination among agencies in tackling Nigeria and Africa’s security challenges.
While commending the strategic synergy demonstrated by this crop of Service Chiefs led by the NSA, Mr Ajayi assured that Nigeria will be more secure.
Dugnataries in attendance were the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, represented by the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator (Prof) Anthony Ani, representative of the Speaker and House Committee Chairman on National Security and Intelligence, Hon Satomi Ahmad, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.
Others include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (OFR), representatives of the Service Chief/Inspector General of Police (IGP), representatives of paramilitary agencies, (6) former Directors General, Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Attachés/Diplomats, Royal fathers led by Emir of Gumi, HRH Justice Lawal Hassan Gumi, captains of Industry among an array of high-powered personalities from all walks of life.
Chairman of the occasion, and former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (CFR) lauded the solidarity and presence of former DGs of the Service, noting that, the unison will be instrumental to the overall success of NISS and DSS at large.
He urged elected officials to emulate the virtues of consolidating the legacies of previous administrations and to leverage the Service’s expertise for national development.
Instructively, he solicited increased funding to support DSS core mandate and advocated for clear communication of government policies to enhance governance.
In the same vein, the Vice President urged newly commissioned Fellows of the National Institute to rise to the challenges of modern national security threats, which he stated demands more than traditional military tactics.
He emphasized that the course’s focus on AI will enhance the nation’s security architecture through technology-driven countermeasures.
President Tinubu acknowledged the exemplary and astute leadership of the new DG of the Secret Service, Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
He commended the auspicious ceremony and especially noted that the landmark event will certainly remain indelible in the annals of the Agency.
While also appreciating Mr. Ajayi’s dexterity and wide reach, President Bola Tinubu expressed admiration for the recent remarkable achievements of the DGSS, the National Institute, and Service as a whole. In recognition of numerous outstanding efforts by the DGSS in improving the internal security of the country, he committed to supporting the NISS and Service.
The high point of the event was the unprecedented conferment of Fellow of Security Institute (fsi) on ninety-one (91) graduates, including foreign participants by Mr. President, the first since the inception of the flagship program.
He described the occasion as one that has redefined inter-agency collaboration, evident in the strong presence of various Security Chiefs and erstwhile DGs.
The elated C in C extolled Mr. Ajayi for bringing his predecessors together, describing it as a clear message in fostering unity of purpose, in the interest of the Service. He further urged the graduates to take advantage of knowledge acquired during the course, to enhance intelligence production, cross-agency collaboration, and national security management efforts.
The six (6) former DGs of the foremost Intelligence Agency, who graced the occasion in support of the new helmsman’s mettle of walking in the footprints of his forbearers were; Peter C. NWAODUAH (1992-1999), Rtd Col. L K.K. ARE OFR (1999-2007), A. A GADZAMA OFR, mni (2007-2010), Ekpenyong ITA CFR, mni (2010-2015), M.B SEIYEFA mni (2018) and the immediate past DG, Y M BICHI CFR, fwc (2018-2024)
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the retired DGs, Rtd. Col ARE eulogized the tremendous transformations in the National Institute since its establishment. He thanked the current management for sustaining the dream of the National Institute’s founders. He encouraged the DGSS, Service Chiefs, and the graduates to forge ahead in ensuring protection of Nigeria’s nationall security. He also called for government’s support to achieve the National Institute’s goal of deepening research in the fields of security and intelligence management.
The occasion was rounded off with a goodwill video from another former DG, A K HORSFALL, who equally congratulated the Course 17 graduates and announced the formation of a Forum of retired DGs’ at the instance of the new DGSS. He posited that this novel initiative will provide a pool of rich knowledge experience and ideas from the intelligence veterans for the benefit of current and future DSS leaders, as well as enhance smooth transition of successive administration in the Service.
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Brazil Beat Haiti 3-0, Boost Knockout Hopes
Brazil strengthened their chances of advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti today. The South Americans delivered a disciplined performance, combining attacking flair with defensive solidity to secure three crucial points.
From the opening whistle, Brazil imposed themselves on the match. Their midfield trio dictated tempo, recycling possession and stretching Haiti’s defensive lines. Within the first 15 minutes, Brazil’s pressure paid off when striker Gabriel Silva converted a low cross from the right flank, giving his side an early lead.
Despite conceding early, Haiti showed resilience. They tightened their defensive shape and attempted to hit Brazil on the counterattack. Winger Jean-Pierre Louis tested Brazil’s goalkeeper with a sharp effort from distance, but the shot was comfortably saved. Haiti’s determination kept the scoreline respectable through much of the first half.
Brazil doubled their advantage just before halftime. Midfielder Lucas Andrade unleashed a curling shot from outside the box, leaving Haiti’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The strike highlighted Brazil’s technical superiority and gave them a cushion heading into the break.
In the second half, Brazil maintained control. Their passing sequences frustrated Haiti, who struggled to regain possession. Brazil’s third goal came in the 70th minute when substitute forward Rafael Costa capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball calmly into the net. The goal sealed the contest and allowed Brazil to manage the closing stages with confidence.
Brazil’s coach emphasized balance, ensuring the team did not overcommit forward. The defensive line remained compact, neutralizing Haiti’s attempts to break through. This tactical discipline prevented Haiti from creating clear chances and underscored Brazil’s maturity in tournament play.
Although Haiti failed to score, their effort was commendable. The team fought hard, pressing when possible and showing flashes of creativity. However, the gulf in quality was evident, particularly in midfield battles where Brazil consistently regained control.
The victory places Brazil in a strong position in their group. With six points from two matches, they are now favorites to progress to the knockout stage. The team’s blend of youth and experience appears to be clicking at the right time, raising hopes among supporters for a deep run in the tournament.
Brazil will face a tougher test in their next fixture against a European opponent. The team must maintain focus and continue refining their attacking transitions. For Haiti, the defeat complicates their path forward, but they remain mathematically alive. Their next match will be decisive in determining whether they can keep their World Cup dream aliv
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Bosnia Crushed By A Merciless Switzerland Machine
Switzerland were in imperious form today as they blew Bosnia away in the group stage game of the World Cup in what was a dominant and uncompromising offensive masterclass from the Swiss. Switzerland played at a frightening speed, executed a crisp passing game and proved ruthlessly efficient in front of goal.
Switzerland began in the ascendancy and looked eager to press and control the game from the start, and after only two minutes had Bosnia backed into a corner of their own half.
They kept the ball well and at speed, and the Swiss looked eager to push the Bosnia defence wider as the game started. Within the first 15 minutes, Switzerland had already tested the Bosnian goalkeeper with two powerful shots.
The breakthrough came after halftime. With an attack moving quickly, the Bosnian back line is open, leaving the Swiss attacker in a clear scoring position.
The ball slides calmly to the net to give the Swiss a much-deserved lead. It was a game where Bosnia was struggling deep in their own territory as they were being pushed to the limit.
A counterattack was their goal, but it fell flat as they tried to do something but couldn’t get it right. They’ve isolated their forwards, and the midfield has failed to connect up the game. A long-range shot was their closest call, but the Swiss goalie wasn’t going to do it then and there.
Their inability to generate consistent pressure against Switzerland made them play from a defensive mindset. The double-goal advantage came just before the half as Switzerland was in top-notch form with another incisive approach that will make all opponents fear them.
With a pass from the left, their winger managed to score an ideal goal and also showing that any of their forwards are available to find the open space and punish you against defensive error.
The Swiss reached the break, well deserved of it, and mentally depleted from the opponent as Bosnia’s score reached 0 goals for their team. The Swiss were ready to continue this show.
They played like nothing was about to change and continued with their forward aggression. Switzerland’s offense began to work relentlessly, generating forced errors and, consequently, chances to create another goal for them.
Three goal came via another header, which smashed Bosnia’s defence to send the ball home. After Bosnia had their fourth goal scored against them, the game became so one sided as the Swiss were simply walking through the Bosnian team’s defence without issue. Bosnia seemed unable to match their opponents for any level of performance.
After the game reached its conclusion and Switzerland was victorious, the Swiss have many good performers to recognize. The team’s captain was influential as he seemed to control the whole pitch from his central midfield role. He was vocal, directed plays, and seemed to pump his teammates up with great performance throughout. For the Bosnia team, the keeper may be recognized. Although there may have been many goals scored against his team he seemed to be playing very well to be stopping every other chance by a Swiss attacking team.
They played from a back foot throughout the game as if all their play was being played as if it were defense but when a chance to attack came, they failed. The Swiss may well deserve the win as they showed a complete game.
The Swiss coach was at his best on the sidelines as he made the appropriate personnel changes and substitutions throughout the game that help Switzerland find success and continue their winning ways in the tournament. The group implications seem fairly obvious. Switzerland have improved their standings and appear to be in a strong position to qualify from their group.
Bosnia’s hopes look a lot less favorable and they really have to pick it up. Overall it seems Switzerland dominated Bosnia and a 4–0 defeat was entirely deserved from the Bosnian team.
Switzerland came ready for this game and put it on display through skillful passing, a powerful forward attack, and some incredible play on both ends of the pitch and as their Coach did in the press conference, this was a statement.
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Judicial Battle Reboots Kwara ADC’s 2027 Election Machinery
The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has converted a recent legal threat into a political launchpad. Following an appellate court victory that halted an attempt to deregister the party, the Kwara ADC has declared its full readiness to contest the 2027 general elections.
A Federal High Court judgment by Justice Peter Lifu originally ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC along with four other opposition parties.
The decision was met with an outcry by opposition coalition who alleged the judicial action was another manipulative scheme to cripple opposition politics in the nation and give an unearned leap to ruling parties for the 2027 election cycle.
The “threat however, disappeared into thin air as the Court of Appeal in Abuja swung into action and delivered a strong rebuff on the lower court. A stay of execution of the deregistration order was issued by the Court of Appeal.
Experts and political leaders in opposition said the lower court’s ruling had contravened judicial hierarchy as courts above had already issued a stay of proceedings. It has returned to status quo, following the successful legal defence as the Kwara State chapter of the ADC has called an emergency State Executive Committee meeting at its State Secretariat, Ilorin.
Party stakeholders have already turned the page from the legal battle to an intensive grassroots mobilisation as party structures have been instructed to get set for the next election cycle.
“This issue, while appearing like a setback, has only united us more than before,” said the Kwara State Chairman of ADC, Babatunde Muhammed, who assured that “
The Court of Appeal intervention in our case has revived my confidence in the country’s judicial system, and that you cannot simply rubbish an existing political movement because you have access to some judges.
We remain unruffled” he added. Consequently, all ADC Candidates and ward executives in Kwara State have been tasked to commence voter outreach immediately with a unit-by-unit grassroots mobilisation plan that aims to put the current ruling party on the defensive by articulating how the ADC platform and agenda contrast with the performance of the incumbent administration.
The new approach of Kwara ADC will focus primarily on local security issues, fiscal and economic management and ensuring a free and fair electoral system in 2027 election.
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