News
NCC reiterates significance of protecting citizens’ privacy in artificial intelligence era
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida, says protecting citizens’ privacy has become extremely important when using artificial intelligence.
KANO FOCUS reports that Maida revealed this during the World Consumer Right Day (WCRD), organised by NCC in Abuja.
The EVC said consumers are the most important part of any business, and their protection is of utmost importance, particularly in the telecoms sector.
Dr. Maida who was represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, the executive commissioner, Technical Services Designate at NCC, said the consumer’s rights included the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to be heard.
Consistent with the above, he said the Commission has over the years kept faith with this date (March 15) to highlight the important position the telecom consumers occupy in the telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria, in order to uphold the rights of consumer which have evolved over the years with additional new consumer rights like the right to privacy, the right to quality of service, the right to timely redress, right to action on disputed charges, right to fair complaint process and right to accurate billing.
The Commission in alignment with the global trend adopted the theme for this years’ edition of World Consumer Rights Day as “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Consumer” .
Highlighting the significance of the theme, Dr. Maida, said that AI is a phenomenon that has captured the imagination of scientists, engineers, and thinkers for decades.
“It represents the culmination of human innovation and the quest to create machines that can mimic human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.
“AI has already made significant inroads into our lives. From voice assistants that respond to our commands to recommendation algorithms that suggest what we should watch, read, or buy, AI is all around us. It’s driving innovation in healthcare, finance, transportation, and countless other fields.
“Conversely, with inordinate power comes great obligation. As we celebrate the advancements in AI, we must also grapple with ethical questions. How do we ensure that AI systems are fair and unbiased? How do we protect privacy in an age of data-driven AI? These are complex issues that require careful consideration”, Maida said.
The EVC added that using AI responsibly is crucial in order to guarantee consumer trust and circumvent possible problems.
“Responsible AI means using it in an ethical way throughout its development, deployment, and usage. This includes considering issues like bias, privacy, transparency, and accountability. According to reports, responsible AI aims to empower consumers, build trust, and minimize negative effects.
To this effect, he said, AI developers need to be transparent about the data, algorithms, and models used in AI systems.
“This ensures that decisions made by AI can be explained and mistakes can be fixed to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background. This helps prevent biased decisions or discrimination thereby promoting inclusivity and equality”, he explained.
He advised that organizations should handle personal data responsibly, following strict privacy regulations.
“Respecting privacy builds trust in AI systems. Responsible AI requires mechanisms for holding systems accountable and explaining their decisions. Consumers should understand how AI systems work and have a way to address issues or biases.
The NCC boss said, the Commission in pursuit to join the global community to advance digital services and enhance quality communications infrastructure for the benefit of the citizenry, conducted a globally acclaimed most transparent auction for 5G services in Nigeria firstly on December 13th 2021 and secondly on December 5th 2022.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed a team of senior officers to the Kano Sector Command to sensitise personnel on discipline, professionalism and improved operational efficiency.
KANO FOCUS reports that the team, led by Assistant Corps Marshal Mohammed Hafiz Tarauni, is expected to engage officers and men of the command on strengthening command and control mechanisms during field operations.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Sector Public Education Officer of the FRSC Kano Sector Command, CRC Abdullahi Labaran.
According to the statement, the sensitisation programme is scheduled to take place at the Special Marshal Conference Hall and forms part of the corps’ ongoing efforts to reinforce discipline and enhance operational effectiveness among personnel.
“The programme will focus on maintaining high standards of discipline, professionalism and effective coordination in the discharge of duties,” the statement said.
It added that the engagement would also strengthen command structures within the sector command to ensure improved operational performance and efficient service delivery.
The statement further noted that the initiative is part of the corps’ continuous commitment to building a disciplined, responsive and result-oriented workforce capable of delivering on its mandate of ensuring safer roads across the country.
Labaran urged personnel of the command to actively participate in the programme, describing it as an opportunity to interact with senior officers, share experiences and receive guidance on best operational practices.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A high-powered delegation from the Kano State Government is currently in Lisbon, Portugal, on a study tour as part of preparations for the proposed Kano Light Rail Project.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation is led by the Commissioner for Transportation, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, alongside the Chairman of the Kano Line Resuscitation Committee, Hon. Alhaji Saeed Abdullahi Shuaibu.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Ibrahim Ado Sabari, Information Officer of Kano Line.
According to the statement, the team is engaging with leading transport and engineering institutions, including Mota-Engil and MTS – Metro Transportes do Sul, in Lisbon and Almada to gain technical insights into rail infrastructure development.
The study tour is part of the Kano State Government’s efforts under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to establish a modern rail network within Kano metropolis and surrounding areas.
The proposed Kano Light Rail Project is aimed at improving urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion and stimulating socio-economic development across the state.
Officials from the Kano State Ministry of Transport and Kano Line are expected to study rail operations, maintenance systems, safety standards and sustainable transport financing models during the visit.
The delegation is also exploring opportunities for technical partnerships, knowledge exchange and possible investment collaborations to ensure the long-term efficiency and sustainability of the project.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sum of N1 trillion for the establishment of the Kano Light Rail Project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
When completed, the project is expected to connect major residential, commercial and industrial hubs within Kano metropolis, create employment opportunities, facilitate trade and improve access to key urban centres.
The Kano State Government said it remains committed to delivering a modern, reliable and efficient rail transport system that meets international standards and addresses the growing transportation needs of residents.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Alhaji Aliyu Lawan, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta, has congratulated Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa on his election as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
In a congratulatory message shared via Facebook, Lawan described Doguwa’s emergence as well deserved and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party effectively in the state.
He also extended his congratulations to other executive members elected alongside Doguwa into various party offices, noting that their emergence reflects the trust and confidence reposed in them by party members and stakeholders across Kano State.
According to him, the development is a clear testament to the dedication, loyalty and commitment of the newly elected leaders to the unity, stability and progress of the party.
Lawan further prayed that Allah grants the new chairman and his team wisdom, strength and foresight as they assume the responsibility of steering the affairs of the APC in Kano State.
He expressed optimism that the new leadership would promote harmony, inclusiveness and effective leadership within the party, while bringing renewed vigour, unity and success to the APC in the state and beyond.
FRSC deploys senior officers to Kano for sensitisation on discipline, operational efficiency
Kano Govt delegation visits Portugal on study tour for light rail project
Majidadin Dambatta congratulates Doguwa on emergence as Kano APC chairman
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