The minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom has charged Nigerian youths to utilise the abundant opportunities for their economic growth, innovation and industrialization offered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics.
The minister said this yesterday in an address at the ongoing training and competition for school pupils and a some youths, organised by NextWear Technologies in partnership with International Telecommunication Unit, ITU, under the United Nations, in Abuja.
The minister who was represented by Chief Obinna Nwaka, urged the youth to diversify their knowledge and embrace creativity and innovation in order to impact the society both locally and globally.
He acknowledged that the rural dwellers might be slightly backward in utilising opportunities offered by (AI) Artificial Intelligence and robotics, their future still remain bright with government efforts, supported sensitisation by the mass media.
According to him, AI and robotics are not ancient inventions but added that but added that efforts by the current administration and media sensitisation, even the rural dwellers will equally benefit soon.
The event’s chief host, Kemisola Bolarinwa expressed the hope that participants would grow up to be future generation of engineers and scientists who will use technology to solve real-world challenges especially in agriculture and food security.
The area representative of International Telecommunication Unit (ITU)for West African region, United Nations, Ali Drissa Badiel expressed the hope that the future is bright with such programmes.
According to Ali Badiel, “We (Africa) are on the right track and by the time they reach the university level, they will be very good inventors and Innovators.
Africa missed the industry in the in the 18th century but (AI) Artificial Intelligence provides opportunity to catch up in innovation and development.”
Similarly, the founder, executive director, STEM Garages Africa, Engr Ronald Ajiboye explained that winners in the competition, with participation drawn from both public and private schools would, apart from receiving packages, will represent the country at the international arena later in the year in Geneva, Switzerland.
