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Samson Itodo Appointed to the African Union Advisory Group on AI
The African Union (AU) has appointed Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, to serve a four-year term on the AU Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Peace, Security, and Governance in Africa.
This prestigious appointment recognizes his extensive experience and dedication to advancing democratic governance and technological innovation across the continent.
The Advisory Group was established following a resolution by the AU Peace and Security Council in June 2024 that mandates the AU Commission to establish an advisory group to study the impact of and harness the potential of AI in peace, security and governance.
Samson Itodo is a renowned community organizer with extensive expertise in African politics, elections, social movements and youth development.
Samson has been pivotal in advancing electoral integrity and democracy in Africa.
He has also been instrumental in encouraging the inclusion of young people in politics.
One of his most notable achievements is the successful #NotTooYoungToRun global campaign, which significantly lowered the minimum age for elective office in Nigeria.
Samson serves on the boards of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and the Kofi Annan Foundation.
Samson holds graduate and postgraduate degrees in Law from the University of Jos and a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
As a policy advocate, he provides strategic policy advice to parliamentary committees, electoral commissions, political parties, civil society organizations, and academic institutions.
His current research spans social movements, election law, democratic innovation and African politics.
The 9-member AU Advisory Group is tasked with supporting the AU Commission in conducting a comprehensive study on the impact and implications of AI on peace, security, stability, democracy, and development in Africa.
The Group will also propose strategies to mainstream AI in elections, peace, and governance processes, leverage AI for reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction, and develop new approaches to address emerging challenges.
Additionally, the Group will guide data protection and transparency while proposing options for a continental AI governance framework.
The AU Advisory Group operates under the auspices of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, whose office is pivotal in addressing the continent’s political stability and security challenges.
The establishment of the Advisory Group attests to the vision of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.
It is impressive that the AU under PAPs emphasizes proactive strategies to harness AI’s potential for promoting peace, security, and development across Africa.
Samson Itodo’s appointment not only brings honor to Nigeria and West Africa but also signifies the nation/region’s active participation in continental initiatives aimed at harnessing technology for sustainable development.
His involvement is expected to foster collaboration among African nations in leveraging AI for the betterment of society.
In response to his appointment, Samson Itodo expressed his gratitude, stating:”I am honoured to serve and contribute to shaping Africa’s future through responsible AI governance in advancing elections, democracy and governance.
This is a pivotal time to ensure technology enhances peace, security, and democratic processes across the continent.
“With a distinguished career dedicated to fostering innovation, ethical leadership, and the common good, Samson Itodo brings a wealth of knowledge to this advisory role.
His appointment marks a significant milestone for his professional journey and Africa’s ongoing efforts to harness the transformative power of AI for peace, security, and democracy.
Suspension within the Nigerian Senate is a serious matter that can arise from various controversies and allegations. Here is a detailed list of senators who have previously faced suspension, highlighting the circumstances surrounding their cases.
1. Femi Okurounmu (Ogun Central) – 1999
Senator Okurounmu was suspended in 1999 after making claims that fellow senators were conspiring to impeach President Olusegun Obasanjo. Following his suspension, he was later recalled to the Senate after he issued a formal apology.
2. Joseph Waku (Benue) – 2000
In the year 2000, Senator Waku sparked controversy by suggesting that a military coup would be a preferable alternative to what he described as President Obasanjo’s dictatorial rule. This provocative statement resulted in his suspension from the Senate.
3. Arthur Nzeribe (Imo, Orlu Constituency) – 2002
Senator Nzeribe faced indefinite suspension in November 2002 due to allegations involving a ₦22 million fraud. His suspension underscored the Senate’s intolerance for financial misconduct.
4. Isah Mohammed (Niger Central) – 2004
In October 2004, Senator Mohammed was suspended for two weeks following a physical altercation with Senator Iyabo Anisulowo outside the National Assembly lobby. The incident was reportedly linked to disputes over committee fund allocations.
5. Ali Ndume (Borno South) – 2017
Senator Ndume was suspended for six months in 2017 after he called for an investigation into allegations involving then Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye. His suspension highlighted the contentious political climate within the Senate.
6. Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central) – 2018
In 2018, Senator Omo-Agege was suspended for opposing the election reordering bill. Despite his subsequent apology, he sought a court order to prevent his suspension, which ultimately led to his suspension from the Senate.
7. Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) – 2024
Senator Ningi was suspended for three months in 2024 after alleging that the National Assembly had padded the 2024 budget by a staggering ₦3 trillion. His claims raised significant concerns about transparency and accountability within the legislature.
8. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) – 2025
On the 6th of March, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months due to allegations of misconduct within the Senate. This suspension reflects ongoing issues related to ethical conduct among lawmakers.
This list serves as a testament to the challenges and complexities faced by senators in Nigeria, where political tensions and allegations can lead to significant consequences. The suspensions not only impact the individuals involved but also have broader implications for governance and public trust in the legislative process.
The Nigeria Sanctions Committee has designated 17 individuals and organizations over their alleged involvement in terrorism financing.
Those named on the list include Simon Ekpa, Godstime Promise Iyare, Francis Mmaduabuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chinwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, and Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali.
Others are Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, Ogomu Kewe, Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, Seficuvi Global Company, and Lakurawa Group.
According to a document obtained from the committee on Thursday, the list was approved by the President upon the recommendation of the Attorney General of the Federation.
“The Nigeria Sanctions Committee held a meeting on March 6, 2024, where specific individuals and entities were recommended for designation following their involvement with terrorism financing.
“The Attorney General of the Federation, with the approval of the President, has thereupon designated the following individuals and entities to be listed on the Nigeria Sanctions List.
“In accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, you are required to:
(a) Immediately identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons in your possession and report the same to the Sanctions Committee.
“(b) Report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.
“(c) Immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report (STR) to the NFIU for further analysis of the financial activities of such individuals or entities.
(d) Report as an STR to the NFIU all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this list.”
The committee ordered the immediate freezing of bank accounts and financial instruments associated with the listed individuals and entities across multiple banks, payment platforms, and financial institutions.
“Freezing measures should be extended to all accounts associated with the designated subjects. For designated entities, this should include accounts linked to their signatories and directors to ensure comprehensive enforcement of the sanctions regime,” the document added.
The committee also stated that financial institutions and relevant stakeholders have been instructed to enforce the sanctions and submit compliance reports to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee via secretariat@nigsac.gov.ng and
info@nigsac.gov.ng.
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KAMRUM FARMS TO PARTNER WITH NUHU BAMALLI POLYTECHNIC’S SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE FOR AGRICULTURAL ADVANCEMENT
In a strategic move to enhance agricultural education and production, Kamrum Integrated Farms has announced plans to collaborate with the School of Agricultural Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Samaru Kataf.
The Chief Executive Officer of Kamrum Farms, Mr. Rijo Shekari, disclosed this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the school’s management in Samaru Kataf, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He explained that the partnership aims to revitalize the underutilized institution and equip students with modern agricultural skills.
Shekari emphasized the importance of collaboration between private-sector investors and academic institutions, especially in light of the ongoing global agricultural revolution.
He highlighted the farm’s efforts in crossbreeding cows to improve livestock productivity and expressed confidence in attracting international investment, particularly from a Brazilian company set to invest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
> “Our goal is to bring modern farming techniques to the institution and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s agricultural industry,” Shekari stated. “This partnership will not only improve the school’s capacity but also open doors for more students to benefit from quality agricultural education.”
Shekari added that, in a show of commitment to education, Kamrum Farms has already awarded full scholarships to nine students at the University of Jos.
Furthermore, the farm aims to assist the School of Agriculture in acquiring advanced knowledge and technology, which could help reposition it as a Faculty of Agriculture in the future.
In his response, the Director of the School, Dr. Thomas Kanai Emmanuel, welcomed the proposed partnership and expressed the institution’s willingness to work with Kamrum Farms.
He noted that the school faces challenges such as poor funding, declining student enrollment, and outdated farming techniques.
Dr. Emmanuel lamented that the institution was originally established as a farm training center, along with three other similar institutions across Nigeria, all of which have since been converted into federal universities.
He further revealed that student enrollment has dropped significantly, with only 53 students currently registered.
He attributed this decline to high tuition fees introduced by the previous Kaduna State administration under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, inconsistencies in admission requirements by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Despite offering specialized courses in Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Technology, Crop Production, Animal Production, and Agricultural Extension and Management, the school has struggled to attract students.
With the promise of improved funding, enhanced training, and stronger industry-academia collaboration, the partnership between Kamrum Farms and Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic’s School of Agriculture could mark the beginning of a new era for agricultural education in Kaduna State.