Science & Tech
Energy Transition: Africa should Leverage on its Gas Reserves- NGA Scribe

An energy expert, Mr Odianosen Masade, has urged the African continent to adopt a diversified approach to the energy transition quest and leverage on its abundant gas reserves.
Masada, Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) expressed the view in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Yenagoa.
He said amidst the lingering global energy crisis and calls to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy to reduce carbon emission, the NGA advocates a diversified approach to energy transition.
.According to Masade, Africa needs to be cautious and consider the pertinent issues in transitioning from fossil fuel to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
He said Africa accounts for the least share of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Masada said, ”while Africa’s contribution is just 3.8 per cent, China, the USA and the European Union contribute 23 per cent, 19 per cent, and 13 per cent, respectively.
”While Africa is the least industrialized of all the continents of the world, it is one of the most vulnerable to climate change caused by carbon emissions.”
Masade decried that the developed economies responsible for the climate change challenges took over a century to reposition for fossil transition, while Africa is expected to transit soon.
He applauded the recent transformation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a commercially and profit-oriented business entity.
Masade said energy sector experts have long advocated the privatization of the public-owned behemoth to increase its efficiency and separate its regulatory, revenue generating, and oil production components.
“The idea is for the entity to become profitable. With privatization, the NNPC will be relieved of all the burdens of government control and become autonomous.
“The NNPC can now be listed on the Stock Exchange, secure investments and generate more revenue for the country,” Masada said.
The NGA scribe, however said there was the need for proper implementation of the new policy without jettisoning proposed changes in the operations of the company in the new era.
Masade, who is also the Corporate Communications Lead, Eroton Exploration & Production Company, examined some of the socio-economic and political issues shaping the global energy market.
The indicators, he said, include the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the controversial visit of United States House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan and the latest meeting of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus (OPEC+).
OPEC+ is an oil supply rival pressure group consisting of the 13 OPEC members and 10 of the world’s major non-OPEC oil-exporting nations.
The organization is aimed at regulating the supply of oil in order to set the price on the world market.
“The meeting was held against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, which has led to a global energy crisis with the limits placed on Russian fossil fuels.
“The United States had earlier called on Saudi Arabia to pump out more oil to fill in the gap.
“While the cartel (OPEC), is under obligation to protect its members including Nigeria, the current reality indicates that the outcome will be shaped by the decisions of the big global players such as the US, Russia and Saudi Arabia,” Masade said.
He bemoaned the challenges inhibiting Nigeria from maximizing the opportunities presented by the conflict in Ukraine, which had reduced the global supply of gas.
Masade said lack of political will and investments in critical infrastructure were some of the greatest reasons for Nigeria’s disadvantaged position.
He listed one of such infrastructure that would have generated significant income for the country as the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline, which will traverse Nigeria, Niger and Algeria across the Sahara desert to Europe.
Masade said, ”once completed, the $13 billion pipeline would transport up to 30 billion cubic meters or 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas per annum from Warri in Nigeria, through Niger republic and Algeria on to Europe.” (NAN)
Science & Tech
Nigeria, Meta launch AI accelerator programme

The Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has partnered with Meta to launch the Llama Impact Accelerator, promoting impactful AI development in Nigeria.
The Minister, Dr Bosun Tijani, confirmed this in a statement released on Tuesday by Ms Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa at Meta.
Tijani described the partnership as a significant step in Nigeria’s mission to nurture a thriving AI ecosystem and drive national development through innovation.
He said the government views AI as a key tool for addressing national challenges. The programme will equip innovators with vital tools and expert guidance.
“This initiative forms part of Meta’s broader effort to democratise responsible AI and foster local innovation across Nigeria’s growing technology landscape,” the minister noted.
Tijani added that collaboration with government, academia and civil society will help cultivate a more inclusive, forward-looking AI community in the country.
Dada stated that Meta also partnered with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
She explained that the eight-month programme targets early-stage startups using open-source Llama models to tackle national and regional challenges in four key areas.
The priority sectors include agriculture, security and safety, healthcare, and a ‘wild card’ category for high-impact innovations in any other field.
“The wild card category encourages bold and creative AI applications that could bring substantial impact to underserved sectors,” Dada said.
She added that the programme starts with a six-week incubation phase, offering technical training and mentorship from industry leaders and AI professionals.
This is followed by six months of extended support, including access to further technical resources and relevant opportunities for growth and scaling.
Dada said Meta was thrilled to collaborate with FMCIDE on this initiative, recognising Nigeria’s strong innovation ecosystem and growing pool of AI talent.
She added that Meta aims to empower communities through open-source AI, tailored to address Nigeria’s unique development challenges.
“The accelerator offers local talent the infrastructure, tools and mentorship needed to build responsible solutions using open-source models like Meta’s Llama,” she said. (NAN)
Science & Tech
NCC Donates Digital ICT Park to University of Ibadan

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Tuesday inaugurated an ultra-modern digital ICT park donated by the commission to the University of Ibadan(UI).
NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, in his remarks at the inauguration and handover ceremony in Ibadan, said that the park was an integral part of NCC’s broader agenda to foster innovation.
Maida noted that the park was one out of six NCC flagship digital infrastructure projects, strategically established in selected institutions to strengthen research capacity.
Represented by the NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Mr Abraham Oshadami, Maida noted that the park would also accelerate development of Nigeria’s digital economy.
“In today’s world, technology stands as one of the most powerful drivers of economic and social transformation. For Nigeria’s evolving economy, it represents our greatest opportunity for inclusive growth.
“The ICT Park concept is a manifestation of our vision to cultivate innovation and digital entrepreneurship, while supporting research and development that translates ideas into commercially viable, real-world solutions.
“This is why our ICT Parks—aptly named “One Roof, All Possibilities” are purpose-built as multidisciplinary innovation hubs.
“Each park brings together cutting-edge infrastructure under one roof, including high-capacity computer laboratories, simulation rooms, intelligent networking systems, collaborative workspaces, and multipurpose halls.
“Their establishment aligns directly with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, as well as the Strategic Vision of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani,”he said.
Speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said that the park stood as a testament to NCC’s dedication to bridging digital divide and fostering a knowledge-based economy.
He noted that the world was currently undergoing fourth industrial revolution, driven by digital technologies.
Adebowale further said that nations that would thrive in current revolution remained those that invest strategically in digital infrastructure, nurture digital skills and foster innovations.
“The University of Ibadan, as Nigeria’s premier university, recognises its critical role in preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers equipped to navigate and shape this digital future.
“The NCC Digital ICT Park arrived at a pivotal moment, perfectly aligning with our strategic vision to become a world-class institution for research, innovation, and digital excellence, “he said.
The ICT Park featured a 100-seat main hall, five dedicated ICT hub halls, a 24-seater lounge with eight dual-computer workstations, multiple shared workspaces, and administrative offices.(NAN)
General News
Davidson Amedu: A Trailblazer in the Blockchain Space

By David Torough, Abuja
One of the few individuals, who has made a profound impact in the Digital space is Dr. Talle Davidson Amedu, affectionately known as Dr. Talle.
As the CEO of Upportune International, a certified life coach, Amazon published Author, and a blockchain project consultant, Dr.
Talle has emerged as a leading figure in promoting blockchain adoption across Africa. His journey is not just a proof of his expertise but also an inspiration for the younger generation to dream big and pursue their passions.Dr. Talle holds an MBA in Business Administration from the prestigious Ascencia Business School in Paris. His educational foundation has equipped him with the strategic mindset necessary to navigate the complexities of blockchain technology and its applications in various sectors.
One of Dr. Talle’s significant achievements is his role as the co-founder of Nurika, a gamified fitness app that integrates artificial intelligence and blockchain technology with a Move-to-Earn system.
Launched in December 2023, Nurika aims to promote wellness by incentivizing physical activities among digital nomads in Africa.
In his announcement about the app, Dr. Talle expressed his excitement, saying,
“The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived! We are thrilled to announce that the Nurika app is now live on the App Store for iOS/iPhone users.
“Whether you’re a new user or a “waiting user”, Nurika is now here as your AI-powered wellness companion to reward every step you take.
Get ready to embark on a journey to a healthier, happier you. With Nurika, every step pays!”
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Dr. Talle is the founder of the Blockchain Elites Hub, a global network of blockchain educators, project managers, and advisors dedicated to promoting blockchain education and adoption in over ten African countries also reaching Africans in diaspora.
His commitment to education is further exemplified by his participation in various high-profile events, including being one of the 70 outstanding young Nigerian leaders invited by the presidency to Aso Rock Presidential Villa for the Youth Civic Engagement Strategy Design in 2015. He also served as a tech expert and moderator for the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit in 2021, representing Nigerian youths and advocating for technological advancement.
Dr. Talle’s influence extends beyond his professional achievements as he’s also a mentor to many aspiring professionals through his books, CSR interventions, mentorship classes and strategic program blocks.
A Blockchain Educator, Ayegorme Dzoboku Mawulolo Heartwill, a certified Blockchain Compliance Specialist and Crypto Forensics Expert, who has been privileged to be under Davidson’s mentorship for years described him as an astute and outstanding leader of great impact.
“It has been 7 years since encountering Talle Davidson Amedu who is fondly called Dr Talle and I must say he is a master of his field in aiding multi-potentials discover and maximize their potentials. He is skilled to lead result oriented teams and a down to earth leader who pays attention to everyone’s opinion to see to it that the corporate objective of the team is achieved”.
“I highly recommend him as I have had the privilege of being under his mentorship over the years and a great beneficiary of his expertise,” ADM Heartwill stated.
Also, a Project Manager, Helen Joshua, said Dr. Talle is a visionary leader worthy of emulation.
“Davidson Amedu is a rare gem, I was privileged to work under him and I must confess that his skills and expertise at what he does is worthy of emulation.
He is a profound Web3 project Analyst and a great leader and I strongly recommend him,” Joshua affirmed.
In addition to his work in blockchain, Dr. Talle is the author of the book “Making ROOM: Unleashing Your Multi-Talent Mastery for Success in Business, Career, and Life.”
Discussing his book, he stated, “Discover the transformative power of multi-talent mastery with ‘Making ROOM.’ This comprehensive book is your ultimate guide to developing and excelling in multiple areas.”
His insights encourage individuals to harness their diverse talents to achieve success in various aspects of life.
Dr. Talle’s journey has proven that with dedication and vision, one can make a significant impact in their field regardless of location. He embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience, inspiring the younger generation to embrace technology and pursue their dreams. He stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring technologists and entrepreneurs across Africa.
In his own words, Dr. Talle summarized his mission: “I am poised to help individuals and organizations maximize their innate potentials for greater impact and income.”
No doubt, Dr. Talle Davidson Amedu is a name to watch out for in the near future as his contributions to the blockchain space and Personal Development space is already paving and will undoubtedly keep paving the way for a new era of growth and opportunity in Africa and beyond in no small measure.