By Milcah Tanimu
In a bid to advance technological innovation and empower its citizens, the Kaduna State government, led by Governor Uba Sani, has committed to providing Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills training to 5,000 women. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the 3rd AI and Robotics Summit in Kaduna, where the governor emphasized the pivotal role of AI and Robotics in driving growth and improving governance.
Represented by Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe, Governor Sani expressed the state’s dedication to harnessing the power of digital technology to enhance citizens’ quality of life. He underscored the urgency of not leaving citizens behind in the rapidly advancing fields of AI and robotics, labeling them as an unstoppable force that societies should align with.
The summit’s theme, ‘Harnessing AI and Robotics for National Prosperity,’ aligns with the state government’s vision to explore the full potential of these technologies. Governor Sani highlighted initiatives, including the establishment of the Kaduna Technology City and the implementation of the Kaduna State Digital Strategy, aimed at fostering innovation and technological advancement.
Governor Sani revealed partnerships with global tech giants such as Google and Huawei to advance technological capabilities. Notably, through the collaboration with Google, the government is focused on providing AI skills training specifically targeting 5,000 women in the state. The governor commended private innovation hubs in the state, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting these hubs to thrive.
In addition to the training initiative, the state is actively exploring AI and robotics applications in sectors such as security, agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing, with a focus on driving sustainable development and inclusive growth. The governor’s efforts in information technology were recently recognized by the Nigeria Computer Society, conferring upon him the Digital Governor of the Year award during the 2023 Nigeria Information Technology Merit Award.
President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Muhammad Aliyu, commended the governor for hosting the summit, emphasizing the transformative impact of AI and Robotics in various sectors. He urged the government to prioritize the development of indigenous capabilities in these fields, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The adoption of AI and robotics, according to Aliyu, holds immense potential for streamlining government processes, enhancing service delivery, and driving productivity and competitiveness across sectors, ultimately contributing to a prosperous and inclusive future.