President Bola Tinubu.
By Dianabasi Effiong
The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) group has acknowledged the leading role Nigeria is seeking to play in driving Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Innovation to position the country as an ICT hub in Africa.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Shedrach Sunday, the group noted that it was heartwarming that President Tinubu espoused the vision at a recent meeting with Google Chief Executive Officer, Sundar Pichal
It said: “For us the strong interest of Google in the potentials of Nigeria in the Artificial Intelligence and Innovation and ICT generally demonstrates the pivotal role the country is already playing in the sector under President Bola Tinubu.
“It is therefore gratifying that the President is exploring partnership opportunities with Google which will focus on five key areas; enhancing scalable cloud infrastructure, equipping the workforce with necessary skills, promoting AI innovation and research, driving cloud adoption and elevating Nigeria’s standing in the global tech landscape as a hub for innovation and AI.
“We note with gladness that the federal government partnership with Google fully aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration. Definitely, this will serve the interest of the burgeoning demography of Nigerian youths in the ICT sector.
“The ultimate objective of the partnership will not only empower businesses and create new opportunities, but will also establish Nigeria as a major player in the global digital economy.
“This is coming against the backdrop of a recent announcement by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of a N2.8 billion support from Google to accelerate Al Talent development across Nigeria.”
The group added that the partnership reflects the economic diversification policy of the Tinubu administration and will also enhance productivity in several sectors, including agriculture, education, and healthcare.