News

Establish AI Commission To Tackle Revenue Leakages, PAAC Advises Tinubu

Published

2 years ago

May 27, 2024

The Chairman, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce, Prof. Olatokunbo Onabanjo, has advised President Bola Tinubu to establish Artificial Intelligence Commission(AI) to address revenue leakages in the country.
Onabanjo, in an interview with The Tide’s source, in Lagos, yesterday, said establishing Artificial Intelligence Commission(AI) would turn around Nigeria’s education, health, housing, trade and tourism sectors among others.
“With the establishment of Artificial Intelligence Commission, and by integrating AI algorithms into the government’s financial systems, suspicious transactions and patterns can be automatically flagged for further investigation.
“AI can analyse large volumes of data in real-time, identify anomalies, and detect potential cases of fraud or revenue leakage,” he said.
Onabanjo, who was the Director of Computer Services during Tinubu’s administration as governor of Lagos State, called for enhanced Data Analytics Capabilities through utilisation of Enterprises Resources Planning(Oracle ERP) system to gather data from various government departments and agencies.
“By leveraging on AI-powered analytics tools, the government can gain valuable insights into revenue collection, expenditure patterns, and identify areas where leakages are occurring.
“This data-driven approach will help to identify loopholes and develop strategies to plug them,” he said.
Onabanjo, a seasoned project manager and member of Certified Project Management Professionals, said that the use of AI would also strengthen tax compliance and revenue collection by government.
“AI can be employed to automate the tax collection process, ensuring accurate and efficient assessment, billing, and collection of taxes.
“AI algorithms will analyse tax data, identify potential tax evaders, and facilitate targeted enforcement actions. This can help increase tax compliance and revenue generation.
“ERP systems will also be utilised to streamline and automate procurement processes.
“AI-powered analytics will help identify discrepancies, detect fraud, and ensure transparency in procurement transactions. This can minimise leakage and corruption in procurement activities.
“AI will assist in identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities in revenue collection processes.
“By analysing historical data and patterns, AI algorithms can predict potential areas of revenue leakage and enable proactive measures to mitigate risks,” he said.
Onabanjo said that implementing ERP systems would facilitate data sharing and collaboration among different government agencies involved in revenue collection and management.
According to him, this will enable real-time data exchange, improve coordination, and enhance visibility into revenue-related activities, making it easier to identify and address leakages.
The PAAC chairman called on the government to also invest in capacity building.
“To effectively leverage AI and ERP resources, it is essential to invest in training government personnel to use these technologies.
“Building a skilled workforce that can handle data analysis, AI algorithms, and ERP systems will ensure the successful implementation and utilization of these resources.
“It’s important to note that addressing revenue leakages requires a holistic approach, including policy reforms, enforcement mechanisms, and transparency initiatives.
“AI and ERP resources can complement these efforts by providing advanced tools and insights to identify and tackle revenue leakages effectively,” he stated.
He was of the view that Oracle ERP implementation could streamline government processes, improve data management, and promote transparency in financial transactions.
According to him, this will help the government in making informed decisions, reducing inefficiencies, and minimising corruption.
Onabanjo said: “ERP systems can consolidate and automate various administrative functions, leading to cost savings in areas such as procurement, inventory management, and payroll.
“This can free up resources that can be redirected towards other developmental initiatives.
“With an efficient ERP system in place, government departments can provide better services to citizens.
“Streamlined processes and improved data management can result in faster response times, reduced bureaucracy, and enhanced service quality.”
According to him, ERP systems generate vast amounts of data, which can be analysed to gain insights and support evidence-based decision making.
He said that it could help the government to identify trends, evaluate policy effectiveness, and allocate resources more effectively.
“In addition to ERP implementation, the integration of AI technologies can further benefit the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“AI has the potential to automate repetitive tasks, enhance data analysis capabilities, and improve decision-making processes,” he disclosed.
He listed few the ways AI could help to include Intelligent Automation, Data Analysis and Predictive Modelling, Fraud Detection and Cybersecurity among others.
“AI-powered automation can streamline processes across various government departments, increasing efficiency, and reducing human error. This can lead to improved service delivery and cost savings,” he stated.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor