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Every few years, technology delivers a new wave. Right now, it’s AI. And unlike some past eras, this one may give Nigeria more than just catch-up: we have real chances to lead.

Nigeria is not just another market; we’ve got land, population, a young, adaptable workforce, and growing digital density. Combine that with recent investments in skilling and policy momentum, and you have conditions where AI could power not only tech firms, but entire sectors. Look at energy, logistics, agriculture, telecoms: all filled with opportunity areas that AI can help fix. But what will really determine where Nigeria lands is how we turn potential into action by fixing gaps, building trust, and investing in real infrastructure.

A Roadmap to Follow

The Nigerian government’s National AI Strategy signals that AI is no longer a pipe dream but a national priority to drive economic growth, social development, and technological leadership.

That vision is now backed by real research and investment. Microsoft, in partnership with PwC and Lagos Business School, recently released a report outlining how Nigeria can accelerate AI adoption. Among its findings: the nation already shows early success across fintech, agriculture, and health tech. The report highlights the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program and Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator, both designed to close Nigeria’s digital skills gap. The roadmap emphasizes governance, infrastructure, and ethical frameworks as critical enablers for sustained AI progress.

Why Nigeria Has Real Advantages

Few countries can match Nigeria’s combination of population, ambition, and raw data. With over 200 million citizens, growing smartphone penetration, and a vibrant startup ecosystem, the data backbone for AI already exists.

? Energy and Power: While erratic power supply is often cited as a challenge, it could spark innovation in predictive maintenance, smart microgrids, and load-balancing AI systems.

? Logistics and Mobility: AI can streamline routing, optimize deliveries, and reduce congestion costs in urban centers like Lagos and Port Harcourt.

? Agriculture: With thousands of smallholder farmers, AI can improve crop yields, weather prediction, and supply chain visibility.

? Fintech and Telecoms: Nigeria’s fintech dominance from mobile money to fraud detection is already powered by data science. The next leap is AI-driven automation and personalization at scale.

Global giants are investing in Nigeria’s AI strategy. Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative plans to train one million Nigerians by 2026, and Google continues to fund AI research hubs and cloud infrastructure across Africa.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The country’s chronic infrastructure issues, from unstable electricity to poor broadband, should no longer be treated solely as barriers. They are invitations for innovation and investment. The same instability that frustrates entrepreneurs could encourage smarter distributed energy networks (microgrids) and more resilient edge computing systems to bring data processing closer to where it’s generated.

But technology without governance is fragile. Meta’s recent $220 million fine by Nigeria’s data protection authority and competition commission for mishandling user data shows the cost of lagging in oversight. A second settlement worth $32.8 million this year reinforced the point. These cases underline the urgency of data sovereignty, ensuring Nigerian data fuels Nigerian growth, not foreign algorithms.

Ethical AI isn’t a Western luxury. It’s a necessity for trust, especially in economies where digital adoption is skyrocketing faster than regulation. Stronger data audits, user consent enforcement, and transparency in how models are trained will determine whether AI benefits citizens or exploits them.

Thinking Big, Acting Local

Nigeria’s AI strategy and Microsoft’s roadmap offer a joint playbook: build capacity, enforce trust, and enable collaboration between public and private sectors. The government’s task now is execution, ensuring incentives for startups, reliable energy, and active monitoring of AI deployments.

Through years of working on data and technology programs across different contexts, one insight has become clear: innovation thrives where infrastructure and ethics meet. For Nigeria, that intersection could define not only our digital future but our global influence.

Next Steps for Nigeria’s AI Ecosystem

? Power Infrastructure Reform: Expand incentives for renewables and storage, supporting continuous AI operations.

? AI Talent Acceleration: Scale programs like 3MTT and AI Skills Navigator nationwide.

? Data Governance: Enforce transparent audits, clear data ownership, and ethical AI standards.

? Local AI Development: Fund pilot projects in energy, logistics, and agriculture showcasing homegrown solutions.

? Public-Private Coordination: Build a cross-sector AI council to align strategy, funding, and regulation.

Kevwe Onome-Irikefe is a technical program manager with extensive experience in data analytics, engineering, and quality at companies including Salesforce and Google. She leads programs that ensure data reliability and coordinate cross-functional teams across industries and regions. Outside of her technical work, she mentors underrepresented professionals through Code and Culture and serves on the board of the Society of Women Engineers, Columbia River Section, United States.

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, ha successful destroyed several illegal crude oil refining sites in the creeks of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, during a precise, intelligence-driven air operation carried out in the area.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Service , Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

It explained that the operation was part of sustained efforts to curb economic sabotage and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region.

The statement read, ‘during the mission, NAF aircraft identified active illegal refining sites concealed within a densely forested area near Owaza. The location, completely isolated and without visible human activity, was confirmed through credible intelligence and aerial surveillance. The aircrew engaged the targets with precision, neutralising the sites and halting ongoing illegal operations.’

It clarified that the attention of the Air Force had been drawn to claims by a group alleging that the airstrikes affected a local gin distillery in Umuebele, though no casualties were reported.

It further explained that, in line with NAF’s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, CHMR-AP, necessary steps had been taken to verify the situation.

It added that the NAF reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to international best practices, assuring that its operations would continue to prioritize civilian safety while combating criminal activities and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Nigeria’s cultural pulse came alive as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently unveiled the newly renovated National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos. In a historic gesture, the iconic venue was renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, honouring the Nobel laureate’s remarkable contribution to literature and the arts.

To celebrate the occasion, guests were treated to a dazzling 30-minute performance of ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens’, a critically acclaimed musical directed by ‘Bolanle Austen-Peters’. The production reignited the theatre’s spirit with an explosion of rhythm, colour, and emotion, serving as a fitting highlight for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary festivities.

Blending vibrant choreography, expressive costumes, and Fela’s timeless Afrobeat sounds, the musical traced the extraordinary life of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the legendary musician and activist who challenged oppression through art. At the event, all Fela’s 27 wives, fondly known as the ‘Queens,’ portrayed as revolutionaries who stood by his vision of freedom and creative unity. Their strength, sacrifice, and influence were powerfully brought to life, reframing their role in Nigeria’s cultural history.

Speaking about the performance, Bolanle Austen-Peters described it as ‘compelling, moving, and emotionally engaging,’ expressing her pride in being chosen to reopen such an important national landmark.

‘The story of Fela and his Kalakuta Queens is a reminder of the transformative power of art,’ she said. ‘We’re honoured to be part of this milestone as the National Theatre reclaims its place as a world class cultural hub.’

The grand reopening attracted an impressive guest list, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, and several dignitaries. President Tinubu, visibly pleased with the performance, remarked, ‘I’m impressed, and I’ve enjoyed myself.’

Since premiering in Lagos in 2017, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens has earned international acclaim with performances in Pretoria, Cairo, and Dubai. The show is set to return to Terra Kulture Arena in Lagos from December 26, 2025, to January 12, 2026, continuing its celebration of Fela’s enduring influence on art, music, and social change.

Maxitech Global Investment Limited, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing IT distribution and enterprise support firms, has been named HP Retail PC Partner of the Year 2024 at the prestigious HP | Intel Channel Awards, held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA.

Themed ‘A Night of Radiance,’ the annual awards celebrate exceptional HP channel partners who demonstrate excellence in sales performance, innovation, and customer service across the company’s distribution network.

Maxitech Global clinched the top spot in the retail PC category, earning recognition for its outstanding sales execution, channel development initiatives, and strategic growth contributions in Nigeria’s competitive technology market.

‘This recognition is a testament to the dedication, discipline, and innovation of our entire team. At Maxitech, we believe in transforming technology into opportunity. Our partnership with HP continues to redefine value delivery, expand access to quality computing, and enable businesses and individuals to do more’, said Oluwaseun Akinwale, Managing Director of Maxitech Global.

The collaboration between HP and Intel continues to promote excellence in Nigeria’s IT ecosystem by rewarding partners who drive innovation and elevate customer experiences. The recognition further solidifies Maxitech Global’s position as a leading player in the country’s retail technology sector.

Building on this milestone, Maxitech Global announced plans to deepen collaboration with HP and other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to roll out new retail programs, customer-focused campaigns, and expand operations across Africa.

Founded in Lagos, Maxitech Global Investment Limited has grown into a trusted name in IT distribution and enterprise solutions, specializing in laptops, computers, and related technologies for individuals, institutions, and resellers.

The company’s emphasis on excellence, transparency, and customer satisfaction continues to redefine the retail technology landscape across West Africa.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Friday, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of Police Detective College in Bende, Abia State.

The appreciation followed the signing into law of the bill to provide a legal framework to regularise the existing police training institutions and for the establishment of new ones sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abdulhamid Mallam-Madori in the Senate.

Kalu, who lamented that Abia does not have one, lobbied extensively for the State to be included in the list of new institutions, as it was initially excluded.

While the Senate passed the Bill on March 5, 2025, the House approved it on May 7, 2025.

The Deputy Speaker thanked the sponsor of the bill, the Senate, and his colleagues in the House for their support.

The establishment of the Police Detective College in Bende is expected to enhance security in Abia State and the broader South East region, demonstrating Kalu’s commitment to the development and security of his people.

Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has presented the sum of N415 billion as the 2026 appropriation bill to the State House of Assembly.

The governor, who presented the budget to the lawmakers on Friday as part of activities marking his third anniversary, explained that his administration would remain committed to implementing policies and projects aimed at positively impacting the people and the state’s economy.

Gov Oyebanji revealed that the 2026 appropriation tagged ‘Budget of Impactful Governance’ was designed to focus on consolidating the achievements of the administration in the last three years in the area of agriculture, infrastructural development, and other critical sectors of the economy.

Giving the breakdown of the proposed document, the governor said that the expenditure component is N221.87 billion, while the capital expenditure is N193.70 billion, leading to the recurrent/capital ratio at 53:47 percent.

On how the appropriation bill will be funded, the governor revealed that the federation allocation (N126,684 billion), VAT (N80,101 billion), Independent revenue (N45,455 billion), External grants(N119,755 billion), Loan plan(N10 billion), and opening balance of N33,574 billion have been projected as the revenue for 2026.

According to him, ‘ the proposed 2026 Budget has been carefully prepared to consolidate on our achievements in infrastructural transformation. We shall consolidate on our achievements in the agricultural sector by providing an enabling and conducive environment to investors in agri-business. We shall continue to provide incentives, seedlings, and farm implements to our local farmers.

‘ We shall sustain our tractorization scheme in 2026 to enhance food security in the State. As you are aware, the recent report rated Ekiti State as the State with the lowest price of food items in south-western Nigeria.

‘ As gratifying as this report is, we will not relent on our efforts to make life more meaningful and bearable to our people. We will collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including Federal Government Agencies and the Private Sector, to further stimulate the economy of the State.

‘ In 2026, the informal sector will be given pride of place. The need to provide an enabling environment for existing and emerging businesses cannot be overemphasized.

‘ Therefore, as a Government, we shall collaborate with relevant financial institutions to provide credit facilities to business owners at affordable interest rates. We will also embark on empowerment programmes for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMSEs) in the State. In addition, registered cooperatives in the State will be provided with the needed support to boost their businesses.’

An Upper Area Court in Kubwa, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dissolved a seven-year-old marriage between a woman, Ramatu Ahmed and her husband, Yahaya Salihu on the grounds of lack of love.

The judge, Mohammed Wakili dissolved their marriage according to Islamic Laws, following Ramatu’s prayer of divorce.

Wakili also ordered Ramatu to observe ‘Idah’, which is an observation period of three months after the judgment before contracting another marriage.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the mother of t had earlier told the court that she married Yahaya in 2017 accoding to Islamic Law.

She said that they had been experiencing crises in their marriage for almost six years and has grown tired of the situation.

‘The situation has not changed despite our family members’ intervention.’

She added that when her father died, Yahayawent to pay condolence in her family’s house, but that he refused to greet her mother.

‘I can never love Yahaya. I want the court to grant me divorce’, she said.

In his response, Yahaya stated that he no longer loved Ramatu and thus consented to divorce.

I came to the United States when I was 14 years old. It was very family-oriented for me. For the most part in Nigeria, we were in Ikotun-Egbe. At age 11, I went to boarding school at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Oyo, Nigeria. For me, that was quite an experience.

Being in a boarding school in Nigeria was interesting. Of course, being away without your parents, with just you by yourself. You have no choice but to create a bond with other students. JSS 1-3 is usually the toughest, where you are serving punishment and doing everything for the seniors. So, I was very expressive when I was there and consequently got into trouble a lot. So, I served punishment.

Tell us more about these punishments.

I feel that it is usually the little things. Maybe you question a senior who asked you to do this, and you don’t understand the rationale why you should do that. And then, you feel like you are forced to do it. You ask them questions that somebody else will not dare to ask.

How brilliant were you?

I was never that girl who had all A’s. I mean, I did get good grades, but I do not remember getting all the awards. I was an average student.

Any memorable event from FGGC that readily comes to mind?

I always remember the visiting days. That is the day people come to visit the students. It is something that the students look forward to. I loved those visiting days. I also loved the inter house sports, where other students would come from different boarding schools around Lagos and Nigeria. For me, it is more about that community.

Were you dubbed with nicknames?

I cannot tell you that (laughs). That is a top secret.

What was your childhood ambition?

As a child, I wanted to be a lawyer. I remember at age seven or so, saying I want to be a lawyer. Somehow, I got discouraged from law because many people say lawyers make their monies from lies. So, do not go into law. I think I got discouraged from that. As a matter of fact, after I finished my healthcare professional thing, I thought of going back to law school. But I think I was just tired of school already.

Leaving FGGC in Oyo for America, how tough was that?

At that time, I was just starting SS1. My Dad had the opportunity to bring us to the USA. Coming to the States was a culture shock for me. It was a big one because in Nigeria, we are used to a certain type of lifestyle, culture, and all that. When I came to the US and started high school, I remember I was in class and the teacher was talking and a student told the teacher to shut up (laughs). I froze in my chair. I was like, Did he just say that? I was like, This student is dead. But, interestingly, the teacher did not really do much – he just asked him to go to detention.

I remember going home and telling my parents that a student told a teacher to shut up, and nothing really happened. There was no major consequences compared to the way it would be if it had happened in Nigeria. The student would have been cooked (laugh).

How were you able to settle into the US system?

I think it was a few years. I had no choice but to adjust and adapt. When you are younger, it is easier to adjust. For me, my culture is still there because that was what my parents instilled in us.

Who was the disciplinarian between your parents?

My dad. I remember in Nigeria when I took a little more meat than I was supposed to have taken (laughs). Unfortunately, it was not fun because I was much disciplined for that. Now, in hindsight, I remember my dad saying I cannot believe I beat you so much like that. It is like when we came to America, we just went to the fridge and took whatever much meat as we would like to. Just take whatever you want. He was like, Well, it is a different world from Nigeria.

What were the traits you inherited from your parents?

From my dad, I took love and passion for God. That was something that came later. It was not immediate. I was not into it at all as a younger child. Now, growing up, I now appreciate my dad’s passion and his drive for God.

From my mummy, I would say I learned cooking. She would cook and cook in large quantities. Unfortunately, I do not know how to cook small quantities anymore.

At what point did you settle on your career?

When I decided not to go into law, healthcare was the way I wanted to go. I wanted to be a medical doctor, but then I was exposed to a lot of friends and families who were also trying to get into medicine and waiting for their admissions. While waiting, they were not doing any concrete job. So, I decided not to go into nursing, the reason was that I would do bachelor’s in nursing and then transfer to the medical school, so that while waiting to get into medical school, I would have a job that pays the bills.

But, when I started nursing school, I was able to meet one of my teachers whom I admired a lot. She inspired me. She did her PhD in Nursing. So, that changed my experience. Hence, I fell in love with the Nursing field. For my undergrad, I went to Bloomfield College, which is a private school in New Jersey. Life at Bloomfield was a little family. I like the connection you have with your teachers because it is a smaller class. That is where I got to meet a lot of teachers, including the one that I liked so much, who mentored me in nursing, and that changed me from even wanting to go into medicine.

How did you meet your husband?

(Laughs). I met him online. It was the days of Hi5, a little before Facebook. Interestingly, I gave myself a name when I was younger, which was Ayomikun. I woke up one day and I said I want people to be calling me Ayomikun. I never heard anyone named Ayomikun before. I was always curious about that. So, on Hi5 one time, I saw a name- Ayomikun, and that was the first time seeing such a name. So, I reached out to the person, saying you have my name and you need to pay for it. That was how we literally began. He was the one who started the conversation.

What made you give him a yes?

I think it was that support. For me, I think it is all about having someone who cheers you on. It is about, they can lead? One of the most important things is the love for God. We have a different perspective. Those were the values that I saw.

Sitting a girl of 26 years old down, what are you going to advise her considering Marriage?

Marriage is beautiful if you do it with the right person. You cannot go into it thinking I am coming with 50 per cent and another person is coming with 50 percent. You have to come in with 100 per cent, and the other too has to come in with 100 percent. That is the way it is going to work. You have to be willing to talk and communicate. Have difficult conversations. No matter how challenging it is, you have to be able to talk things out.

What can you say about the maxim ‘What a man can do, a woman can do better?’

(Laughs). That used to be my mindset, too. I am the one who loves to cheer women on about it. I used to believe it too. But, as I grew older, I got a better perspective on life. I will tell you a story. I remember I love to run and also love a nice and friendly competition. One day, I challenged a guy to a race. It got to a point where I took it so seriously that there is no way you are not going to beat me. I was so consumed with the notion ‘He must not beat me.’ However, I ended up not running the race because of other things not just aligning at that time, but I was so consumed with him must not beat me. I think that process taught me a lesson about how we look at each other as men and women. That is not what life is about. At the end of the day, we all have to run our races.

Members of the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), Ekiti State chapter, have applauded Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji over his various developmental initiatives for the farmers in the state, just as the governor pledged his continued support for the PFAN in the state.

Governor Oyebanji, who spoke at the celebration of the 2025 World Poultry Day in Ado Ekiti on Friday, commended members of PFAN for their commitment to the state’s economy and for doing their business in a lawful manner.

He pledged his administration’s continued support to the farmers across the state for greater productivity, saying their impact on the business and nutritional economy of the state counts for something.

Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agric and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, congratulated the association on the celebration of the World Egg Day 2025 and highlighted his administration’s efforts in making the state conducive for all and sundry.

Chairman of the association in the state, Comrade Alonge Oluwasetemi, thanked Governor Oyebanji and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Boluwade, for their support for the association, noting that their support would go a long way to enhance poultry farming in the state and also bring more development to the businesses of their members.

The association, in their celebration with the theme: ‘The Mighty Egg: Packed With Natural Nutrition’, unanimously recommended the governor for another term of office, citing what they described as outstanding performance within three years in office.

Oluwasetemi said: ‘The governor’s sterling performance across board since his assumption of office is highly commendable and we are proud to identify with him as our number one leader in the state.’

According to the chairman, Oyebanji had surpassed their expectations by his governance and leadership qualities, and infrastructural development, and added that ‘through regular interventions to our members, which is first of its kind in the history of the association in Ekiti, we have moved in leaps and bounds as an association.’

He said: ‘Our association has benefited a lot under the administration of Governor Oyebanji, and this indeed makes us to be solidly behind him for more successes.’

While congratulating the governor on the celebration of his third year in office, Oluwasetemi charged his members to continue to be good ambassadors of farmers and use their expertise in helping the governor deliver on his promise of shared prosperity to the Ekiti people.

The association harped on the importance of eating an egg daily, at least one per person, saying the health benefits were enormous.

The chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ekiti State, Mr Ademola Alagbada; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Rehabilitation and Mental Health, Mrs Funmi layo; Chairman, Veterinary Association of Nigeria, Dr Ojo; and a representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Afuye Modupe, were among the stakeholders who gave goodwill messages at the celebration.

They reiterated their continued support for the governor and his administration to bring more dividends of democracy into the state.

The highlight of the event was the donation of hundreds of crates of eggs from the Poultry Farmers Association to the three government special schools in Ekiti State.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised fresh concerns over what it described as the ‘gradual collapse’ of Nigeria’s public universities, revealing that no fewer than 309 professors have left the country’s university system since the union’s last strike.

The disclosure was made during a town hall meeting organised by the ASUU Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) branch at the institution’s City Campus on Saturday, where academics, students, civil society leaders, and the media gathered to discuss the state of higher education in Nigeria.

Speaking at the meeting, the ASUU Zonal Chairman for Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Katsina States, Professor Abubakar Sabo, lamented that poor working conditions, unpaid entitlements, and government insincerity had driven hundreds of senior academics out of the country.

‘From the last action we had until now, we lost about 309 professors who left the public universities-some to private universities within Nigeria, others to the UK, Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, and beyond,’ he said.

‘Our intellectual breadth has been driven out of the public universities because the conditions of service no longer make it possible for many to stay and teach.’

Sabo, who described the government’s approach to university funding as ‘deceptive and frustrating,’ accused the Federal Government of failing to implement critical aspects of previously signed agreements despite several rounds of renegotiation.

‘The committee headed by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed submitted its report since January 2025, yet nothing has been done. We gave a two-week ultimatum, and when the heat became intense, they started calling us-only to invite other unions like polytechnics and colleges of education to complicate the process,’ he said.

According to him, ASUU’s demands centre on improved funding, respect for university autonomy, implementation of agreements on earned academic allowances, and better conditions of service to curb the ongoing brain drain.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Prof. Muhammad Nurudeen Almustapha, Chairperson of ASUU-UDUS, said the meeting was part of efforts to awaken public consciousness about the worsening condition of Nigerian universities.

‘Over the years, ASUU has, unfortunately, become synonymous with strikes and closures. This is because, after each agreement, there’s little or no follow-up by the government to honour its commitments until another crisis erupts,’ Almustapha said. He expressed disappointment that despite over a year of negotiations and consultations, the government had yet to act on the Yayale Ahmed Committee’s recommendations, describing the situation as a cycle of ‘broken promises and dashed hopes.’

The event drew participants from academia, civil society organisations, student bodies, traditional institutions, and the media, all expressing fears that unless urgent steps are taken, Nigeria’s public universities risk losing their relevance.

Prof. Sabo warned that ASUU might have no choice but to ‘apply other measures’ if the government continues to ignore the plight of university lecturers.

‘We have been patient long enough,’ he declared. ‘Our primary responsibility is to salvage public universities. Until the government does the needful, we will not fold our arms while the system collapses.’