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Pantami Commissions First National Centre for AI and Robotics, Extols its Immense Benefits
Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has lauded the immense benefits derivable from the establishment of National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR) in Nigeria, noting that it will serve as a leading hub of innovation, research and development, knowledge transfer, and training in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and other emerging technologies.
The minister noted this on Friday at the official commissioning of the centre, constructed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
He stated that the Centre would engage youths and support the diversification of the economy, create more jobs and inspire our digital entrepreneurs.
Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami
He explained that the ministry is committed to the digital economy drive of President Muhammadu Buhari administration, stressing that the drive gained more traction when the mandate of the Ministry was extended to include ‘digital economy’.
He added that the adoption of regulatory sandbox frameworks for testing technology in a controlled environment will enable the Center accelerate the progress the country is making in the development of digital economy.
The Centre, he noted will also serve the following purposes of Providing access to specialized technical skills for AI and Robotics, cultivate a network of influential supporters and champions across the country; Support the spread of early success stories with prioritized use cases to build and appetite for more AI activity, Develop an AI ecosystem; Create a vision for AI in the Country.
He also revealed that the Centre will house the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT-REAP) Office.
Speaking further on the benefits of the centre, Pantami said that he is confident that the Centre will engage Nigerian youths, support in the diversification of the economy, create more jobs and inspire our digital entrepreneurs.
He further directed the DG of NITDA, to ensure that the centre is run in line with the general Policy of the Ministry which he said will be conveyed to the Centre through him.
At the same time, he directed the Director-General to send him monthly report from the centre, from now until 31st of December, 2021.
However, he commended the DG of NITDA and his team for making this Centre a reality and urged them to redouble their efforts and do more.
In his opening remark, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director-general/ceo, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said the Centre was built to foster the development of emerging technologies in preparing Nigeria for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which he said is in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and strategy.
According to him, “This project is one among many of our developmental programmes in accordance with our core mandate of facilitating the growth of Information Technology (IT) development in Nigeria.
“We are focused on providing support for viable innovations with socio-economic impact as well as a level playing field for all Nigerians to thrive in.
“As we enter the age of advanced technological breakthroughs such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Nigeria cannot be left out in harnessing the advantages of AI, Robotics and other emerging technologies.
“AI has the potential to add to economic growth but the impact may be gradual and take sometimes to manifest according to McKinsey Global Institute”.
The Director General noted that AI if properly harnessed could add 5 to 15% to Nigeria’s GDP, which he said could be around 400B USD.
He added that through AI developed countries could add 20 to 25% net income to their GDP while developing countries like could add 5 to 15%.
Mallam Abdullahi emphasized that the centre is aimed at achieving unprecedented boost to Nigerian economy.
He called on all stakeholders in the ICT sector to join hands in the optimum use of the facility so as to bring about the projected gains of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in the Nigerian technological space.
MTN Group has committed $2 billion to the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect initiative, bringing the total funds pledged to $73 billion.
The announcement was made during the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025) in Barcelona, Spain.
Partner2Connect, spearheaded by the ITU, is a global initiative aimed at enhancing universal digital access, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering meaningful connectivity.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary-general, ITU, highlighted the significance of these commitments, stating, “Expansive digital infrastructure highlights how much humanity values and depends on meaningful connectivity. These new pledges bring us closer to delivering sustainable digital transformation to everyone, everywhere.”
According to the ITU, MTN Group has shown a strong commitment to investing in Africa’s digital future, spending approximately $2 billion annually on capital expenditures across its markets over the past five years.
Similar investments are planned over the next five years, focusing on expanding and improving voice and data networks to bolster connectivity and drive digital inclusion.
The ITU also announced a $2 billion pledge from Globalstar to expand its low-Earth orbit satellite network, providing seamless, energy-efficient connectivity solutions for remote regions and underserved areas.
These efforts will include direct-to-device (D2D) and IoT connectivity solutions.
As ITU celebrates its 160th anniversary, the UN agency has emphasised its dedication to bridging the global digital divide.
An estimated 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline, according to ITU data.
The agency has called for $100 billion in commitments by 2026 to fund projects supporting global digital transformation, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
With over 1,000 pledges spanning 147 countries, Partner2Connect is working toward ITU’s vision of a digitally connected and inclusive future.
Current estimates suggest $1.6 trillion is required for global connectivity hardware alone, with the majority of resources needed in developing nations.
The funds pledged by MTN Group and other partners are set to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance connectivity in underserved areas, and accelerate digital innovations to support economic and social growth worldwide.
Telegram has rolled out a new feature aimed at enhancing user safety by flagging messages from unknown contacts.
When users receive messages from individuals outside their contact list for the first time, a detailed information page now appears.
This page includes details such as the sender’s country (determined by their phone number), their joining date on Telegram, any shared groups, and whether their account is verified.
The goal is to help users identify potential scams and impersonators more effectively.
In addition, Telegram now provides insight into when the sender last updated their username or profile picture, offering another way to detect compromised or hacked accounts.
The company has emphasised its commitment to transparency, promising “clear indicators” to distinguish official accounts, third-party verified profiles, and regular users.
Telegram Premium subscribers can now charge fees for messages received from users outside their contact list, a feature designed to reduce spam while allowing group administrators to monetise their communities.
Dubbed “Star Messages,” this new option enables users to set customisable fees for unsolicited messages.
The feature also provides flexibility, allowing certain users or members of specific groups to send messages for free.
Telegram’s Star Messages come with convenient options, such as single-tap refunds for payments, ensuring a seamless user experience.
By offering advanced controls and monetisation opportunities, the platform continues to prioritise user safety and satisfaction.
With these updates, Telegram strengthens its position as a platform focused on both user protection and innovative monetisation tools.
MTN Nigeria has strengthened its commitment to grassroots sports development following a visit to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, at the Government House in Benin City on March 5.
The visit coincided with the upcoming launch of Season 3 of MTN Champs, an athletics competition that will commence in Edo State from March 13 to 15.
The initiative highlights MTN’s dedication to nurturing young athletic talent and aligns seamlessly with Edo State’s focus on sports development.
Idowu Adesokan, General Manager of Consumer Marketing at MTN Nigeria, expressed appreciation for Edo State’s contributions to previous editions of MTN Champs and emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure this season’s success.
Governor Okpebholo reciprocated by pledging full logistical and administrative support to make the event impactful.
Season 3 of MTN Champs is set to engage thousands of secondary school students across Nigeria, kicking off in Edo State before moving to Lagos and Uyo in subsequent weeks.
This initiative reflects MTN Nigeria’s broader vision of fostering youth empowerment and revitalizing athletics at the grassroots level.
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