The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation as essential tools for enhancing productivity in their workplace and accelerating national development.

 

The monarch made the call during an Artificial Intelligence Productivity Training organised by the Sokoto Professional Network (SPN), a non-profit organisation, to mark its third anniversary in Sokoto.

 

Represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, the Sultan said that as AI continues to reshape economies and industries across the world, deliberate efforts must be made to ensure that no segment of society is excluded from the digital revolution.

 

He stressed that digital knowledge and innovation should be harnessed to empower citizens, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable development.

 

The Sultan commended SPN for advancing digital innovation through capacity-building initiatives, noting that such programmes equip young people with the knowledge and practical skills required to compete in the global digital economy.

 

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the SPN Board of Trustees, Engr. Zayyanu Tambari Yabo, described artificial intelligence as one of the defining technologies of the 21st century, warning 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 embrace this trend. We do not want to be left behind,” Yabo said.

 

He added that Sokoto has historically been a pace-setter and should sustain that legacy by embracing emerging technologies through stronger collaboration among the state government, the Ministry of Digital Economy, and professional bodies.

 

According to him, the training was designed to expose students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners to practical AI tools capable of improving learning, research, workplace efficiency, and business productivity.

 

Yabo disclosed that SPN has trained more than 1,000 members and participants from the wider public over the past three years in entrepreneurship, leadership, information and communication technology (ICT), solar installation and maintenance, as well as 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 said.

 

Also speaking, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Bashar Umar Kwabo, said artificial intelligence has become a central pillar of the state’s digital transformation agenda.

 

He explained that the state government is implementing programmes aimed at expanding digital literacy and equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving technology ecosystem.

 

The commissioner urged participants to embrace lifelong learning, describing AI as a powerful tool for creating value, improving public service delivery, and unlocking new economic opportunities. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that women, youths, and underserved communities are not left behind in the state’s digital transformation efforts.

 

Other speakers at the event encouraged participants to acquire the digital competencies needed to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

 

Participants described the training as timely and impactful, saying it broadened their understanding of artificial intelligence and its practical applications across education, entrepreneurship, governance, and other sectors.