Technology, Neutral Tool for Socio-Economic Development-DG NITDA

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has emphasised the significance of perceiving technology as a neutral instrument that can accelerate Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.

Speaking during a virtual panel session titled “Culture and Innovation: The Changing Landscape and Technoculture,” Inuwa outlined the importance of leveraging technology to balance cultural preservation with economic growth.

The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and UNESCO, provided a platform for stakeholders to explore the dynamic role of technology in shaping cultural and economic transformations.

Inuwa who was represented by the Acting Director, Regulation and Compliance, Barrister Emmanuel Edet, stressed that technology is inherently neutral—it is neither beneficial nor harmful in isolation but depends on the intent and strategy behind its usage.

He advocated for implementing robust policies and fostering collaborations to ensure technological innovations align with Nigeria’s cultural heritage and developmental goals.

As global cultures and economies are increasingly influenced by digital innovation, Inuwa pointed to creative tools such as Figma, Canva, and CorelDRAW, which incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance user experiences.

He underlined the need to equip Nigerians with digital skills to utilise these tools effectively for economic progress.

He said, “To this end, NITDA has established digital learning centers nationwide, providing education in Emerging Technologies.

The National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) is also playing a pivotal role by offering training programs and creating tech hubs aimed at improving productivity and skill acquisition.”

Additionally, Inuwa unveiled Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, a framework designed to position the nation as a frontrunner in AI adoption.

This strategy focuses on intellectual property rights and prioritises efficiency and transformation across critical sectors, especially through its emphasis on social inclusion and development.

According to him, NITDA’s commitment to digital security and intellectual property protection has also resulted in the launch of a National Blockchain Policy.

This initiative supports creative industries by enabling artists, musicians, and filmmakers to tokenise their works, ensuring proof of ownership and curbing copyright violations.

“Technology is a tool—it all depends on how we use it,” Inuwa remarked. “Our objective is to create an environment that allows technology to contribute to Nigeria’s economic and creative development.”

In his remarks, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman described the event as a timely opportunity for stakeholders to chart a course for Nigeria’s future progress.

With participation from government officials, industry experts, and thought leaders, the discussions centered on tackling challenges and identifying opportunities within the arts, culture, and creative economy sectors.

Among the key sub-themes that formed basis for the discussion included leveraging technological advancements, fostering innovation, and formulating policies to boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

As technology continues to redefine the creative landscape, the summit underscored the role of digital tools, Artificial intelligence, and Blockchain in preserving cultural heritage, driving economic empowerment, and creating jobs.

It is anticipated that actionable outcomes from this event will help shape the future of Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, solidifying their role as essential contributors to national development.

JANDOR Congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on His 73rd Birthday

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and former gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), extends his heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.

President Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic landscape remain significant, with a legacy of leadership that has shaped governance at both state and national levels. As he marks this milestone, Dr. Adediran acknowledges his resilience, strategic vision, and dedication to public “I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today.

His journey in leadership has been marked by courage and a commitment to nation-building. I wish him good health, divine guidance, and renewed strength as he continues his renewed hope agenda and the task of leading Nigeria towards greater development and prosperity,” JANDOR stated.

JANDOR Commends Hon. Faleke, Benson, and Badru for Sponsoring Constitutional Amendment Bill to Upgrade Lagos LCDAs

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and former Lagos State gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), acknowledge, appreciate and commend the trio of Hon. James Faleke, Hon. Jimi Benson, and Hon. Enitan Badru for their bold and progressive step in sponsoring a constitutional amendment bill seeking to upgrade Lagos State’s 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to full-fledged Local Government Areas.

JANDOR applauds this initiative, recognizing it as a long-overdue step toward deepening grassroots governance, improving service delivery, and ensuring that Lagosians enjoy the full benefits of decentralization. The move aligns with the aspirations of the people of Lagos, who have long yearned for full autonomy and federal recognition of their LCDAs.

Hon. James Abiodun Faleke (Ikeja Federal Constituency), Hon. Babajimi Benson (Ikorodu Federal Constituency), and Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badru (Lagos Island I Federal Constituency), alongside 19 other lawmakers sponsored the proposed legislation which has successfully scaled its second reading in the House of Representative.

“This legislative push is a significant milestone in our collective quest for a more functional and efficient local government system in Lagos State. By sponsoring this amendment, Hon. Faleke, Hon. Benson, and Hon. Badru have demonstrated true representation, putting the interests of Lagosians first,” JANDOR stated.

He further urged all stakeholders, including other lawmakers, political leaders, and Lagos residents, to support the bill’s passage, emphasizing that upgrading the LCDAs will promote equitable development, improve infrastructural growth, and strengthen governance at the grassroots level.