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UNESCO Trains Civil Servants On Digital Transformation And Artificial Intelligence
Joel Ajayi
In an era where technology is rapidly reshaping industries, economies, and governance structures, digital transformation has become a necessity rather than a choice. It lies at the core of policy formulation and service delivery in the public sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Olubunmi Olusanya emphasized this in Abuja on Monday during a capacity-building workshop on digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), organized by the Ministry, in collaboration with UNESCO.
Represented by Mr. Joseph Oluwole, Director of General Service in the Ministry, Olubunmi in his opening remarks stated that the public sector, being central to governance and service delivery, must evolve to meet the ever-changing expectations of citizens.
“Governments worldwide are increasingly leveraging AI, big data, and digital technologies to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in public service,” he noted.
In his own remarks, Mr. Joshi Manish , Representative of UNESCO highlighted the pervasive impact of digitalization on all aspects of life.
“For digital transformation to succeed, governments must change the way they function and adopt a whole-of-society, inclusive approach. This requires adapting governance models and structures to address the new challenges and opportunities presented by digital technologies,” Manish said.
He further explained that research has revealed significant gaps in digital competencies within governments, particularly in the Global South.He also observed that many digital transformation projects fail not only due to lack of IT infrastructure and policy frameworks but also because of insufficient digital skills within government institutions.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Olagunju Idowu, Secretary-General of NATCOM-UNESCO, stressed that digital transformation is essential for integrating technology into all aspects of governance to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
“Civil servants who undergo this training will improve their problem-solving abilities, prediction and projection skills, as well as overall efficiency in handling future challenges. Additionally, the training will facilitate better data management, transparency, and accountability in government operations,” Idowu stated.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ibidapo Okunnu, Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, highlighted that the training is aimed at equipping management and mid-level officers with essential digital literacy skills to navigate today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“Digital transformation is no longer optional but a necessity for effective communication, governance, and national development,” Okunnu remarked.
He urged participants to share their newly acquired knowledge with colleagues to maximize institutional benefits.
The participants for the training were drawn from staff of both the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Federal Ministry of Information & National Orientation.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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