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U.S. Consulate General hosts seminar on cybersecurity
Abimbola Abatta
The U.S. Commercial Service, on Thursday, hosted a seminar attended by Consul General Will Stevens that connected cyber security professionals in the Nigerian banking, telecoms and FinTech sectors to the services and opportunities provided by the American software company SAS.
In his opening remarks, Consul General Stevens emphasized the importance of increasing collaboration between the United States and Nigeria on cybersecurity to help secure the digital economy now and into the future.
According to him, “Financial institutions are leaders in the technical revolution happening in Nigeria. While they stand to reap the rewards of this essential transition, they also bear a responsibility to ensure tomorrow’s financial system remains stable, reliable, and safe for consumers and institutions.”
He explained that partnerships with American companies like SAS are beneficial for both countries’ economies and will lead to diversifying and expanding the cyber-related options available in Nigeria.
“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria looks forward to working with the American and Nigerian business community in the coming years to continue advancing the much-needed digital transformation,” he added.
In his presentation, Head of Customer Advisory for SAS South Africa, Stephen Wessels, discussed the role of analytics in protecting and securing the financial services industry.
“SAS advanced analytics helps to manage increasing regulatory demands, stop fraud in its tracks, and maximize return on capital,” Wessels said.
Meanwhile, U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce based in Lagos that facilitates connections between Nigerians and U.S. products, services, and partners.
The Ondo State Government has confirmed two cases of cholera in the state.
Banji Ajaka, Commissioner for Health, said the state has activated surveillance for immediate response to any cholera outbreak.
Amaka said the two cases of cholera were reported in Okitipupa LGA, adding that the situation has been curtailed by the rapid response team.
“The surveillance team was also strengthened with community informants and contact tracers trained and placed on stipends for eight months,” he said. “They have been deployed for active case searches in preparation for any reported cholera outbreak.”
The commissioner added that an emergency preparedness committee would be constituted to work on the provision of potable water, sanitation, and strengthening of the health institutions in the state.
He assured that the government would play its part by sensitising and creating awareness in the mass media and also through community engagement.
President Bola Tinubu will on Tuesday depart Lagos for Pretoria, South Africa, to attend the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The inauguration of Ramaphosa follows his re-election as president for a second term.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Monday that President Tinubu would return to Nigeria after the ceremony.
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has laid the foundation for an 85-kilometer road project worth about N21 billion in Madobi Local Government Area of the state.
The governor said, at the inauguration of the project on Monday, that the project was poised to redefine rural landscapes and enhance the livelihoods of the populace.
The 85 kilometers spans from Bridge Madobi to Madobi town, running through Yako to Kafin Mai Yaki, culminating in Kiru LGA.
He explained that the project underscored the commitment to bolster transportation infrastructure, which was crucial for agricultural and economic growth in rural Kano.
Additionally, the governor said a second project featuring a 15-kilometer road and a 200-metre bridge from Madobi Town to Kubarachi to Kura was also underway.
“This will showcase the administration’s profound dedication to catalyzing progress across the semi-urban and rural areas,” he said.
Yusuf articulated a bold timeline, while assuring completion of the projects within 18 and 24 months respectively.
“My vision aims not only at bridging urban-rural divides but also cultivating sustainable economic pathways, thus curbing rural-urban migration and fostering prosperity in hinterlands,” he said.
Former Kano State Governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, commended the governor’s effort toward the project while applauding the electorate for choosing wisely in the previous election.
Ondo State govt confirms two cases of cholera
Amusan wins fourth national women’s 100m hurdles title
