June 30, (THEWILL) — The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged youths to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation as critical tools for productivity, economic growth and national development.
He made the call at an Artificial Intelligence Productivity Training organised by Sokoto Professional Network (SPN), a nonprofit organisation based in Sokoto State, to commemorate the network’s third anniversary.
The Sultan, who was represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, said that as artificial intelligence continues to transform economies and industries globally, deliberate efforts must be made to ensure that no segment of society is left behind.
According to him, digital knowledge and innovation should serve as tools for empowerment, economic growth, and sustainable development.
He commended SPN for promoting digital innovation through capacity-building programmes, saying such initiatives would equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to compete in the global digital economy.
Speaking at the event, SPN Board Chairman, Engr. Zayyanu Tambari Yabo described artificial intelligence as one of the defining technologies of the 21st century, adding that Africa cannot afford to remain on the sidelines of the global AI revolution.
“Today, the world is moving towards artificial intelligence. If we want to progress as a society, we cannot live in denial. We must adopt, adapt, and accept the trend. We do not want to be left behind.”
Yabo said Sokoto had always been a pace-setter and should sustain that legacy by embracing emerging technologies through collaboration between the state government, the Ministry of Digital Economy, and professional bodies.
He explained that the training was designed to expose students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners to practical AI tools that could improve learning, research, workplace efficiency, and business productivity.
The SPN chairman further disclosed that over 1,000 members and members of the wider public had been trained by the organisation in the last three years in entrepreneurship, leadership, information and communication technology (ICT), solar installation and maintenance, and career guidance for secondary school students.
“We are celebrating three years of impact through capacity building. Our goal is to continue empowering young people with the skills they need to remain relevant in today’s digital economy”, he added.
Also speaking, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Umar Bashir Umaronkobo, said artificial intelligence has become a key component of the state’s digital transformation agenda.
He noted that the government is implementing initiatives to expand digital literacy and equip young people with the skills needed to compete in the evolving technology ecosystem.
The commissioner urged participants to embrace continuous learning, describing AI as an opportunity to create value, improve public service delivery and unlock new economic opportunities. He also stressed the need to ensure that women, young people and underserved communities benefit from the ongoing digital transformation.
Other speakers encouraged the participants on the need to acquire digital skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Participants described the training as timely, saying it broadened their understanding of artificial intelligence and its practical applications across education, entrepreneurship, governance and other sectors.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
