Author: Tech & Tools Desk

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of three ambassador-nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation. This move comes more than two years after the President ordered the recall of envoys serving in Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed the transmission during Wednesday’s plenary. The nominees are Kayode Are (Ogun), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Ayodele Oke. While presenting the letter, Akpabio noted that only three names were submitted for now, adding that more nominations are expected. Tinubu had withdrawn all Nigerian ambassadors in September 2023, four months into his tenure, stating that the decision was part of a full restructuring of the nation’s foreign service. Since then, embassies have been overseen by chargé d’affaires, who do not wield the full diplomatic authority accorded to appointed ambassadors. In April, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, revealed that a list of proposed nominees had been awaiting presidential approval for over a year, attributing the delay to disruptions linked to the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira. Despite this explanation, questions have persisted over why an administration pursuing foreign investment, stronger trade relations, improved security cooperation, and infrastructural partnerships would leave key diplomatic posts vacant for such an extended period. The submission of the three nominees marks the first significant move toward rebuilding Nigeria’s diplomatic representation globally since the mass recall over two years ago.  

The Ogun State government has reported notable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with officials stating that 96 per cent of people living with the virus in the state are aware of their status. The Health Commissioner, Tomi Coker, disclosed this on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the 2025 World AIDS Day celebration, held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The event was themed “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” Coker noted that over 30,000 residents are currently receiving free antiretroviral therapy (ART) at health facilities across the state. HIV testing and counselling services have also been expanded to all 20 Local Government Areas, bringing care closer to communities. “Ninety-six per cent of people tested in Ogun State know their HIV status, and 78 per cent of those are on treatment. The prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme has been strengthened, helping more mothers give birth to HIV-free children,” she said. Coker explained that the state is working to achieve the UNAIDS target of 95:95:95 by 2030. She highlighted that recent deliberations at the National Council on Health proposed lowering the age for voluntary HIV testing to 14 years, which aligns with Ogun’s status as a tertiary education hub. She attributed the state’s progress to the commitment of the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OGSACA), implementing partners, and dedicated health workers. The Commissioner outlined the state’s two-year strategic plan (2025–2027), which aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, strengthen health systems, promote community-led responses, and ensure sustainability through domestic resource mobilisation. While acknowledging ongoing challenges, including new infections, stigma, declining global funding, and service disruptions, Coker emphasised the importance of collective action to reduce HIV prevalence to the bare minimum. Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Rotimi Ogungbe, stressed the need to strengthen advocacy, monitor progress, and address funding gaps. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Kayode Oladeinde, called for local ownership and institutionalisation of HIV response efforts rather than reliance on external assistance. According to the Nigeria National HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), the national HIV prevalence stands at 1.4 per cent, reflecting ongoing efforts to provide effective antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS across the country.      

Attorneys general from 35 states and the District of Columbia, spanning both Republican and Democratic leadership, have urged Congress not to impede state-level artificial intelligence legislation, cautioning that leaving AI unchecked could lead to severe and harmful outcomes. The appeal highlights growing tension between state governments and the federal administration as major tech firms push to halt new AI regulations scheduled for 2026, while states raise concerns over safety risks, including injuries and deaths linked to chatbot misuse. New York Attorney General Letitia James, joined by counterparts from North Carolina, Utah and New Hampshire, emphasized that states must retain authority to enact and enforce AI protections tailored to their populations. Tech firms including OpenAI, Google, Meta and Andreessen Horowitz have advocated for one national regulatory framework rather than varied laws across the country. However, with no federal standards in place, the attorneys general warned that limiting state action would endanger the public and urged Congress to work collaboratively on meaningful AI oversight. Several states have already introduced measures addressing issues such as non-consensual sexually explicit AI images, AI use in political campaigns, and algorithmic discrimination. Colorado is seeking to prevent AI-driven bias in housing, employment and education, while California is preparing to implement some of the nation’s strongest requirements in 2026, including training data transparency, AI-content detection, and mandatory risk-mitigation planning from model developers. The Senate overwhelmingly rejected attempts to block such laws earlier this year. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has encouraged Congress to include a provision curbing state AI regulations in upcoming defense legislation, though plans to pursue federal action against states have reportedly been paused.

Deadly cross-border strikes escalated overnight as Russia unleashed missiles and drones on Kyiv, killing six people, while Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Rostov region left three dead, officials said on Tuesday. The surge in hostilities comes as negotiators race to finalise a revised peace proposal after US President Donald Trump initially gave Kyiv a November 27 deadline Thanksgiving Day to respond to his plan to end the war. European leaders have strongly resisted the original framework, which aligned closely with Moscow’s demands. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said four people were killed and at least three injured in the Svyatoshynsky district, while emergency responders reported two deaths in an apartment block in the Dniprovsky area. Before dawn, Russia’s defence ministry said it destroyed 249 Ukrainian drones one of the highest numbers it has reported. In the Rostov region, acting governor Yuri Sliusar confirmed three deaths, calling the attack a source of “great grief”. Further east in Krasnodar, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev described the assault as “one of the Kyiv regime’s most sustained and massive”. Over the weekend, Kyiv and its allies worked urgently to reshape Washington’s 28-point proposal, which initially required Ukraine to cede territory, downsize its military, and renounce plans to join NATO. Emergency talks in Geneva produced an updated version aimed at “upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty”, according to attendees. Countries backing Ukraine are expected to discuss the progress during a video conference on Tuesday. ‘Russia will not ease pressure’ “We must be cognisant that Russia will not ease its pressure on Ukraine,” President Volodymyr Zelensky warned, saying the country faced a “critical moment” that threatened either its “dignity” or its alliance with Washington. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had welcomed the original US plan, has threatened to seize more territory if Kyiv abandons the negotiating track. Russia currently occupies roughly a fifth of Ukraine, large swathes of it devastated since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Kyiv and European leaders maintain the war is an illegal and unprovoked land grab, with tens of thousands killed. Revised framework gains traction Following backlash to the initial proposal, Ukrainian, US, and European officials met in Switzerland on Sunday, issuing a joint statement announcing an “updated and refined peace framework”. While the details remain undisclosed, the White House called it progress, and the statement affirmed that any agreement must “fully uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty”. Kyiv’s delegation said the revised draft “already reflects most of Ukraine’s key priorities”. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, however, cautioned that reaching a deal by Trump’s deadline was unlikely, describing the talks as “lengthy” and complex. The bypassing of Europe in the original US plan unsettled many EU governments, who feared the proposal risked ending the conflict on Moscow’s terms. The White House has rejected criticism that Trump is favouring Russia. “The idea that the United States is not engaging both sides equally to bring this war to an end is a complete fallacy,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. A senior US official told AFP that Washington has urged Kyiv to accept the proposal. While no direct threat to cut aid was made, the official said Ukraine understood this could become a possibility. AFP

The Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of all schools across the state due to rising security threats. The directive covers all primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions — including those owned by the Federal Government as well as privately run schools. The announcement was issued on Sunday by Jalaludeen Usman, the Information and Public Relations Officer of the state Ministry of Education. He explained that the decision was taken after extensive consultations and in response to “serious security concerns affecting the safety of students, teachers, and school communities statewide.” He noted, “Although difficult, this decision became necessary. The safety of our children remains our highest duty. Every student deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, stable, and free from fear.” Usman called on parents, guardians, school owners, and other stakeholders to stay calm, assuring them that steps were being taken to resolve the situation. He added that the government is working closely with security agencies to restore normalcy and ensure academic activities resume once it is considered safe. The ministry also urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious behaviour, stressing that timely information is vital for community safety. Usman reaffirmed that the government would continue to provide updates as developments unfold. The closure comes amid recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger states, which have increased tension among parents and authorities across the northern region. On Friday, the Federal Government also directed the temporary closure of 41 unity schools following the surge in abduction cases nationwide.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has directed the enforcement of heightened security measures across schools and churches as part of a proactive effort to prevent threats and maintain a safe atmosphere for learning and worship. In a statement on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga said the CP ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Units to intensify patrols, step up intelligence-led operations, and deepen collaboration with community stakeholders to ensure seamless security coordination statewide. Ikenga noted that the move aligns with the Command’s broader strategy to curb insecurity and avert any breakdown of law and order. He added that Orutugu commended the increasing safety awareness among residents, praising Ndi Anambra for their vigilance, cooperation, and commitment to looking out for one another. “The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s dedication to protecting lives and property and assured residents that the Police will continue to adapt and improve security strategies to meet emerging challenges,” the statement said. This development comes after it was reported on November 2 that the Anambra Police Command had received Advance Tactical Teams from Force Headquarters to bolster security ahead of the forthcoming governorship election. Addressing journalists in Awka at the time, Orutugu said the deployment approved by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun was part of a strategic plan to reinforce local formations with additional personnel and advanced technical resources, including helicopters and drones for aerial surveillance.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Yemi Farounbi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to fulfil his security commitments as outlined in his inaugural address on May 29, 2023. Farounbi warned that the growing wave of insecurity and emerging external threats require urgent and decisive government action. He noted that while President Tinubu implemented some of his early promises including fuel subsidy removal and the unification of foreign exchange rates these policies, though praised by some, triggered inflation and economic hardship for many Nigerians. He added that newer reforms such as tax restructuring are gaining recognition, even though their long-term impact will only become evident by 2026. The former envoy stressed that rising insecurity and global uncertainties, including reported international threats involving former U.S. President Donald Trump, make it crucial for the administration to prioritise the safety of Nigerians. Citing Tinubu’s inaugural assurances that his government would “mend and heal” the nation, Farounbi said many citizens are still waiting to see those promises reflected in everyday life as communities continue to experience killings, kidnappings and displacement. He also referenced the President’s pledge that Nigeria would remain a safe and secure home for all, urging the government to demonstrate this commitment to those living under constant threat from groups such as ISWAP, ISGS and other militant organisations. Farounbi reminded the President of his vow to defend the nation from terrorism and all forms of criminality, noting that Nigerians had expected concrete progress against Boko Haram and other violent groups. He expressed disappointment that the promised overhaul of the country’s security doctrine and architecture has not yet been implemented. He argued that Nigeria’s size and diversity make a single centralised police structure ineffective, advocating instead for the creation of state and local government police formations as part of a decentralised security system. According to him, many Nigerians believed President Tinubu who showed political courage in removing the fuel subsidy would apply the same determination to restructuring the security sector, despite likely pushback from entrenched interests within existing agencies. Farounbi urged the President to revisit his commitments to Nigerians and take decisive steps to reform the security system, emphasising that repeating outdated approaches would not produce different results. He noted that several citizens expect the new security architecture to reflect decentralisation, devolution and localisation, even though resistance from established security bodies is inevitable. He added that Nigerians still believe Tinubu can deliver on his promises but insisted that immediate action is necessary.

The Lagos State Government has issued a renewed warning to market operators against unsafe fuel storage and smoking within market premises, as the Lagos State Safety Commission on Thursday extended its awareness campaign to Ayangburen Sabo Market in Ikorodu. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to achieving “zero incidents, zero loss, and a safer Lagos for all.” The campaign, themed “Promoting Safety Culture in Markets,” was led by the Director-General of the commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola. He noted that with the Yuletide approaching, markets such as Sabo play a crucial role in the state’s economy, making safety preparedness essential. Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Dr. Nike Akindele, Mojola expressed concern over recurring market fire incidents in Lagos, many linked to preventable causes such as unsafe electrical wiring, generator misuse, improper storage practices, and lack of emergency preparedness. He stressed that the commission is working to address these issues through continuous sensitisation and the deployment of Market Safety Marshals, who will act as the first line of defence in identifying hazards and coordinating emergency responses. “Safety is a shared responsibility,” the DG said. “I urge all shop owners to ensure proper electrical wiring, avoid overloading sockets, and switch off appliances after business hours. Every shop must have at least one functional fire extinguisher. Traders should also refrain from open flames, unsafe fuel storage, and smoking within the market.” The awareness session included lectures by safety and fire prevention experts. Yinka Adebiyi delivered the first lecture, titled “Safety in the Marketplace,” encouraging traders to be more safety conscious, turn off electrical appliances when not in use, and avoid storing hazardous or substandard materials that could ignite fires. A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of 12 Market Safety Marshals for Sabo Market. In her remarks, the Iyaloja General of Sabo Market, Alhaja Mutiat Ojulari, pledged to convey the safety messages to absent traders and ensure that all market members adopt safer practices.  

The Lagos State Government has announced a traffic diversion plan ahead of the 2025 Capital City Race, which will hold on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Public Affairs, Bolanle Ogunlola, the government noted that the 10km race, organised by the Lagos State Sports Commission in collaboration with the Capital City Race organisers, will kick off at the Ikeja Shopping Mall. Runners will proceed through Billings Way, Kudirat Abiola Way, Opebi Link Bridge, Adeniyi Jones and Oba Akran, with the finish line at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church on Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja. The statement explained that several roads, junctions, and intersections along the race route will experience partial closures. These closures will be opened intermittently as the athletes advance, to allow for easier movement in the affected areas. Security and traffic personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority will be stationed along the route to manage traffic and ensure the safety of participants and road users. Motorists are advised to remain patient and plan their movements in advance, as the temporary restrictions form part of the government’s traffic management strategy for the event.  

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to providing a safer learning environment for Nigerian students, pledging continued support for the Safe School Initiative. Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, gave the assurance in Abuja during the 2025 International Students’ Day celebration organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement. Her remarks were contained in a statement issued by the SA’s office on Thursday. According to the statement, Uzoka-Anite said the government would sustain funding for education, teachers’ salaries, school-feeding programmes, and security measures aimed at safeguarding schools. She stressed that Nigerian youth remain a shared national responsibility. “The youth of this country are a collective responsibility of everyone, not just the Student Union or the Ministry of Education. The brilliance, resilience, and creativity of our students are central to building Nigeria’s leadership, talent, and intellectual resources,” she said, adding that International Students’ Day “celebrates more than just high grades it celebrates the future of Nigeria.” Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, highlighted education as a transformative force in national development. He noted that outstanding students from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and the Nigerian Law School were honoured with scholarships, laptops, cash prizes, and other empowerment tools. Exceptional secondary-school students also received N100,000 each to encourage academic excellence. Asefon said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving student welfare and strengthening the education sector. “The President believes, and we affirm today, that our students are not just leaders of tomorrow, but contributors to national development today. When we reward academic excellence, we are investing in Nigeria’s future,” he said, urging the awardees to uphold integrity, innovation, and responsibility. International Students’ Day commemorates the 1939 Nazi crackdown on Czech students in Prague, during which nine student leaders were executed and more than 1,200 others arrested. Declared a global day of student solidarity in 1941, this year’s commemoration by the National Association of Nigerian Students in Abuja held under the theme “Empowering Students to be Agents of Change,” with a focus on patriotism, productivity, and student rights.