Stakeholders and Nigerians have advocated for good governance aimed at eradicating poverty in accordance with UN’s Strategic Development Goal (SDG) number one, “Ending Poverty in all its forms everywhere.”
This is contained in a statement by the convener, Gilbert Onyemaelu Leadership and Diversity (GOLD) public lecture, Engr. Augustine Okeke in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speaking at the 4th GOLD public lecture and Stakeholder forum organized by Augustine Elochukwu Okeke (AEO) Foundation, Dean, Lagos Business School, Prof.Olayinka David-West called for leveraging on practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to impact multi-sectors.
David-West who was the keynote speaker, on the theme, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Sustainable Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria,” emphasized the imperatives of achieving self-sufficiency and prosperity.
Earlier, the Chairman of the event, the Chancellor of BAZE University, Sen. Datti Baba-Ahmed, PhD., called for Harnessing AI to impact education and learning.
Also the Guest of Honour, the DG of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Kachifu Inuwa Abdullahi, enlightened the audience on government initiatives on AI including the launch of the National AI Strategy (NAIS).
Also speaking, the Managing Director, Ingryd Academy, Khadijat Abdukadir, threw light into the multi-dimensions of AI and poverty Alleviation.
The Chairman of Flexip Group, Engr. Rex Mafiana called for entrepreneurial engagement of citizens while leveraging on AI to achieve poverty reduction.
The Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen advocated for rural impact of AI to tackle poverty.
Also speaking, the Director Compliance Institute, Dr Wence Nwoga expressed the need for the use of data as a critical component in achieving poverty eradication.
The President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, explained how AI can leverage on infrastructure for a prosperous and economically viable society.
The Chairperson, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nigeria Section, Engr. Prof. Ifeyinwa Achumba, called for a connection between education, AI and poverty Alleviation.
Academic Researcher, ALERT Group, Middlesex University, Dr, Uchenna Nnawuchi emphasized on the AI applications and ethical consideration conundrum.
The highlight of the event was unveiling two strategic initiatives of Augustine Elochukwu Okeke (AEO) Foundation thus: Leading with Integrity and Valuesin Enterprise (LIVE) Community and Youth Leadership EnhancementAnd Development (YLEAD) Programme.