BIRS Leverages Tech to Enhance Efficiency and Boost Revenue Generation (International Edition)

In an effort to enhance service delivery and boost internal revenue generation for the government, the Bauchi State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has implemented and rolled out technological solutions into their operations.

As a result, to implement and refine the new initiative, the Board led by its Executive Chairman, Alhaji Mu’azu Umar, convened a roundtable discussion with several key stakeholders. During this meeting, certain common understandings were achieved.

Mu’azu who disclosed this in an interactive session with Journalists in Bauchi, stated that a meeting held between the Board and all the 20 LGCs Chairpersons was aimed to address major challenges especially of multiple taxation, thereby harmonizing collections and blocking leakages.

At present, various agencies are gathering revenues, and taxpayers often claim payment to specific entities without being able to verify either the exact amounts or timing. These issues will be addressed moving forward,” he stated. “We had an extensive conversation with the chairpersons who agreed with our stance.

The BIRS Executive Chairman stated that efficiency needs to be maintained throughout the procedure, noting that an automated system will be implemented since the capabilities at the state level surpass those available at the local government level.

As he stated, “Automation will be crucial, eliminating cash collection and doing away with the manual procedures involved in gathering and recording revenues.”

So, these measures will expedite the collection process, minimize losses, and simplify things since we aim to make it effortless for taxpayers. This way, their costs related to compliance will remain minimal. We planned to initiate this around late January and hope to commence it during this upcoming quarter starting in April, God willing.

The Executive Chairman highlighted numerous transportation unions along with several important stakeholders in the process of generating revenue. However, he mentioned that managing road taxes has posed significant difficulties for the Board historically. Despite these challenges, he conveyed his thanks to God as they are currently surmounting these obstacles.

“We encountered issues since there was no strict implementation of road taxes until recently, when Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed launched the Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency BAROTA. The board is now collaborating with this agency to explore ways to enhance compliance with traffic rules within the state,” he mentioned additionally.

According to Mu’azu Usman, the BIRS has partnered with various transportation unions including NURTW, RTEAN, Achaba, and Keke Napep to implement regulations concerning road taxes. He mentioned that they have initiated weight billing and manifest systems through the collaboration of these unions.

“We are currently requiring updates from Achaba and Keke NAPEP operators to ensure accurate records. For the Keke NAPEP vehicles, we are implementing body numbering to identify those involved in this business effectively. This measure aims to enhance security, improve road safety, and increase revenue,” he stated.

Thus, the Executive Chairman expressed appreciation for the backing provided by State Governor Sen Bala Muhammad, acknowledging the conducive atmosphere he facilitated for the Board’s operations.

He urged the taxpayers to increase their efforts in making timely payments, as this would help the government deliver more benefits of democratic governance. He highlighted that from 2020 until now, all ongoing capital projects within the state have been funded solely through locally generated income.

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LG Electronics Lights Up the Future of African Art at +234Art Fair

LG Electronics Lights Up the Future of African Art at +234Art Fair

Where Creativity Intersects with Innovation: A Festival of Culture, Tech, and Supportive Patrons

At the intersection of tradition and modernity, LG Electronics shines brightly as a leading supporter of African arts during this year’s esteemed +234Art Fair. Held amidst the dynamic atmosphere of Nigeria’s thriving contemporary art landscape, the yearly event transcends mere display; it becomes a cultural phenomenon, bringing together creators, connoisseurs, and trendsetters for a collective tribute to creativity, legacy, and advancement.

Globally recognized for its innovative designs and advanced tech solutions, LG’s participation in the +234Art Fair marks a significant dedication to the flourishing artistic resurgence throughout Africa. This collaboration transcends typical business support; it offers a meticulously crafted encounter aimed at transforming the way art is experienced, valued, and actualized.


Digitally Enhanced Canvases Bringing Art to Life

Television is no longer just a window to the world—it is becoming the canvas for it. LG’s next-generation OLED displays are transforming walls into living galleries, where every brushstroke and burst of color is rendered with breathtaking clarity. At the +234Art Fair, these immersive displays elevate the viewing experience, allowing attendees to step into the very soul of African artistry.

Our support for the +234Art Fair is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of art,” said Mr.

Paul Mba

, serving as the Corporate Marketing Manager at LG Electronics Nigeria. Art and technology possess a shared essence: innovation. Through their integration, we’re crafting engaging experiences that strengthen our bond with artistic expression and cultural narratives.


A Fresh Start for Innovative Sponsorship

LG’s partnership with the event aligns perfectly with this year’s theme, Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art, providing artists more than just a stage; they also receive the resources needed for success. By incorporating advanced display technologies along with various programs such as mentoring workshops and roundtable conversations, the project extends well past mere showcasing. Instead, it develops into a comprehensive environment that fosters growth.


Tola Akerele

The founder of the +234Art Fair and Soto Gallery highlighted the event’s purpose: “Our aim is to realign Nigerian artists in the international art scene, providing them with the assurance and visibility needed to establish enduring careers. The fair focuses on culture, heritage, and the economic aspects of artistic expression.”


Crafting the Tomorrow of African Art

At its core, the +234Art Fair is a initiative that questions conventional ideas about supporting artists in Africa. LG’s participation highlights the importance of collaboration in this contemporary landscape—where artists are recognized as well as assisted in transforming their interests into enduring monuments. Through their workshops and mentoring programs, the brand offers valuable knowledge on managing an artistic career, enabling creators to earn from their skills and adapt to the changing international art scene.

As African artwork attracts enthusiasts globally, LG merges artistic expression with technological advancement, outlining an encouraging outlook for tomorrow. An era where tech enhances imagination rather than dominating it.

Whether displayed on gallery walls or illuminated through digital screens, LG is transforming our interaction with African art—ensuring each viewing feels like an extraordinary work of art and every experience becomes a vibrant tribute to cultural heritage.

To learn more about LG TVs, please go to
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Nanotech: The Key to a Greener Energy Future – Prof. Owusu Boadi (International Edition)


By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi

The professor of chemistry and vice-dean of the Faculty of Physical and Computational Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Nathaniel Owusu Boadi, has highlighted the significant impact that nanotechnology can have in promoting sustainable energy solutions in Ghana and throughout Africa.

During his Professorial Inaugural Lecture at KNUST, Professor Owusu Boadi highlighted that nanotechnology—which is frequently called ‘the science of the unseen’—is crucial for developing more effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

His lecture, titled
‘Heading towards inclusive renewable energy for everyone: utilizing the force of the unseen titans,’
tracked the development of nanomaterials from their early beginnings through to their advanced uses in contemporary energy solutions.

As he points out, nanotechnology has the potential to greatly boost the effectiveness of solar cells, increase battery efficiency, and refine fuel cell technology—elements crucial for shifting towards a more sustainable and robust energy industry.

“Even though Ghana and numerous African nations receive ample sunlight, access to solar power stays restricted because traditional silicon-based photovoltaic cells come at a steep price. However, nanomaterials present an encouraging substitute that might reduce expenses and boost effectiveness, thereby increasing the availability of solar energy,” he pointed out.

Professor Owusu Boadi urged the government to significantly increase investment in researching and developing nanomaterials for energy production.

He similarly called upon regulatory entities like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ghana Standards Authority to develop scientifically grounded safety protocols for manufacturing, utilizing, and disposing of nanomaterials—ensuring these align with global best standards.

He also suggested forming a National Nanotechnology Research Center, which would be led by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), working alongside the Ministry of Finance, educational institutions, and representatives from various industries.

He clarified that this center would promote locally developed innovations and help bring nanotechnology-based energy solutions to market, specifically addressing Ghana’s requirements.

Professor Owusu Boadi further emphasized the extensive uses of nanotechnology outside the realm of energy. Within the medical field, nanomaterials aid in early detection via improved diagnostic imagery and assist in regenerating tissues.

In environmental science, these applications are employed for purifying water and cleaning up hazardous waste. Additionally, the electronics sector benefits from more efficient semiconductors, as well as precise sensors; meanwhile, the textiles industry profits from smarter and antimicrobial fabrics.

Moreover, Professor Owusu Boadi noted that although Ghana has achieved significant progress in electrification with an 85.1% access rate as of 2022, numerous rural areas continue to struggle with unreliable power supply.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 600 million individuals still lack access to electricity. He stated that this disparity represents not only a challenge but also numerous opportunities.

“Through investment in nanotechnology, Ghana has the potential to spearhead the creation of sustainable, domestically-generated energy solutions. These efforts could not only bridge this gap but also establish the nation as a center for environmentally-friendly innovation,” he highlighted.

Professor Nathaniel Owusu Boadi – a chemistry professor and the Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Physical and Computational Sciences at KNUST.

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Zimbabwe’s Energy Minister Announces Plans for Domestic Solar Panel and Lithium Battery Production

The Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo, has announced intentions for Zimbabwe to start producing solar panels and lithium batteries. This initiative aims to prevent severe power shortages while promoting the use of clean, sustainable energy sources.

This initiative will entail partnerships among nearby educational institutions and global companies to leverage knowledge and technological resources for business manufacturing purposes.

At the recently concluded sixth International Renewable Energy Conference and Expo, Moyo stated that the Cabinet had already endorsed the project framework for implementing this innovation.

“We firmly believe that the future has arrived due to the advanced technologies at hand. Our aim is to collaborate with various universities, and just this week, the Cabinet endorsed a plan to join forces with Chinhoyi University of Technology for initiatives focused on solar power. This collaboration will encompass every facet of solar innovation, research, education, as well as possibly producing our own solar panels and investigating battery alternatives, considering our substantial lithium reserves,” according to statements from state-run media attributed to Moyo.

We think the chances are now accessible to all to join in.

An agreement known as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been reached with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to set up a Solar Technology Application Resource Center (STAR-C) at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT).

The objective of this program is to enhance capabilities for deploying solar energy, as well as promoting research, development, and innovation in this sector, thereby strengthening the nation’s position in the realm of renewable energy.

As we consider these matters, solar or renewable energy should be framed within our economic landscape, which currently encompasses 17 distinct sectors.

“The major sectors include agriculture, mining, industry, and manufacturing. Given our involvement in renewable energy, we should concentrate on these domains and pinpoint potential within each of them,” Moyo added.

The minister restated that Zimbabwe needs to adopt clean energy.

We’re focusing on clean cooking solutions, aiming to free both men and women from the pervasive smoke generated by damp wood during the rainy season. Therefore, advocating for cleaner cooking methods is one of our primary objectives.

“Enhancing energy efficiency is not merely optional—it has become essential. This approach stands as one of the most economical methods for expanding energy availability, cutting down emissions, and boosting economic output across various industries,” stated Moyo.

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DRDO’s Powerful Waterjet Propulsion System Aces Initial Sea Trials

DRDO’s Powerful Waterjet Propulsion System Aces Initial Sea Trials

New Delhi [India], April 15 (ANI): The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) waterjet propulsion system with a capacity of 651 kilowatts, developed by Larsen Turbo as part of the Technology Development Fund initiative, has successfully undergone initial sea trials on board India’s Navy Fast Interceptor Craft.

On a post from X, they mentioned: “A significant achievement through @DRDO_India’s TDF program. The domestically created 651 kW waterjet propulsion system, engineered and produced by @LarsenToubro with over 70% local components, has successfully finished initial maritime tests onboard India’s Navy Fast Interceptor Craft.”


On April 13, India achieved a significant milestone as it became part of an exclusive group of nations like the U.S., China, and Russia, which possess the ability to intercept and destroy both conventional fixed-wing drones and swarming drone systems. This was accomplished through the deployment of a powerful 30-kilowatt laser system designed specifically for this purpose.

The successful testing of the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system took place at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool. This demonstration highlighted the capability to neutralize missiles, drones, and smaller projectiles using advanced technology. DRDO officials shared this information with ANI onsite.

India has joined the select and small group of countries that have developed high-powered Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs).

In conversation with ANI, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat stated, “To my knowledge, the U.S., Russia, and China have showcased this ability. It appears that Israel is developing comparable technologies too. I believe we stand as either the fourth or fifth nation globally to exhibit this system.”

Kamat stated that this marks only the “start of the journey,” and mentioned that DRDO is developing several technologies aimed at achieving a “Star Wars-like capability.”

“This marks only the start of our journey. Given the collaboration between this laboratory and others within the DRDO, as well as with industries and academic institutions, I’m confident that we’ll reach our goals swiftly… Additionally, we’re developing various high-energy systems such as high-intensity microwaves and electromagnetic pulse devices. Therefore, we’re engaged in numerous technological advancements aimed at achieving capabilities akin to those seen in ‘Star Wars.’ Today’s demonstration showcased merely one aspect of these advanced technologies,” stated Kamat.

The indigenously created and developed Mk-II(A) DEW system showcased all its capabilities by targeting and neutralizing fixed-wing drones from a distance, countering an assault involving several drones, and demolishing enemy surveillance equipment and antennas.

The rapid engagement time, accuracy, and lethal impact achieved against the target within mere seconds have rendered it the most effective Counterdrone System.

The DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad collaborated with LRDE, IRDE, DLRL, various educational institutes, and local industries to develop this system. (ANI)

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