As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to shape the narrative around the world, reshape economies, industries, and the future of work, Africa and Nigerians must move beyond being passive consumers of emerging technologies and position themselves as active innovators, investors and creators.

Digital technology strategist, Mrs. Adeola Eka, made the call at the briefing to launch and activate the AI4Africa 120-Day AI Revolution initiative with a public live-streaming starting from August 1, where she and her team will go live daily for 120 consecutive days to demonstrate real-time AI innovation built by her outfit, Digitechforce Academy.

Eka, also known in the digital world as ‘AI Wonderwoman’, said the mission is to introduce AI education directly into schools across Nigeria and, ultimately, across Africa starting with the programme, 100 Kids in 10,000 Schools in Nigeria.

She described AI as one of the greatest opportunities Africa has ever been handed, and urged governments, businesses and young innovators across the country and the continent to seize the opportunities presented by AI to accelerate economic growth, boost productivity, and solve local challenges.

The Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) expert explained that AI4Africa came as a result of the determination to help Africans leverage on AI to build businesses, automate work and create wealth instead of looking from the sidelines.

She noted that throughout history, every industrial revolution transformed civilisation. The steam engine transformed manufacturing; electricity transformed industry and the internet transformed communication, and today Artificial Intelligence is transforming everything.

Eka explained that this revolution will not wait for Africa because it is already here, “and we must decide whether we will simply consume the future or help create it.” She added that AI is no longer a distant sci-fi concept or a luxury for developed markets; “it is the fundamental currency of modern wealth, productivity, and global competitiveness,”she remarked.

“I believe AI literacy is the new currency of wealth and Africa must not just participate in the AI revolution, it must lead it. That is why while others are learning AI; I’m building empires with it and teaching Africans to do the same. Not because AI is fashionable but because I believe it is one of the greatest opportunities our continent has ever been given,” she stated.

Debunking the notion that AI is taking jobs, Eka said the reality is more nuanced; adding that as AI changes the workforce, millions of existing roles will evolve, while millions of new opportunities are expected to emerge.

According to the lady, “the message is simple; the future belongs to those who prepare for it and that is why we cannot afford to wait. That is why AI4Africa exists. We don’t want African children to merely use AI; we want them to build AI. We don’t want African youths to search endlessly for opportunities, we want them to create opportunities, and we don’t want African businesses to struggle to compete globally but rather scale with AI.”

Speaking on how to make children fall in love with learning AI, Eka said that the initiative is to turn learning into an adventure. “That is why we are so excited about our partnership with Boboliscious.

“Together, we are creating an experience where children don’t just sit in classrooms, they explore, imagine, create, solve problems and they become heroes in their own future story. We are grateful to Boboliscious for believing that investing in children today is investing in Africa tomorrow.”

She disclosed further that the movement is also leading the team towards an ambitious milestone. “Our planned attempt at a Guinness World Records title is not about chasing fame, it is about sending a message, a message that Africa is ready.

“Our 120 Days to transform a continent campaign is about mobilising millions of Africans, creating awareness, building momentum and inspiring action because our goal is bigger than a world record, our goal is a world-changing generation.”

While thanking Bobo Food & Beverages Limited and Remostart, among other sponsors for their support, she called on government, schools, parents, businesses, the media and every African to join in preparing the children, empowering the youths and to transform businesses.

“Let’s equip our women, let’s inspire our communities and together let’s build an Africa that doesn’t merely participate in the future but helps shape it.”

In his remark, Head of Marketing Bobo Food & Beverages Limited, Kelechi Jude Anoruo-Dibia said as part of the effort to enlighten the children about AI and in collaboration with AI4Africa, the company is organising a programme tagged: Bobolicious AI Summer Bootcamp for Kids, a fun-filled AI adventure where children discover how to create, imagine, build, and solve real-world problems using AI.

“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to understand Artificial Intelligence, not just as users, but as creators. Through exciting projects, games, storytelling, coding, robotics, digital art, and innovation challenges, children develop the skills they will need to thrive in tomorrow’s world,” he stated.

Anoruo-Dibia urged parents to register their children between the ages of 12 and 17 to be part of the two-week programme, which he said would help them gain useful skills during the holiday period.