Victor Benjamin, the West/South-South Director for Young Professionals for Tinubu, has emphasized that young Nigerians will play a crucial role in driving the projected $15 billion economic boost from artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030. He stated that equipping the youth with the right skills is essential to ensure that this potential becomes a reality. Benjamin highlighted the misconception that AI will lead to job losses, asserting instead that AI will create more job opportunities across industries such as financial services, digital health, precision agriculture, and the creative economy.
Benjamin pointed out that AI is already making significant strides in Nigeria. He cited applications in sectors like banking, where AI is used for fraud detection and financial inclusion, and agriculture, where it optimizes weather predictions, irrigation, and crop yields. AI is also enhancing global competitiveness for Nigerian creatives in music, film, and content creation. These real-world examples, according to Benjamin, are proof that AI is expanding job prospects rather than diminishing them.
To ensure that young Nigerians can take full advantage of these opportunities, Benjamin’s organization has launched the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. This initiative focuses on training the youth in critical areas such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development. The government’s National AI Strategy Framework is also in place, offering a structured approach to AI development and fostering collaboration between industries, research, and policymakers.
Benjamin urged young Nigerians to embrace the available training programs, noting that with the right skills and determination, they could position Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation on the African continent. He stressed that the roadmap, funding for startups, and AI hubs are already in place, and it’s now up to the youth to take initiative and lead the charge. With the world watching, he believes that Nigeria has the potential to not just participate in the global AI revolution but to lead it.
SOURCE: PUNCH