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Okonjo-Iweala: AI Will Transform the Nigerian Economy

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.

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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.

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Governor Otti Commissions Ultimum Manufacturing Plant in Aba

Razzle beverages include Razzl Pamplemousse (a unique and special grapefruit flavour), Razzl Cola, Razzl Orange, and Razzl Lemon.

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Ultimum Limited, the manufacturers of Razzl brand of carbonated soft drinks has commissioned its state-of-the-art beverage manufacturing plant in Aba, Abia State.

Razzle beverages include Razzl Pamplemousse (a unique and special grapefruit flavour), Razzl Cola, Razzl Orange, and Razzl Lemon.

Located in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, the new plant was commissioned by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti.

Otti described the investment as a clear signal of economic revival and growing investor confidence in Abia State.

“This investment confirms that we are creating the right conditions for businesses to grow, thrive, and succeed. Investors will always go where there is clarity, stability, and opportunity.

Our focus has been to build that environment, and today’s commissioning shows that the strategy is working,” he said.

The Chairman of Ultimum Limited and representative of the investor group, Mr. Whalen Kadji, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to Aba and Nigeria.

“We did not come here by chance. We came because of the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of Aba. This city has always been a center of enterprise, and we believe strongly in its future.

This plant is more than an investment in beverages; it is an investment in people, in jobs, and in the growth of local industry. We are here for the long term, and this is just the beginning of what we intend to build here.”

The Managing Director of Ultimum Limited, Mr. Austin Ufomba, described the plant as a bold step in the company’s journey.

“Ultimum Limited started with a simple idea, to build world-class products right here in Africa,”he said.

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Oil price jumps to $106, stocks drop on uncertainty over US-Iran talks

Crude prices rallied more than three percent on Thursday, with Brent crude above $106 per barrel and WTI around $93.

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Oil prices jumped and equities slid Thursday as hopes for a peace deal between the US and Iran wavered after Tehran rejected Washington’s bid to wind down the nearly four-week war.

Markets had been buoyed this week by US President Donald Trump’s announcement that strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure would be postponed, adding that the two sides were in peace talks.

But uncertainty over the talks and the virtual closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which around 20 percent of oil and liquefied natural gas passes — have cast a shadow over market sentiment.

“The market rollercoaster continues,” said Joshua Mahony, chief market analyst at Scope Markets.

Crude prices rallied more than three percent on Thursday, with Brent crude above $106 per barrel and WTI around $93.

( VANGUARD)

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Niger Delta Chamber Investment Summit Targets $5bn, 500,000 Jobs

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Photo: Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan

‎The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has unveiled plans to attract up to five billion dollars structured investments to the oil-producing region in five years.

The Chairman of NDCCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, made the disclosure at a pre-summit conference ahead of the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He said that the initiative would catalyse no fewer than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs as well as spur investments and create wealth.

‎He said the summit with the theme, “Driving Investment, Innovation, and Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta”, slated for Port Harcourt, would deliberate on investment mobilisation, enterprise growth, industrial expansion, and regional coordination.

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