Inauguration Welcome Address By Professor Oludele Awodele President - Practical Artificial Intelligence Development Foundation (PAIDeF)
It gives me great pleasure to stand before this respected audience on this occasion of the inauguration of another interest group of our dear Nigeria Computer Society, the Practical Artificial Intelligence Development Foundation (PAIDeF), the swearing-in of the executives, the induction of new members, the display of innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions by startups and students, the inaugural lecture, and the awarding of Grand Patron status to His Excellency, Governor Similaya Fubara, the Executive Governor of River State.
We are thrilled to unite a group of professionals and enthusiasts, who are all passionate about Artificial Intelligence (AI). The PAIDeF seeks to promote cooperation, information exchange, and research in the AI space. We are dedicated to advancing the ethical development and adoption of AI because we believe it has the potential to change and enhance many parts of our everyday lives. As Professionals, our collaborative efforts, will foster a community that drives innovation, shares knowledge, and addresses the challenges associated with AI integration. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of AI and create a brighter future for our dear Nation.
The fourth industrial revolution is just beginning, but Africa —including Nigeria—has not yet established a solid foundation. While China has announced plans to invest $150 billion in artificial intelligence over the next 20 years, and South Korea has committed around $1 billion to develop its AI industry, we have remained complacent, relying on crude oil and celebrating our perceived brilliance. Meanwhile, the billion-dollar AI investment needed for Pan Africa remains absent.
The world is advancing at a breakneck pace, yet we seem trapped in the Stone Age. The question of adopting a unified currency is still up for debate, while companies like Google and Amazon are creating their own currencies. We are still arguing over who should lead the African Union and who gets the largest share of the national cake, while the rest of the world is baking a new one – the cake of AI, robotics, and biotechnology. Wake up, Africa!
Nigeria must embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and make use of its advantages to achieve rapid socioeconomic development. Despite our immense potential as a nation, Nigeria's adoption of AI is now under the top 100 globally and outside the top 5 in Africa. We are all gathered here to bring together new interest group and experts, including enthusiasts from industry, government, and academia, to address this gap. As a group, the PAIDeF, must collaborate on how to grow the development, integration, and adoption of AI.
To achieve this, we need to identify key areas where AI can have a transformative impact on our economy and society. We must also develop a comprehensive strategy for upskilling and reskilling our workforce to ensure they are equipped to work alongside AI systems.
Hence, we are committed to:
- Create an enabling environment and platforms for the interaction of AI experts and enthusiasts
- 2. Develop capacities of members in AI through workshops, conferences and other training programs
- Collaborate with government to build AI industry in Nigeria
- Support the application and adoption of AI in Education, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Health, Law, Science, Technology, etc.
- Support the use of AI to enshrine rapid national growth
- Support government and other stakeholders in formulation of national policies, frameworks and strategies for AI development
- Partner with local and international organizations on issues around AI development and adoption in Nigeria
- Encourage high quality research in AI in tertiary institutions
- Facilitate and support the commercialization and invention in AI
- Support the creation of standards and ethical guidelines for AI growth in Nigeria
- Develop and ensure ethical conduct of members by delivering Code of Conduct guiding the practice of members
- Protect the interest of members and serve as the voice of members.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and many countries have been reaping the significant benefits and opportunities it offers. What is our country's current stance on this? It is interesting to note that the current administration through the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has shown a keen interest in researching and applying AI for rapid socioeconomic progress.
Drawing from the foregoing, our organization needs to strengthen the technical engagements and strong partnerships between AI professionals and enthusiasts in Nigeria.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, has captivated the imaginations of scientists, engineers, and intellectuals for decades. It is the pinnacle of human ingenuity and the endeavor to build artificial intelligence and problem-solving capabilities
The governor's presence makes me glad because our leaders and government must provide our people with necessities, such as power, a conducive learning atmosphere , and computer laboratories equipped with internet access, among other things. Once these are established, it will be simple to encourage the use of AI in the classroom and its acceptance, which will inevitably lead to Nigeria's AI industry developing quickly. We have all seen the enormous progress that our governor, His Excellency Similaya Fubara, has made in developing and transforming Rivers State. Since assuming office just a year ago, you have implemented transformative measures to raise the standard of living for our people, including the construction of new, well-equipped hospitals, the renovation of old schools with modern amenities, and the provision of quality roads and healthcare. Our genuine wish is that other leaders would take inspiration from you and improve the lot of common people through effective leadership.
In conclusion, Nigeria can become a major center for AI in Africa and the globe if we work together to propel the field's progress. AI is a force that is significantly influencing our future. It has the amazing potential to make our lives better, but it also forces us to consider carefully how we should use this ability.
Let us keep in mind that the real test of our development will not be the level of complexity of our technology, but rather the beneficial effects it has on our people and the global community. It is up to us all to make sure that artificial intelligence is applied to close rather than increase disparities. Let's build a future where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used for the greater good of Nigerians and everyone can profit from it. If we succeed, I'm sure there are countless opportunities with the use of AI. It is certain that AI in Nigeria will have a brighter future than before.
I appreciate your time and consideration. Together we shall advance AI Technology and Applications in Nigeria.