Former Lagos State governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola with some nigerian governors joined forces to stress the importance of prioritizing Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), for the country’s development.
Babagana Zullum of Borno State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Babatunde Fashola made this consensus during the public presentation of a book authored by Prof Isa Pantami, titled “A Scholar’s Journey Navigating Academia.” The book meticulously details Pantami’s impactful contributions to ICT and digital economic growth in Nigeria.
Governor Babagana Zullum, chairing the event, highlighted the strides made in the ICT sector during the previous administration and its substantial contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and non-oil sector revenue. He emphaised the potential of ICT and digital assets in addressing pressing security and economic challenges.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, also Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, emphasized Pantami’s influential work in enhancing digital literacy and development in the region. Meanwhile, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State highlighted the transformative potential of digital skills among Nigerian youths, foreseeing job creation and a reduction in youth restiveness.
Former Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola urged Nigeria to pivot towards the utilization of artificial intelligence as a dominant asset in digital technology. Recognizing the transformative impact of AI on society and people’s roles, Fashola emphasized its pivotal role in steering the nation towards a tech-centric future.
The event was filled with the presence of notable dignitaries such as former ministers of justice, Abubakar Malami, Femi Fani-Kayode, and Clem Agba, as well as other influential figures like former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Governor; Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Engr Mele Kyari, former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, and former Army Spokesman, Brig. Gen Sani Usman (retired).
