By Abubakar Yunusa
The General Manager of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Salihu Abdulhamid Dembo, has called on the youth to seize the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to contribute to the country’s development.
The appeal was made during an event organized by the Pan Africa Club of Anglican Girls Grammar School, in commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, held in Abuja over the weekend.
Speaking through the NTA’s Executive Director of Administration and Training, Nansel Nimyel, Dembo emphasized the importance of youth engagement with emerging technologies.
He encouraged young people to ensure they are at par with their global counterparts in embracing technological advancements.
“Youths of Africa, represented here today, cannot be left behind in the technological advancements shaping the world,” Dembo noted.
“As future leaders, you have the chance to harness the potential of AI. Today, you have drawn our attention to the role AI can play in the development of society.”
He highlighted the relevance of AI not just for engineers but across fields such as business, medicine, education, and the arts.
Dembo emphasized the need for leadership among young people, advising them not to wait for formal positions before exercising leadership skills.
Representing the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Ayodele Bakr, head of NITDA’s Digital Technology Department, stressed the significance of equipping young people with the right knowledge and skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He lamented that Africa had missed out on previous technological revolutions but expressed optimism that the continent could lead in AI adoption and socio-economic transformation.
“The first, second, and third industrial revolutions were largely driven by natural resources, but this Fourth Industrial Revolution depends on brainpower. Continuous capacity development is critical to ensuring that our youth can build AI and blockchain solutions,” Bakr said.
Okelo Ochuli, a trainer from African Vision 525 Initiative, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the need for students to embrace technology despite limited access to resources in schools.
He emphasized the importance of information in leadership and the role AI could play in decision-making processes.
A student representative, Egor Egbe Lucia from Olumawa High School, shared her initial fears about AI taking over jobs but expressed how she has come to view AI as an aid that enhances human capabilities.
“I have learned that AI is beneficial to young people and can be integrated into our daily lives. My hope is that more teenagers will embrace technology,” she said.
