A former lawmaker and chieftain for the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ayo Arise has expressed his confidence that President Bola’s focus on Artificial Intelligence technology and innovation, will reduce youth unemployment in Nigeria. Arise, who spoke on the recent advancements of Nigeria’s tech industry, commended President Tinubu for prioritizing AI initiatives. He said that these initiatives are already creating jobs for Nigerian youth. He also praised the recent visit by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to Nigeria. He described it as a major endorsement for the country’s innovative potential and its government’s direction. Arise praised in particular the launch of the Nigeria AI Scaling hub by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The National Assembly was urged to pass more legislation to promote the growth of AI products and innovations.
There’s no better way to give credibility to a president than to say that he recognizes Bill Gates is an asset to the country. The honor given to Gates says a lot. He has supported us in many areas, including health. Arise stated that with AI as a focus this momentum will only grow.
Arise noted that Gates spent reportedly over $2 billion in Nigeria in the past year and expressed optimism for more investments to follow in the future, to the benefit Nigerians. Arise stressed the importance of policy and legislation to drive innovation.
When you look at National Assembly, they are able to create enabling legislation–like mandating licenses be granted within 90-days of application. They can initiate reforms of this nature. We must continue to encourage local production via legislation. “We must be vigilant against exploitation, and ensure that we are competitive,” he said.
Arise finished by reaffirming support for initiatives that promote local capacity and innovation, while calling on stakeholders in Nigeria to ensure that the AI revolution is inclusive, sustainable and impactful. Please follow us and like us:
