Category: Science and Technology

By Milcah Tanimu

The Federal Government has announced plans to leverage cutting-edge technologies to monitor and manage the nation’s land, maritime, and air borders as part of efforts to curb illegal migration and its associated challenges. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this declaration during a meeting with a delegation from the French Government, led by His Excellency Christophe Léonzi, the Ambassador in charge of Migration at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to combating illegal migration and highlighted the importance of cooperation with global partners to address this issue. Migration, he noted, is a natural phenomenon, and Nigeria is prepared to support bilateral efforts aimed at addressing the challenges it presents.

In a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press, Mr. Ozoya Imohimi, the minister underscored the significance of proactive strategies in tackling migration-related issues, particularly given Africa’s proximity to Europe. He stressed that investing efforts into proactive measures would be beneficial in mitigating the risks associated with illegal migration, given the ease with which individuals can access European countries compared to other regions like America or Asia.

The government’s commitment to deploying advanced technologies signals a proactive approach to border security and migration management, reflecting a recognition of the evolving nature of migration challenges and the need for innovative solutions to address them effectively.

The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) has unveiled Hive 4.0, signaling a significant advancement in data lake and data warehouse technologies.

Apache Hive has long been recognized as a leading data warehouse tool, renowned for its ability to query vast datasets and its SQL-like query language, offering unparalleled flexibility. Since its inception in 2010, Hive has played a pivotal role in enabling organizations worldwide to conduct analytics and scale their data processing capabilities, becoming a cornerstone in modern data management architectures. With the release of Hive 4.0, this essential data warehouse tool has been further refined and enhanced.

Among the key features of Hive 4.0 are performance optimizations, bug fixes, and various upgrades. A notable enhancement is its seamless integration with Hive Iceberg tables, which significantly boosts query performance, simplifies data integration, and enhances scalability. This integration includes support for Branches and Tags, Advanced Snapshot management, and Partition-level operations.

Additionally, Hive 4.0 introduces compaction mechanisms aimed at improving query performance and optimizing storage for both Hive ACID and Iceberg tables. Enhanced transaction and locking capabilities have been implemented to ensure compliance with ACID properties, further solidifying the integrity and reliability of transactions within the software.

The release also includes Docker images specifically tailored for Apache Hive, facilitating easier deployment and configuration through Docker containers, thus simplifying Hive instance management.

Compiler improvements in Hive 4.0, such as HPL/SQL support, scheduled queries, anti-join support, and column histogram stats, aim to optimize resource utilization and enhance overall software efficiency. Materialized views have been introduced to expedite query processing, while support for Apache Ozone and enhanced replication features bolster data distribution and disaster recovery capabilities.

Runtime optimizations in Apache Tez and Apache Hive LLAP further enhance data processing speed. Ayush Saxena, ASF Member and Hive contributor, describes Hive 4.0 as one of the most significant releases from the community, providing unparalleled capabilities for data engineers, analysts, and architects dealing with large-scale data management and analysis.

Saxena acknowledges the entire Hive community for their contributions to the launch of this new release, highlighting ASF’s decentralized open-source community model. With over 320 active projects and more than 8,400 committers, ASF continues to foster and advance open-source projects, including Apache Hive, Apache Flink, Apache Kafka, Apache Superset, Apache Camel, and Apache Airflow.

The launch of Hive 4.0 signifies a transformative milestone in data processing, promising to redefine how organizations manage and analyze data at scale, while reaffirming ASF’s dedication to enhancing data ecosystems through open-source innovation.

In a bid to bolster the skills of journalists and enhance their performance, 9mobile and Microsoft joined forces to host a capacity-building session at the Microsoft Africa Development Center. Attended by media partners from both print and online platforms, the session aimed to introduce journalists to the transformative capabilities of Microsoft Copilot, an advanced AI-powered tool designed to optimize workflow and elevate output quality.

Chineze Amanfo, PR Lead at 9mobile, expressed the company’s commitment to innovation within the media industry, highlighting the importance of equipping journalists with tools like Microsoft Copilot to effectively disseminate accurate and impactful information.

“We prioritize our relationship with the media,” said Amanfo, “and through this training, we are demonstrating our commitment to empowering journalists with the necessary knowledge and resources to excel in their field.”

Yemi Orimolade, Senior Business Programme Manager at Microsoft Africa Development Center, commended the participants for their engagement and emphasized the role of Microsoft Copilot in revolutionizing journalism by enhancing content generation, staying informed, and improving productivity.

Participants praised the session for its practical insights and demonstrations, acknowledging the potential of Microsoft Copilot to revolutionize their workflow and elevate their journalistic endeavors.

With the success of the capacity-building session, 9mobile and Microsoft are poised for continued collaboration to drive innovation and positive change within Nigeria’s media ecosystem.

The Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, is urging for the incorporation of e-procurement systems into public procurement processes.

During the inaugural capacity-building workshop held in Lagos, Mr Fatai-Idowu Onafowote, Director-General of Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, highlighted the potential of AI-driven analytics and blockchain technology to streamline and add transparency to procurement operations.

Onafowote emphasized the pivotal role of public procurement in governance and economic advancement, stressing the necessity for continuous training and capacity building for procurement practitioners to elevate their expertise.

He underscored, “Integrating e-procurement systems, AI-powered analytics, and blockchain technology can revolutionize the efficiency and transparency of public procurement processes.”

The workshop, jointly organized by APPON Lagos State Chapter and Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, aimed to address the complexities and challenges inherent in public procurement, while promoting innovative solutions and best practices.

Mrs. Charity Olawole, Chairman of APPON Lagos State Chapter, highlighted the significance of collaboration to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public procurement, aligning it with organizational objectives and broader national development goals.

Dr. Emem Kanico, National President of APPON, recognized the outstanding contributions of select participants with awards of excellence.

The event also featured insights from speakers Mr. Segun Soluade and Mrs. Bola Adeniran.

In response to the escalating challenges of climate change, Nigeria has taken a step towards sustainability with the introduction of an innovative taxi system. Spearheaded by a private company, this Uber-style service boasts a fleet of around 200 electric vehicles, marking a significant stride towards a greener future. Reporting from Abuja, Nigeria, Gibson Emeka brings us the details, narrated by Amy Reifenrath.

Google Maps has just introduced a new feature that adds a touch of three-dimensional flair to its navigation experience. While you could previously toggle a 3D buildings layer in the app, this latest addition brings 3D buildings into play during navigation.

Reported by Android expert AssembleDebug, the “show 3D buildings” option is said to be available in version 125 of the Google Maps beta. While some users have yet to see this option, it appears to be gradually rolling out. This new feature augments the navigation experience by providing basic 3D representations of buildings along your route. While it may lack the intricate textures and details of the standard 3D buildings layer, it still offers valuable context by displaying building heights.

This enhancement joins a series of recent updates to Google Maps, including features like weather and air quality displays, AI-driven improvements, and real-time battery information for electric vehicles. As Google continues to refine its mapping platform, users can expect even more enhancements to enrich their navigation experiences.

Nigeria, boasting one of Africa’s largest economies, primarily fueled by its significant petroleum exports, is witnessing a burgeoning startup ecosystem beyond its oil industry. Recently, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) revealed that 12,948 Nigerian startups have registered via the new startup portal, a move aligned with the Nigeria Startup Act of October 2022. This legislation marks a pivotal stride towards fostering an entrepreneurial-friendly economy.

With Nigeria’s startup landscape flourishing, here are ten startups from the country worth keeping an eye on:

1. GoNana – Empowering Local Farmers

GoNana serves as a trading platform empowering local farmers to enhance their income by facilitating direct trading, leveraging blockchain technology to ensure fair value for their produce. By eliminating intermediaries, GoNana connects farmers with investment opportunities, thereby contributing to their financial growth.

2. Talowork – Streamlined Business Management

Talowork offers a comprehensive business management system, integrating HR, CRM, ERP, and project management functionalities into a unified platform. By enabling businesses to consolidate their operations, Talowork facilitates efficiency and profitability.

3. Nomba – Streamlined Payment Solutions

Nomba specializes in payment solutions, aiding businesses in managing financial transactions through their POS systems. With a focus on security and tailored technology, Nomba facilitates seamless payment processing, supporting businesses in scaling up securely.

4. AlosFarm – Agricultural Innovation

AlosFarm assists farmers in planning and managing their farming activities from seed to table. By providing support throughout the agricultural cycle, AlosFarm optimizes yield and enhances post-harvest management, thereby bolstering the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

5. Vendease – Effortless Food Procurement

Vendease acts as a bridge between hospitality businesses and food suppliers, simplifying food procurement processes. By offering a user-friendly platform for tracking, ordering, and receiving fresh supplies, Vendease contributes to reduced waste and increased profitability in the food industry.

6. InvestBamboo – Democratizing Investment Opportunities

InvestBamboo offers a user-friendly platform for Nigerians to invest in US and African stocks, democratizing investment opportunities. By simplifying the investment process, InvestBamboo aims to make investing accessible to both novices and seasoned investors alike.

7. Moove – Facilitating Vehicle Financing

Moove provides vehicle financing solutions aimed at empowering mobility businesses across Africa. Through its tech-driven platform, Moove facilitates access to vehicle financing, thereby supporting entrepreneurship and economic growth.

8. Remedial Health – Enhancing Pharmaceutical Accessibility

Remedial Health addresses the issue of counterfeit drugs by improving access to legitimate pharmaceuticals. Through its innovative approach, Remedial Health ensures timely and affordable delivery of medicines to pharmacies and medical centers, enhancing healthcare accessibility.

9. LemFi – Global Payment Solutions

LemFi aims to bridge the financial inclusion gap by facilitating global money transfers for Nigerians. With its swift transfers and transparent fee structure, LemFi empowers individuals to manage their finances effectively on a global scale.

10. Kwaba – Simplified Rent Payment Management

Kwaba offers a solution for timely rent payments, helping individuals across Africa avoid eviction. By providing savings notifications, promoting accountability, and offering instant loans if needed, Kwaba facilitates seamless rental payment management.

These ten startups exemplify the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit driving Nigeria’s startup ecosystem forward, poised to make significant contributions to the country’s economic landscape.

In Norway, 6 out of 10 people anticipate and eagerly await additional AI features on their upcoming smartphones, according to a survey conducted by Samsung’s Norway division. The findings suggest a growing acceptance and embrace of artificial intelligence among Norwegians, particularly among the younger demographic.

The survey, conducted by Norstat on behalf of Samsung earlier this year, underscores the high expectations Norwegians have for AI integration in their smartphones. This enthusiasm coincides with the release of Samsung’s new Galaxy S24 series, which boasts advanced AI features.

Amdal, the director of Samsung Norway, acknowledges the unprecedented development of AI technology in recent times, signaling an exciting era of technological advancement. The Galaxy S24 models leverage AI for real-time phone call translations and intuitive web searches through features like ‘Circle to Search with Google,’ enabling users to search by circling objects in photos or via the camera.

Despite the positive reception of AI features, there is a notable desire among Norwegians for a deeper understanding of AI processes. The majority of respondents feel they lack sufficient knowledge about artificial intelligence, with many expressing a need for formal education on the subject.

Key takeaways from the survey include:

– 60% of Norwegians anticipate more AI functions on their next smartphone.
– 37% express willingness to utilize AI features if available.
– 75% believe they require greater knowledge to comprehend AI mechanisms.
– 86% have never received formal education on artificial intelligence.

The insights gleaned from this survey highlight the evolving landscape of technology adoption in Norway, with artificial intelligence playing an increasingly significant role in shaping consumer expectations and preferences.

The National Identity Management Commission of Nigeria (NIMC) has provided clarity regarding the introduction of a new digital ID card with multiple functionalities. In response to earlier announcements that sparked confusion, NIMC emphasized that only one new digital ID card will be introduced, dispelling notions of three separate cards.

In a factsheet released on April 12 via its X platform, NIMC addressed concerns raised following the initial statement about introducing the card. The agency acknowledged the misinterpretations and criticism that ensued, with many Nigerians questioning the need for additional cards when various government-issued IDs are already in circulation.

NIMC assured the public that the new National ID Card is a single, comprehensive General Multipurpose Card (GMPC), designed to replace the necessity for multiple cards. It reiterated the card’s versatility, outlining its utility across various sectors such as payments, financial services, government interventions, social services, and travel.

The card will operate on the AFRIGO card scheme, a homegrown initiative powered by the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), which has collaborated with the government in the past to issue Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) for enhanced security in banking.

Applicants can request the new multi-purpose card by providing their National Identification Number (NIN) through the self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks. Following the application process, the card will be issued through the applicants’ banks in accordance with existing protocols for debit/credit card issuance. Holders can choose to collect the card from designated centers or opt for delivery at an additional cost.

NIMC’s clarification aims to address concerns and streamline the introduction of the new digital ID card, ensuring efficiency and convenience for Nigerian citizens.

Imagine a world where your family includes not only humans but also a robot unicorn. With advancements in technology, this futuristic scenario might not be as far-fetched as it seems. Meet the latest innovation: the robot unicorn, designed to integrate seamlessly into your family dynamic and provide companionship, entertainment, and assistance like never before.

This magical creation combines the charm of a mythical creature with the intelligence of artificial intelligence, making it a unique addition to any household. From helping with household tasks to entertaining children with interactive games and stories, the robot unicorn offers a range of capabilities that can enhance your family’s daily life.

But the benefits don’t stop there. With sensors and cameras, the robot unicorn can also serve as a vigilant guardian, alerting you to any potential dangers or intruders in your home. Its customizable features allow you to personalize its appearance and behavior to suit your family’s preferences, ensuring that it truly becomes a beloved member of the household.

As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for integrating robots into our lives are endless. So why not consider adding a robot unicorn to your family? With its unique combination of charm, intelligence, and functionality, it just might be the next smart addition to your household.