Owerri: Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo states that the region is at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence development in Nigeria. He attributes this leadership to his administration’s strategic digitalisation policies aimed at preparing for future technological demands.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Uzodimma made these remarks during the opening of the 4th Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Summit in Owerri. The three-day summit, themed ‘Enabling Artificial Intelligence Systems for Rapid National Growth,’ highlights the state’s proactive measures in the digital arena. The Governor emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is also taking steps to position Nigeria as a leader in AI and digital innovation globally.
He mentioned the Federal Government’s recent launch of the Labour Employment Enhancement Programme (LEEP), which aims to equip Nigerians with digital skills, creating 2.5 million jobs tailored for the 21st-century economy. Imo State is leading these efforts with the establishment of the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government. This initiative has resulted in the Skill-Up Imo Programme, which has trained over 40,000 youths in tech skills such as AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
Uzodimma highlighted the state’s commitment to building a complete digital ecosystem, noting the Imo Digital City (IDC) as the flagship infrastructure project. The IDC is a tech hub supported by a landmark $15 million partnership with the United States Market Access Centre (USMAC) in Silicon Valley. It is the first collaboration of its kind at a sub-national level in Africa, aiming to establish innovation labs and mentor future tech entrepreneurs.
To further develop this ecosystem, the state government plans to roll out extensive fibre optic infrastructure and 5-G broadband access across all 27 local government areas, aiming to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities. The Governor also announced plans to unveil the MyImo App, a one-stop digital interface for government services, and a fully automated Land Information System (LIS) to enhance transparency and efficiency in land administration. Additionally, the Imo Business Call Centre will provide real-time support to investors and entrepreneurs.
Uzodimma called on international bodies to partner with Imo State, promoting it as a place where ideas flourish, investments thrive, and technology transforms lives. Mr. Leo Ekeh, Chairman/CEO of Zinox Group, praised the governor for his infrastructural developments and investments in human capital and technology. He challenged participants to seize the opportunities presented, asserting that “tech is the richest business in the world.”
Dr. Muhammad Aliyu, President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), highlighted the organization’s role in driving digital transformation and fostering innovation for national progress. Aliyu noted that the society consistently initiates programs to leverage emerging technologies to address critical challenges and advance sustainable development across various sectors. He emphasized that this year’s summit theme reflects a commitment to leveraging technological advancements for inclusive development, providing a platform to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in AI and robotics, focusing on strategies for socio-economic advancement and digital inclusion.