Chris Infotainment

Establishment of the National Science AI Research Institute The National Science AI Research Institute is set to begin full-scale preparations this month, with an expected opening in June. This initiative involves government-funded research institutes collaborating to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in scientific and technological innovation. The plan was unveiled by Chairman Kim Young-sik of the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST) during a work report session for the Ministry of Science and ICT on the 12th. According to NST, the ‘National Science AI Research Institute’ will start its establishment process this month. It will focus on finalizing the construction of its office building, AI infrastructure, and operational system. The institute aims to serve as a central hub for AI-driven scientific and technological advancements within government-funded research institutes. Budget and AI Research Initiatives This year’s budget for the Na...

Exploring New Horizons: Volta Region and US Investors Forge Strategic Partnerships In a significant move aimed at boosting regional development, Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, met with a delegation of United States investors in Sogakope. This meeting focused on exploring potential partnerships in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology to support the Volta Region’s broader development agenda. The delegation, led by Mr. Delali Kotoka from the Conscious Immersion Group and Dr. Isaac Addae of the Onyx Group, expressed a keen interest in collaborating with the region. Their goal is to tap into the economic opportunities available and promote growth driven by the private sector. Mr. Gunu described the proposed partnership as strategic, emphasizing that the Volta Region holds substantial potential that requires targeted investment to unlock its value. He highlighted ongoing efforts to promote the Volta Lake Economic Corridor project, noting that effective participation...

Introduction to New E-commerce Guidelines Kathmandu has seen a significant development in the realm of e-commerce with the implementation of the E-commerce Guidelines, 2026. These guidelines, which came into effect this week, empower the Ministry of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection to enforce minimum ICT standards on business platforms. This move strengthens the state's role in protecting consumers, the economy, and digital institutions. The guidelines are enacted under the E-commerce Act, 2025, which became effective in April of the previous year. The new provisions require all business platforms to undergo audits and certification by the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection based on specific standards. Broad Application of the Law The law applies to all forms of sales, including transactions conducted through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. It also extends to foreign e-commerce platforms. Any internation...

Nigeria's Maritime Sector Embraces Digital Transformation Nigeria has made a significant leap in its maritime digitization efforts with the introduction of the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) by the Nigerian Shippers' Council. This new digital platform is set to revolutionize the way the council operates, bringing about greater efficiency and transparency in its processes. The launch event, held in Abuja, drew a number of high-profile attendees, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola. Their presence underscored the importance of this development for the nation’s maritime sector. Enhancing Efficiency and Transparency The ECMS is designed to streamline operations within the Nigerian Shippers' Council. By automating key processes, the system aims to reduce paperwork and improve response times for stakeholders. This move aligns with broader goals of en...

Major Cybercrime Operation Unveiled in Ghana A significant operation targeting cybercriminals has taken place in Ghana, resulting in the arrest of 32 Nigerian nationals. The operation was conducted in collaboration between the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and National Security, with a coordinated early morning raid at Kasoa–Tuba. This move underscores the growing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect digital infrastructure within the country. Seizure of Digital Devices According to a post shared on the CSA’s official Facebook page, the raid led to the confiscation of various digital devices suspected of being used for cybercrime activities. Among the seized items were 31 laptops and 15 mobile phones. These devices are now undergoing forensic analysis to uncover any evidence that could aid in the ongoing investigations. The seizure of these devices highlights the increasing reliance on technology in criminal activities. It also demonstrates the need for advanced digital forensi...

New Infrastructure Projects Boost Medical Education at Federal University of Health Sciences On Friday, the Federal University of Health Sciences in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, witnessed the inauguration of 11 significant projects by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa. The event was graced by several notable figures, including former Osun State Governor Adebisi Akande, the state Commissioner for Education Dipo Eluwole, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedokun, and the Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin. Government Focus on Medical Training and Clinical Facilities During the ceremony, Dr Alausa underscored the federal government’s commitment to expanding medical training institutions and enhancing clinical learning environments. He highlighted the importance of the newly inaugurated facilities, which include a Senate Building, university library, lecture theatres, faculty auditorium, university gate, multidisciplinary research library, health centre, teaching hospital, and ...

The US's Decision to Exclude South Africa from LEN Funding By excluding South Africa from its overseas funding for the roll-out of the revolutionary six-monthly HIV prevention jab, known as lenacapavir (LEN), the Trump administration undermines its own stated mission of helping other African countries, according to a US HIV activist. This decision has sparked significant criticism and concern within the global health community. In September, the US government announced that it would join the Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria, to buy LEN for African countries with high HIV infection rates. The Trump administration described its support as a "market-shaping initiative" aimed at increasing LEN production and uptake, thereby bringing down the price of the jab as quickly as possible. However, the US government left South Africa off the list of 10 states it will fund, despite the country having the largest market for LEN due to its high number of new HIV infections. ...

New Proposal for Visa-Exempt Travelers The Trump administration has proposed a new rule that would require visa-exempt foreign tourists to disclose their social media histories from the past five years before entering the United States. This initiative, outlined in an official notice published on December 9 in the Federal Register, aims to enhance security measures and improve the screening process for travelers. Countries Affected by the Proposal The proposal applies to visitors from 42 countries, including notable nations such as Britain, France, Australia, Singapore, and Japan. These travelers currently do not need a traditional visa to enter the U.S., but they are required to apply for a waiver known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Under the current system, applicants must provide certain personal details, but the new rules would significantly expand the scope of information required. Expansion of Information Required Under the proposed changes, the ...

Nigeria's Struggle with Intellectual Property Theft The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NPC) has raised concerns about the significant loss of intellectual property due to theft, estimating the value in the billions of dollars over recent years. This alarming issue was highlighted by the Director General of the NPC, John Asein, during the opening of a workshop organized by the Art and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN), media practitioners, and copyright sector partners in Abuja. Asein emphasized that the impact of piracy on creative talents is profound, as it discourages innovation and artistic expression. He pointed out that many publishing houses, some of which had been operating for over 50 years, have closed down due to the challenges posed by piracy. The DG noted that the landscape of copyright operations has evolved rapidly, especially in the digital era. From dealing with mass reproduction of CDs and DVDs a decade ago, the current challenge involves cloud-based...

Government's Strategic Moves to Establish AI Leadership The government is making significant strides toward achieving its national objective of becoming a top-three global artificial intelligence (AI) power. This initiative involves concrete plans for developing proprietary AI models and expanding large-scale infrastructure. Recently, the Ministry of Science and ICT unveiled the "2026 Science, Technology, and AI Business Plan" during a presidential work report at the Sejong Convention Center on the 12th. Key Initiatives for AI Development The Ministry outlined several key initiatives aimed at driving AI development to become a top-three global power. These include: Creating a proprietary AI foundation model Fostering innovative growth based on science and technology Ensuring public safety by establishing a new security paradigm One of the primary goals is to complete the first phase of developing the proprietary AI foundation model by January of next year. The m...

The U.S. Designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” On 31 October 2025, the United States officially designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a move that has sparked widespread debate and concern both domestically and internationally. For many Nigerians, this decision was not only alarming but also perceived as unjust, particularly given the role of some members of the diaspora in providing what are seen as exaggerated or unverified accounts to U.S. authorities. Nigeria, like any large and diverse democracy, faces its share of challenges related to security and governance. However, the assertion that the nation systematically persecutes religious groups is neither accurate nor reflective of the lived experiences of its citizens. This designation appears to be based on selective interpretations rather than comprehensive facts, which could harm Nigeria’s global image at a time when the country is working to strengthen internal unity and diplomatic relat...

The Power Sector Crisis in Nigeria: A Call for Accountability The Nigerian House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee, tasked with investigating the power sector reforms and expenditures from 2007 to 2024, has raised serious concerns about the performance of electricity distribution companies (DisCos). The committee has accused these companies of significantly undermining the country's power supply system through years of inadequate investment, lack of expansion, and failure to meet their original business commitments. During a recent hearing, the committee chairman, Arch. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu, highlighted that most DisCos misled the government during the acquisition process by presenting ambitious business plans but failing to deliver on the necessary infrastructure upgrades. This lack of action has left the distribution networks in a state of disrepair more than a decade after privatization. Aliyu expressed his disbelief at the situation, noting that while the Transmission ...

The Need for Technological Advancement in Nigeria’s Security Strategy Aviation and security experts are urging the Nigerian government to adopt modern technologies, particularly advanced drones, as a critical component of its strategy to combat terrorism and violent extremism. These experts argue that the current methods used by the country are insufficient against the evolving threats, and that embracing cutting-edge solutions could significantly enhance national security. The growing strength of these security challenges has raised alarms among professionals in the field. Despite the government's efforts, many believe that the response remains inadequate. Femi Adeniji, a Nigerian aviation expert based in the United States, highlighted the need for Nigeria to move away from outdated, manpower-heavy approaches. He emphasized that Western nations have successfully reduced terrorism by leveraging advanced technologies, and Nigeria should follow suit. Adeniji, who is also the CEO o...

Addressing the Challenges of the Livestock Sector The 1st National Council on Livestock Development, held in Yola, Adamawa State on Monday, November 24, 2025, brought together key stakeholders to address pressing issues affecting the livestock sector. The conference, themed "Livestock Rebirth: Accelerating Renewed Hope," aimed to chart a course for the modernization of this crucial industry. Stakeholders such as farmers, investors, policy makers, technology developers, and parliamentarians gathered to discuss strategies for transforming the sector, which has long been plagued by crises. The minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, outlined the ministry’s achievements since its establishment a year ago. He emphasized that significant progress had been made, guided by initiatives like the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) and the National Livestock Master Plan. Maiha highlighted that the NL-GAS aims to increase the value of Nigeria...

Empowering Civil Society Through Technology Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Zanzibar have experienced a significant technological transformation through a strategic partnership between Mixx by Yas and the Zanzibar NGO Forum (ZANGOF). This collaboration aims to enhance digital capacity and modern management skills among local CSOs, enabling them to operate more efficiently and transparently. The training session, held at the New Amaan Hotel in Unguja, brought together participants from both Unguja and Pemba. The focus was on improving operational efficiency, transparency, and financial management using digital tools. This initiative is seen as a critical step toward modernising the operations of civil society groups, which play a vital role in community development. Unguja Central District Commissioner Rajab Ali Rajab presided over the event and praised the collaboration. He described it as a timely intervention that aligns with the government’s digital transformation agenda. “...

Senator Barau Jibrin Explains Tax Reform and National Development Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, has provided detailed insights into the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's tax reform by the National Assembly. He emphasized that the reform aims to expand national revenue, strengthen the economy, and improve funding for critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This explanation came during a distinguished personality lecture organized by the Department of Political Science at the University of Ilorin. The event featured a Q&A session with students, who inquired about the benefits of the tax policy for young Nigerians and the steps lawmakers are taking to reduce inequality. Senator Jibrin, who joined the session virtually due to technical issues with his flight, explained that the new tax policy is designed to shift the country's focus from reliance on petroleum to exploring untapped sectors. He noted that these sectors w...

President Tinubu Swears in New Permanent Secretaries and NPC Chairman President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a significant step in reshaping Nigeria’s administrative framework by swearing in five new permanent secretaries and the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr Aminu Yusuf. The ceremony took place just before the start of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, highlighting the importance of these appointments in the country's governance structure. The five permanent secretaries who were sworn in include: Dr John Chidiebere Ezeamama from Imo State Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ozi from Nasarawa State Dr Abdul Sule Usman Garba from the North Central region Dr Ishiyaku Musa Mohammed from the North East Dr Binyerem Chigbonwu Ukaire from the South East In addition to the permanent secretaries, Dr Aminu Yusuf, the Chairman of the NPC, was also sworn in alongside two other members of the Board: Dr Joseph Haruna Kigbu and Tonga Betara Bulatafa. Pr...

A Vision for a Modern and Transparent Judiciary Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, reaffirmed the judiciary's commitment to building a citizen-focused, transparent, and technology-enabled justice system. His remarks came during a consultative workshop titled "National E-Court Reform Agenda: Requirements and Challenges" held at the Federal Judicial Academy. Justice Afridi, who also serves as the chair of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC), emphasized that integrating modern technology is no longer an option but a necessity. This integration is crucial for delivering accessible, efficient, and equitable justice across the country. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar from the Supreme Court, secretaries from the Ministries of Information Technology, Law, and the National Commission on the Status of Women, the chairman of the Pakistan Digital Authority, registrars from the Supreme Court a...

President Museveni's Message to Graduates President Yoweri Museveni has delivered a powerful message to fresh graduates, encouraging them to embrace healthy lifestyles, avoid alcohol consumption, and concentrate on creating wealth for their families. This call to action was conveyed through Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa during the 32nd graduation ceremony of Kampala International University (KIU) in Ishaka, where 2,385 students received degrees across multiple academic programs, including Bachelor's, Diploma, Master's, and PhDs. Museveni emphasized that for graduates to be truly patriotic and support their families and country, they must lead disciplined lives. "If you want to be patriotic and your family and country depend on you, you cannot be promiscuous; you cannot drink alcohol," he stated. His words underscored the importance of personal responsibility and moral integrity as foundational elements for success. In addition to advocating for healthy living, ...

Tanzania's Digital Transformation: A New Era of ICT Governance Tanzania is entering a crucial phase in its digital transformation, with the government taking significant steps to enhance its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems. This initiative is aimed at preparing the country to become a fully digital nation by 2030. At the heart of this effort is a new ICT Ranking system, which will assess annual progress across institutions and regions. The system aims to highlight gaps and promote accountability in the country’s transition towards a digital economy. This move aligns with Tanzania’s long-term vision, Dira 2050, which emphasizes the importance of ICT as a key driver for economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness. Under this vision, the government is working to build a digitally driven nation that relies on local innovation, reliable infrastructure, and a strong cybersecurity ecosystem. Communication and Information Technology Minister Angela K...