Tijani, Alake, others laud Abiru’s visionary leadership

Over one hundred youths who had undergone Tech Talent and Data Science training at the SAIL Innovation Lab have got decent artificial intelligence jobs with Awari AI.

Awari AI is a fast growing AI/Robotics firm that is enabling the development and adoption of frontier technology in Africa, starting from Nigeria.

The firm, which chose the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu as a launchpad to several locations in Nigeria and Africa, also partnered with the Lab for continuous talent sourcing for the emerging multi-billion dollar AI industry that is expected to transform all spheres of life in a few years from now.

In his speech, Co-founder of the SAIL Innovation Lab and the Senator representing Lagos East, Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, described the partnership with Awari AI as the beginning of the transformative journey in Ikorodu, and Lagos East Senatorial District.

He said: “The Awarri AI project, which we launch today, stands as a testament to our resolute commitment to embracing technology and innovation. It heralds a new era where industries will be redefined, jobs will be created, and our youths will be empowered.

“Throughout the annals of history, humanity has been witness to extraordinary revolutions. From the advent of steam power to the electrifying dawn of electricity, and from the proliferation of computers to the connected world of the internet, each era brought profound transformations to our lives.”

Specifically, Abiru added, “today, we stand on the precipice of the fourth Industrial Revolution, a realm characterized by Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, biotechnology, and automation. This revolution promises unprecedented opportunities for Nigeria and Africa, and it is incumbent upon us to seize this moment.”

He further disclosed that he was passionate about tech and digital skills because of the massive job opportunities and economic growth that the sector would generate.

The senator recalled that since 2022 when he embarked on the SAIL Innovation Lab project with five pilot programmes, over 150 participants in class and 1,200 online trainees have been impacted positively.

“Today, the SAIL Innovation Lab has left an indelible mark on the lives of over 4,173 participants through a diverse array of programmes, including Tech Talent Development, STEM initiatives tailored for Senior Secondary School Students, Lagos East Teachers Fellowship, Start-Up Accelerator, and Data Science for Society,” he said.

These programmes, Abiru explained, have now evolved to offer job prospects “through our esteemed partner organisations. Awarri AI has taken the lead by employing nearly one hundred of our graduates and pledging to continue its role as a platform for future outstanding participants seeking employment.

“In an era where digital skills have become an essential currency, the SAIL Innovation Lab serves as a bridge, closing the digital divide. Our vision is to provide free training to young individuals in high-demand tech skills and work collaboratively with our partners to secure them decent job placements.”

The co-founders of Awari AI, Silas Adekunle and Eniola Edun, said AI is the new wave that should be embraced by Nigeria in its quest to harness opportunities in the current digital and innovation age.

In his speech, an elated Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said, “We set out to open up the minds of young people to opportunities that are available globally, and these opportunities are no longer the preserve of the developed world. We live at a time when technology now connects each and every one of us strongly. The technologies have given us the opportunities to overcome barriers and be part of the global economy.

“AI due to its foreign origin, Nigerians have not been able to participate fully and harness its benefits. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, Awari AI has decided to start a company that will focus on building that knowledge so that computers will also think like us. For the first time in Nigeria, hundreds of people are being hired from the SAIL Innovation Lab.”

Speaking in a similar vein, the Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology, Tunbosun Alake, disclosed that the State Government would be partnering on the project. He acknowledged Senator Abiru for driving the initiative.

Prominent dignitaries who graced the occasion include, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Minister of Works and Housing, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi; the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Bashir Sotonwa; and the Adegboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, among others.