Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), asserts that the Nigerian economy stands on the brink of significant transformation through the strategic adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

With the right policy decisions and targeted investments from the government, Nigeria is poised to harness the full potential of AI.

Speaking at the 10th Convocation of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja, she declared, “If Nigeria can capitalize on this opportunity, the rewards for our economy will be substantial.”

She referenced a recent report from a public policy consultancy that highlights the potential for AI to generate an impressive $136 billion in productivity gains across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.

However, she acknowledged that challenges such as unreliable electricity and frequent power outages might impede internet access and the adoption of AI in Nigeria and other African nations. Despite these challenges,

Okonjo-Iweala pointed out that the combined gains from AI for the four countries represent 13 percent of their total GDP for 2022, with Nigeria poised to capture 43 percent of these estimated benefits.

She praised the federal government and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy for their proactive approach in formulating a national AI strategy aimed at leveraging AI to propel economic growth through talent development and partnerships with major players like Google to train and upskill the youth and support startups.

Citing a Pricewaterhouse report, she emphasized that AI has the potential to elevate global economic activity by up to $15.7 trillion, or about 15 percent, by 2030. “This growth will extend beyond the industrialized north.

The global south, including Nigeria, has immense opportunities ahead, but we must act decisively to seize this potential,” she stated. Okonjo-Iweala underscored the importance of Nigeria not being left behind in the race to leverage AI technology.

The implications for reshaping economies and achieving development goals are profound, and Nigeria’s proactive engagement with AI will position it for success in international trade and economic advancement.

Air Peace has achieved its sixth consecutive International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.

The IOSA certification, which is renewed regularly by airlines, presumes that the airline operates with the highest standard of safety.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Samson Fatokun, IATA’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, commended Air Peace for consistently meeting the stringent safety requirements.

Fatokun stated that when it comes to global safety standards, Air Peace stands shoulder to shoulder with aviation giants and the best airlines in the world.

He noted that the IOSA certification process, conducted by independent external auditors, is one of the most rigorous assessments in the industry, designed to ensure compliance with international safety and operational standards.

According to him, Air Peace has not only maintained but surpassed expectations, earning a reputation for safety that places it on a pedestal in the international aviation sectors.

Fatokun further emphasized that achieving and renewing the IOSA certification is no small feat, as many airlines struggle to maintain compliance after initial success.

He urged other Nigerian airlines to follow Air Peace’s example, noting that prioritizing safety and operational integrity would elevate the entire industry and enhance Nigeria’s reputation in global aviation.

The Chairman/CEO of Air Peace commended the Nigerian government, particularly the Minister of Aviation, for creating a supportive environment that encourages the growth of local airlines.

He called on other airlines to strive for IOSA certification, which not only validates their safety processes but also positions them as credible competitors on the global stage.

According to him, this milestone is not just a badge of honor for Air Peace but also a source of pride for Nigeria, showcasing the country’s ability to produce world-class airlines capable of holding their own among global giants.

Onyema further expressed his profound gratitude to God, the staff, and the management for their relentless efforts in sustaining this remarkable milestone.

He described the certification as a testament to Air Peace’s unwavering dedication to operational excellence and its commitment to prioritizing the safety and comfort of passengers.

Image credit: Shoprite.ng

(Reuters) – Procter & Gamble (PG.N),  and Colgate-Palmolive (CL.N), are among the defendants in six new lawsuits targeting the sale of toothpaste and mouth rinse for young children because the products contain fluoride, which can be harmful if swallowed in large quantities.

Parents filed complaints on Monday in federal courts in Illinois and California over products such as Procter & Gamble’s Kid’s Crest toothpaste and several products sold under Colgate’s namesake, Tom’s of Maine and Hello brands.

Other challenged products include Perrigo’s (PRGO.N), Firefly anti-cavity rinse, and, Sanofi’s (SASY.PA) ACT Kids rinse.

The proposed class actions cite warnings from U.S. health regulators that fluoride-based toothpastes and rinses not be used by children under ages 2 and 6, respectively, and that the toothpastes be kept out of reach of children under age 6.

They also say the products are marketed as “candy-like” with bright colors, cartoon images and flavors such as Groovy Grape and Silly Strawberry.

The color of one Kid’s Crest product is shown changing to pink from blue as children brush. Fluoride helps prevent cavities when applied topically to the teeth, but when ingested can pose significant risks to and even kill young children, according to the lawsuits.

Procter & Gamble, Colgate, Perrigo and Sanofi did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The lawsuits seek restitution, compensatory damages and triple or punitive damages for violations of various consumer protection law.

These lawsuits are not about whether fluoride toothpaste should be available to those who want it,” Michael Connett, a partner at the law firm Siri & Glimstad representing the parents, said in an interview.

“They are about companies that mislead consumers into believing these products are harmless to young children.”

The relationship between fluoride and human health has long been debated.

Last week, a study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics linked higher fluoride exposures in children to lower IQ scores.

In September, a San Francisco federal judge ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because of the possible link to lower IQ. Connett represented advocacy groups seeking additional regulation.

The Illinois cases are Gibson et al v. Perrigo Co, Gurrola et al v. Procter & Gamble Co, Harden et al v. Colgate-Palmolive Co, and Gurrola et al v. Chattem Inc, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Nos. 25-00348, 25-00358, 25-00362 and 25-00366.