Nigeria News (Standard)
UN Secretary-General Appoints Nigerian Diplomat Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa
Eziakonwa, a seasoned UN official, takes over from Cabo Verde’s Duarte with mandate to deepen Africa-focused initiatives
Eziakonwa, a seasoned UN official, takes over from Cabo Verde’s Duarte with mandate to deepen Africa-focused initiatives
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Nigerian diplomat Ahunna Eziakonwa as his Special Adviser on Africa, the global body announced on Friday. The announcement was made in New York, with Eziakonwa set to replace Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde in the influential advisory role.
Eziakonwa, who is currently serving as Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brings nearly thirty years of experience within the UN system. She has been responsible for overseeing development support across forty-six African countries, making her one of the most senior Nigerians in the international body.
According to a statement by the United Nations, Eziakonwa has played a significant role since 2018 in shaping economic and political development strategies that impact millions across Africa. Her work has focused on supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and driving forward the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both central frameworks for development on the continent.
“Since 2018, she has helped shape UNDP’s strategic approach to economic and political development across the continent,” the statement read. Her appointment is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s representation within key UN leadership positions while bolstering Africa-focused policy advice at the highest levels.
With her new mandate, Eziakonwa will be expected to provide counsel on regional priorities and support efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, and inclusive growth in Africa. She is also tasked with engaging governments and stakeholders across various sectors to ensure that development initiatives are responsive to local needs. The United Nations noted that her previous experience positions her well for advancing collaborative partnerships between African nations and international partners.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/un-appoints-nigerias-eziakonwa-africa-special-adviser/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ibadan Fire Destroys Four Vehicles, Container at Akingbade Mechanic Workshop
Oyo State Fire Services Agency says swift response prevented spread to nearby buildings after Saturday night blaze
Oyo State Fire Services Agency says swift response prevented spread to nearby buildings after Saturday night blaze
A fire outbreak on Saturday night gutted four vehicles and a container at a mechanic workshop situated on Togunde Street, Akingbade Area, along Old Ife Road in Gbagi, Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident, which occurred around 9:16 p.m., was confirmed by the Oyo State Fire Services Agency following a distress call from a resident identified as Mr. Damola.
According to the agency, firefighters led by a Chief Fire Superintendent were immediately deployed to the location after receiving the report. Upon arrival, personnel discovered that flames had already engulfed a container and four vehicles within the premises of the mechanic workshop, with thick smoke visible from surrounding properties.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency stated that its team was able to contain the inferno and stop it from spreading to other buildings or shops in the area. The agency emphasised that quick intervention helped to avert further loss of property and possible injury.
Fire incidents remain a concern in urban centres like Ibadan, where densely populated neighbourhoods and commercial clusters pose high risks for rapid fire spread. Authorities have consistently urged business owners and residents to maintain proper safety measures and ensure functional fire-fighting equipment is available on site.
As at press time, no casualties had been reported in connection with the incident. The Oyo State Fire Services Agency reiterated its commitment to improving emergency response across the state and called on members of the public to promptly report any suspected fire outbreaks.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Electrical Surge Sparks Early Morning Fire, Destroys Ogbomoso Shop
Oyo State Fire Services Agency confirms quick response prevented spread to six-room residential building nearby
Oyo State Fire Services Agency confirms quick response prevented spread to six-room residential building nearby
An early morning electrical surge triggered a fire outbreak that gutted a pre-fabricated shop in the Stadium Area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Sunday. The Oyo State Fire Services Agency (OYSFA) said it received a distress call at about 4:39 a.m. from Hon. George Gbadegesin, who reported the incident at No. 5, Ile Atagbonrin.
According to officials of the agency, fire service officers from the Ogbomoso Zonal Command were immediately mobilised to the location following the call. Upon arrival, the crew found that the shop—adjoining a six-room residential building—had already been engulfed by flames. Firefighters commenced operations without delay and managed to put out the fire within minutes.
The quick intervention by OYSFA personnel was credited with preventing the inferno from spreading to the nearby residential building and other structures in the vicinity. Incidents of electrical surges causing fire outbreaks have raised concerns among residents and business owners in Oyo State, especially given recent cases in both commercial and residential areas.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency urged members of the public to ensure regular maintenance of electrical installations and promptly report emergencies for swift intervention. The agency stated: “We advise residents to be vigilant about electrical safety in homes and business premises to avoid future occurrences.”
No casualties were reported in connection with Sunday’s incident. Authorities said they will continue investigations into the cause of the electrical surge while reinforcing public sensitisation efforts on fire prevention across Ogbomoso and other parts of Oyo State.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/electrical-surge-causes-shop-fire-in-ogbomoso/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Jigawa Launches AI System to Support Public School Pupils Missing Classes in Rural Areas
State government partners with NewGlobe to deliver home-based learning, real-time teacher support and education data tracking
State government partners with NewGlobe to deliver home-based learning, real-time teacher support and education data tracking
Jigawa State Government has deployed an artificial intelligence-powered education system across public schools, aiming to help pupils continue their studies from home when they are unable to attend classes due to farming, bad weather, or other disruptions. The initiative was officially launched under the JigawaUNITE programme in partnership with NewGlobe on Friday, targeting thousands of children especially in rural communities.
The new technology allows pupils who miss school for reasons such as assisting their families on the farm or travelling long distances to access lessons remotely, preventing them from falling behind academically. According to state officials, the AI system will deliver educational content directly to pupils outside the classroom and ensure they remain engaged with their schoolwork even during unavoidable absences.
Jigawa has prioritised digital learning reforms in recent years, investing in smart school projects, ICT-enabled classrooms and innovation hubs. Officials say this latest move is designed to bridge the gap for children in underserved communities where regular attendance is often disrupted by local realities like seasonal farming and harsh weather conditions.
Speaking on the initiative, Professor Haruna Musa, Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board, said that deploying artificial intelligence marks a significant step in modernising public education and improving learning outcomes. He explained that the technology will also offer teachers real-time coaching and classroom monitoring tools while providing education administrators with instant data on school performance and learning gaps.
One of the core features of the project is an AI platform called COGNITION, which enables officials to ask questions about the school system and receive immediate answers based on real-time classroom data collected statewide. This is expected to assist policymakers in making informed decisions about resource allocation and future interventions.
Beyond supporting pupils and teachers, the state government believes that combining classroom instruction with AI-driven solutions will help reduce learning loss and improve academic results for all children irrespective of their location. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the deployment.
The JigawaUNITE programme forms part of broader efforts by the North-Western state to strengthen digital education access through technology-driven solutions. Officials expect that insights generated from the new system will inform policy development and further drive improvements across basic education in Jigawa.
