News
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.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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