Adjudication Kicks Off for The Nigeria Prize for Science

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Momentum is building and adjudication is set to commence for the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science, with 112 entries handed over today to the Prize’s Advisory Board for onward transmission to the judges.

Caption: (L-R): Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs (NLNG); Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development (NLNG); and members of The Nigeria Prize for Science Advisory Board – Prof. Barth Nnaji (Chairman), Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande (Member), and Prof. Yusuf Abubakar (Member) during the handover of entries for the 2025 edition of NLNG-sponsored prize held in Lagos…on Tuesday.
The Nigeria Prize for Science, arguably Africa’s richest and most prestigious science award, is worth $100,000.

The 2025 edition features the theme “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technologies for Development,” seeking solutions to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy.

Sponsored by NLNG, the Prize attracts entries from scientists worldwide (Nigerians and Non-Nigerians) and aims to identify and reward groundbreaking innovations that advance industry and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.

At a press conference in Lagos, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, formally handed over the 112 entries to the Advisory Board, chaired by renowned scientist Professor Barth Nnaji.

The handover marks the start of a rigorous evaluation process, during which a panel of distinguished judges will assess entries based on merit, originality, and potential impact on national development.

The competition is expected to be intense, reflecting rising global interest and innovation in AI and digital technology.

In her remarks, Horsfall highlighted that this year’s theme reflects the global shift toward technological transformation.

She stated: “This year’s Prize seeks to spotlight pioneering research and bold solutions that harness technologies to empower industries, uplift societies, and transform Nigeria’s development trajectory.”

She further added: “These technologies hold immense transformative potential for Nigeria.

As Africa’s largest economy and a nation blessed with a vibrant pool of young talent, we have a unique opportunity to harness digital innovation to develop scalable, globally relevant solutions that will drive sustainable socio-economic development.”

Professor Barth Nnaji, while receiving the entries, expressed his appreciation for the number of submissions. “The Board is greatly encouraged by the volume of entries.

The 2025 competition is shaping up to be intensely competitive, and we are confident it will showcase outstanding innovation,” he said.

He emphasised the transformative power of AI and digital technologies across sectors: “AI is rapidly reshaping nearly every aspect of modern life, driving innovation, improving efficiency, and unlocking new possibilities across industries.”

He added; “ In healthcare, AI enhances diagnostic accuracy and speed through advanced imaging and predictive tools. In education, it personalises learning experiences, helping teachers address challenges early using intelligent tutors and automated assessments.

In agriculture, AI enables precision farming by analysing sensor and satellite data to improve crop management and forecast yields.

These sector-wide transformations underscore AI’s growing role as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable progress.”
Other members of the Board are Chief Dr. Nike Akande, a two-time former Minister of Industry, and Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar, a professor of quantitative genetics and animal breeding.

The Prize continues to champion innovation, creativity, and scientific excellence as key drivers of Nigeria’s development, while fostering a culture of research that positions the country at the forefront of global innovation.

The winning entry for the 2025 Prize will be unveiled at a world press conference scheduled for September.

Caption: (L-R): Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs (NLNG); Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development (NLNG); and members of The Nigeria Prize for Science Advisory Board – Prof. Barth Nnaji (Chairman), Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande (Member), and Prof. Yusuf Abubakar (Member) during the handover of entries for the 2025 edition of NLNG-sponsored prize held in Lagos…on Tuesday.

EFCC Nabs 47 Suspected Internet Fraudsters Across Kwara

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate on Thursday, May 8, 2025 arrested 47 suspected internet fraudsters during coordinated sting operations at different locations across Kwara State.

The arrests were carried out following actionable intelligence gathered on the suspects’ alleged involvement in various forms of cybercrime. The suspects were apprehended at strategic locations, including Awolowo Road, Tanke, and Harmony Estate in Ilorin, as well as Ganmo and Amoyo in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State.

Upon arrest, a cache of items believed to be proceeds of cybercrime were recovered from the suspects. These include 10 luxury vehicles, 74 assorted mobile phones, 18 laptops, and a motorcycle.

The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Transafam Power CEO Engr. Vincent Ozoude To Speak on Tech-Driven Infrastructure at IoT West Africa

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Engr. Vincent Ozoude, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transafam Power Ltd, a power-generating subsidiary of Transcorp Plc, will deliver a keynote address at the upcoming IoT West Africa conference.

The conference, a premier gathering focused on the transformative power of the Internet of Things (IoT) across various industries, will take place in Lagos from May 13 – 15 2025.

Engr. Ozoude’s keynote, titled “Strengthening the Utilities Sector with Fast Adoption of Advanced Technologies for Future-Ready Infrastructure,” will highlight the critical role of technological innovation in revolutionizing the utilities landscape in West Africa and beyond.

Engr. Ozoude will also share insightful perspectives on how the rapid integration of advanced technologies, such as how Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Data Analytics, can address key challenges and unlock unprecedented opportunities within the utilities (Power) sector, referencing how Transafam Power is leveraging cutting-edge technologies to generate sustainable power, contributing the Nigeria’s industrial and national development.

Furthermore, Ozoude’s keynote will explore strategies for enhancing operational efficiency, especially how IoT-enabled sensors and smart grid technologies can optimize energy generation, transmission, and distribution, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency. He will also touch on leveraging advanced technologies for predictive maintenance, early fault detection, and proactive management of Power Generating equipment and infrastructure to minimize disruptions and enhance reliability, as well as the significance of harnessing real-time data insights generated by IoT devices to inform strategic planning, optimize resource allocation, and enhance service.

Transafam Power, under Ozoude’s leadership, has been at the forefront of exploring and implementing innovative solutions to enhance its operations and contribute to a more reliable and sustainable power sector in Nigeria. In May 2023, the company had ceremonial commissioning of Nigeria’s first mobile power generating plant to the national grid, with eight trailer-mounted gas turbines of 30 megawatts each, amounting to 240 MW commissioned.

At the conference, industry professionals, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts will gather and deliberate on how toleverage advanced technologies to shape the future of utilities, presenting a valuable opportunity to gain first hand insights into the transformative potential of technologies.

IoT West Africa is recognized as a vital platform for fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and showcasing the latest advancements in IoT across various sectors in the region. Mr. Ozoude’s participation as a keynote speaker underscores the growing importance of technology in addressing the critical needs of the utilities sector and building a more resilient and efficient infrastructure for the future.