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Google Launches “WAXAL”: A Game-Changer for Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo & 19 Other African Languages in AI

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Tech giant Google has officially launched WAXAL, a massive open-source project designed to teach Artificial Intelligence (AI) how to speak and understand African languages—including those widely spoken on the Plateau.

Unveiled this week by Google Research Africa, the initiative addresses a major gap in the global tech space: while AI assistants like Siri and Alexa work perfectly in English or French, they often struggle with African languages due to a lack of data.

WAXAL (which means “Speak” in the Wolof language) aims to fix this by providing free access to high-quality voice data for 21 African languages.

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For developers, students, and creatives in Jos and across Plateau State, this is a massive opportunity. The dataset specifically includes languages central to our daily interactions, including:

  • Hausa

  • Fulani (Fula)

  • Yoruba

  • Igbo

This means local techies can now build apps, translation tools, and educational software that actually “speak” and “listen” to our people in their native tongues, without relying on foreign technology that doesn’t understand our accents or context.

Unlike previous tech drops that were developed solely in Silicon Valley, WAXAL was built in collaboration with African institutions, including the University of Ghana and Makerere University.

Aisha Walcott-Bryant, Head of Google Research Africa, described the project as a tool for empowerment:

“The ultimate impact of WAXAL is the empowerment of people in Africa. This dataset provides the critical foundation for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to build technology on their own terms, in their own languages.”

The project is not just a small sample; it is a robust library for developers:

  • 1,250 hours of transcribed natural speech (for teaching computers to listen).

  • 20 hours of studio-quality recordings (for teaching computers to speak).

  • Open Access: The data is free for anyone to use to build new solutions.

Why It Matters Now To Plateau People

With the Plateau State Government recently launching initiatives to boost the creative economy, access to tools like WAXAL could position the state as a hub for Language Technology. Imagine an app that helps tourists navigate Jos in Hausa, or an agricultural tool that reads instructions aloud to farmers in Fulani.

The door is now open for Plateau’s innovators to walk through.

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Ekiti 2026: Re-elect Oyebanji for second term – Tinubu tells residents

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.

Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.

The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.

He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.

Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.

“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.

Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.

Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.

APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.

A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.

He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.

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Nigerian Striker Toyosi Olusanya Completes Permanent Move to Aberdeen on Two-Year Deal

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Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.

READ ALSO: Isaac John Turns Heads at Ex-Internationals Cup in Lagos, Declares Himself Ready for the Big Stage 

Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.

Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.

During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.

The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.

His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.

Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.

The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.

For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.

Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.

With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.

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