By Peter Okolie

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo says the state is leading the way in Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria.

He said that this was due to his administration’s forward-thinking policies on digitalisation that prepare for future demands.

Uzodimma made the assertion while declaring open the 4th Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Summit in Owerri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day summit has the theme: “Enabling Artificial Intelligence Systems for Rapid National Growth.”

The Governor said that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration was taking proactive steps to position the country as a global player in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

He said that the Federal Government recently launched Labour Employment Enhancement Programme (LEEP) to equip Nigerians with digital skills and create 2.5 million jobs for a 21st-century economy.

He said that the state was leading the way with its establishment of Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government.

Uzodimma said that this had led to the Skill-Up Imo Programme that trained over 40,000 youths in tech skills like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

According to him, the state is laying a groundwork for a complete digital ecosystem, where Imo Digital City (IDC) is the flagship infrastructure project.

“The project is a dedicated tech-hub supported by a landmark United States 15 million US Dollars partnership with the United States Market Access Centre (USMAC) in Silicon Valley.

“It is the first of its kind, collaborating at sub-national level in Africa which will establish innovation labs and mentor the next generation of tech entrepreneurs,” the governor stated.

Uzodimma said that to achieve the target of ecosystem, the state government would soon roll out extensive fibre optic infrastructure and 5-G broadband access across all the 27 local government areas.

He said that this would close the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

He stated that the E-Government agenda of his administration was a cornerstone through which he would be unveiling the MyImo App, a one-stop digital interface for accessing government services.

Uzodimma added that a fully automated Land Information System (LIS) would equally be launched soon to ensure transparency and efficiency in land administration.

He said that the establishment of Imo Business Call Centre would provide real time support to investors and entrepreneurs.

Uzodimma, therefore, called on the international bodies to partner with Imo “as a state where ideas flourish, investments thrive, and technology transforms lives.”

The Chairman/CEO Zinox Group, Mr Leo Ekeh, appreciated the governor for his infrastructural developments in the state, and for investing on human capital development and technology.

Ekeh said that Uzodimma had remained intentional in investing and developing for tomorrow, and challenged participants to use the opportunity, maintaining that “tech is the richest business in the world.”

“Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are a driving force of the present economy which is reshaping the ecosystem,” he said.

The President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dr Muhammad Aliyu, explained that the body had been at the forefront of information technology development.

Aliyu said NCS was driving digital transformation and fostering innovation for national progress.

He said that the society had consistently initiated programmes aimed at leveraging emerging technologies to address critical challenges and propel sustainable development across diverse sectors.

Aliyu further noted that this year’s theme reflected the commitment to leveraging technological advancements for inclusive development.

He added that it provided a platform for stakeholders to explore the latest trends, innovations and best practices in AI and Robotics.

He also stressed that it focused on strategies to drive socio-economic advancement and foster digital inclusion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz