In a significant stride towards achieving peaceful coexistence among religious communities in Plateau State and beyond, Search for Common Ground partnered with the Plateau State Government to host the Plateau Inter-Faith Dialogue. This landmark event, held at the prestigious Yakubu Gowon Hall within the Crispan Hotel and Event Center in Jos, Plateau State, gathered leaders and members from diverse faith backgrounds under the theme “Towards Inclusive and Harmonious Communities.”
Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, the Country Director of Search for Common Ground, underscored the importance of the dialogue as an opportunity for leaders and community members to promote understanding, cooperation, and coexistence. Highlighting that approximately 87% of Nigerians identify with a faith, Mrs. Abubakar emphasized the profound influence of religion on identity and the imperative to harness this influence positively.
Mrs. Abubakar called for incorporating diverse perspectives and community-driven interventions in dialogues to promote inclusion, peaceful communities, and respect for individuals, including those with mental illness. She emphasized the significance of community-driven interventions in building sustainable peace and advocated for the exploration of women’s roles in promoting freedom of religion.
His Royal Highness, Dr. Mohammadu Sambo Haruna, the Emir of Wase and Chairman of Jama’tul Nasri Islam (JNI) in Plateau State, delivered a keynote address at the Plateau Inter-Faith Dialogue. He emphasized the importance of peace, love, and harmony, urging religious leaders to align their actions with the teachings of compassion and reconciliation found in both the Quran and the Bible. The Emir called for constructive dialogue, policy reviews, and community-driven initiatives to foster reconciliation and rebuild trust.
Reverend Stephen Dangana, the Special Adviser on Religious Affairs to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, emphasized the need to address interpretations of religious texts that contribute to conflict. He called for repentance and unity among individuals, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliations, underscoring the importance of reconciliation and understanding.
The dialogue featured panel discussions on various topics, including the role of state and non-state actors in promoting freedom of religion and beliefs (FORBs) and the pivotal role of youth in fostering religious harmony within their communities.
Led by diverse panelists from governmental roles, civil society organizations, and religious institutions, the discussions provided insights into legal frameworks, challenges faced by religious minorities, and proactive measures to promote understanding and cooperation among different faith communities.
The Plateau Inter-Faith Dialogue exemplified a collaborative effort to address societal issues, foster understanding, and promote inclusive and harmonious communities. It served as a platform for constructive dialogue, exchange of ideas, and collective action towards a future of peace and coexistence.
As Plateau State continues its journey towards peace and development, initiatives like the Plateau Inter-Faith Dialogue play a vital role in building bridges, promoting understanding, and fostering a sense of unity among diverse communities. Through continued collaboration and dialogue, Plateau State stands poised to achieve its vision of inclusive and harmonious communities for all.
Google has unveiled Gemini Intelligence, a new artificial intelligence initiative designed to transform Android devices into proactive digital assistants capable of completing tasks across apps and services with minimal user input.
The announcement marks Google’s latest move in the intensifying competition among major technology companies seeking to expand AI integration across consumer devices.
Gemini Intelligence introduces what Google describes as “agentic” AI capabilities directly into Android, enabling smartphones to perform actions such as booking appointments, organising shopping lists, navigating applications and completing forms automatically.
The rollout positions Android more directly against Apple’s AI strategy under Apple Intelligence, which the company introduced to bring generative AI capabilities to iPhones, iPads and Mac devices.
Google says Gemini Intelligence combines advanced AI models, Android software and connected hardware to create a more proactive user experience across smartphones, smartwatches, vehicles, laptops and smart glasses.
“It integrates premium hardware and innovative software to help you stay a step ahead by working proactively to get things done throughout your day, all while keeping your data private, and keeping you in control,” Google says.
The company says the new AI capabilities will first launch on Samsung Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 smartphones later this summer before expanding to additional Android devices later in the year.
A key component of the strategy centres on cross-application automation.
According to Google, Gemini Intelligence can complete multi-step tasks across different applications without requiring users to manually switch between services.
The company demonstrated functions including booking a fitness class, locating course information inside Gmail and automatically adding textbooks to an online shopping cart.
Google also showcased screen-aware AI functions capable of interacting with images and visual content displayed on devices.
In one example, users could open a grocery list inside a notes application, activate Gemini and instruct it to create a shopping cart containing all listed items for delivery.
The tech company also demonstrated how users could photograph a travel brochure and ask Gemini to search online for similar tour packages.
The announcement reflects a broader shift within the technology industry towards AI systems designed to perform actions rather than simply generate conversational responses.
Google is also extending Gemini Intelligence into the Chrome browser, where the company says users will gain AI-powered research, summarisation and automation tools.
New “Chrome auto browse” functions expected later this year will allow Gemini to assist with tasks such as booking appointments and reserving parking spaces directly through web interfaces.
The company additionally announced upgrades to Autofill with Google using Gemini’s “Personal Intelligence” capabilities.
According to Google, Android devices will be able to use information from connected applications to automatically complete more complex forms.
The company says the feature will remain optional for users.
“Connecting Gemini to Autofill with Google is strictly opt-in, meaning you choose if and when you want to connect to Gemini – and you can always turn this connection on or off in your settings,” Google says.
Google also introduced Rambler, a new AI-powered speech-to-text feature integrated into Gboard.
The feature is designed to convert natural speech into more polished written communication by filtering pauses, repeated words and conversational filler expressions.
According to Google, Rambler can switch between multiple languages within the same message using Gemini’s multilingual AI models.
“Whether you’re blending English with Hindi or any other combination, Rambler understands the context and the nuance, ensuring your message sounds exactly like you only more polished,” Google says.
The company says audio processed through Rambler is handled in real time and is not stored.
Alongside the software announcements, Google unveiled “Create My Widget,” a generative AI feature that allows users to build custom Android widgets using natural language prompts.
The company says Gemini Intelligence will also introduce updated Android interface elements based on its Material 3 Expressive design system aimed at reducing distractions and improving focus.
“Gemini only acts on your command and stops the moment the task is complete. All that’s left for you is the final confirmation,” Google says.
The expanded AI rollout highlights growing competition among technology companies seeking to position artificial intelligence as the next major interface for smartphones and connected devices.
Alongside Google and Apple, companies including Samsung and Microsoft are also increasing investments in AI-powered consumer technologies as the global smartphone industry shifts towards more integrated generative AI experiences.
Stay ahead with real-time reports, breaking news, and exclusive insights delivered directly to your phone. Don’t settle for outdated information. Join TECHNOLOGYTIMES NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates.
The serenity and peace of Kogot village in Vwang-Vom District, Jos South Local Council Area of Plateau State was on Tuesday night shattered, after gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits invaded the community, killing a 78-year-old woman, Ngo Shettu Badung, and her 52-year-old son, Danjuma Badung.
Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, BYM, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, said two other youths, identified as Peter Dung, 22, and Amos Bele Danbwarang, 19, were reportedly ambushed and shot dead before the attackers fled into nearby bushes, while several others sustained injuries in the attack.
Tengwong said the attackers struck at about 11:00 p.m. shortly after the military arrested eight local guards in Vwang at Danwal in Ganawuri Chiefdom.
According to the BYM Secretary, the attackers invaded the community at night when the residents had retired for the night and opened fire on the victims, throwing the area into panic as villagers fled for safety.
“People started running when the gunshots began. Residents were terrified because the attack happened late at night.
“By the time they were done and left the village, four people were confirmed dead, including Ngo Shettu Badung, a 78-year-old, and her 52-year-old son, Danjuma Badung. Two other youths, Peter Dung, 22, and Amos Bele Danbwarang, 19, were also ambushed and killed by the bandits.
“Several other people were injured as they tried to flee into the bushes for safety,” Tengwong said.
Tengwong, who described the attacks as barbaric and inhuman, lamented that they were part of the continued assaults on innocent indigenous communities in the state.
“The BYM hereby calls on security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served, while urging governments at all levels to take decisive steps to end the persistent killings across Plateau communities,” he added.
News3 days ago
