SOME Information and Communication Technology (ICT) experts have highlighted the importance of collaboration, awareness and citizen education in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for national development.
The experts spoke at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) ICT Growth Conference 4.0 in Lagos recently.
They also emphasised the need for right and effective policies by government to effectively utilise AI for national development.
In his speech at the event, Mr Adesola Akinsanya, the President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), said that the theme of the event underscored the need for collaboration.
Akinsanya, who was represented by a Member, Board of Directors, NiRA, Mr Peter Oluka, said that AI was rapidly transforming industries and economies across the globe, and Nigeria was no exception.
He said that as AI continued to evolve, its potential to drive economic growth, improve businesses and public services, and enhance the quality of life in Nigeria was immense.
“However, realising these benefits requires careful consideration of the prospects, the formulation of sound policies, and addressing the accompanying challenges.
“In other words, no single entity can address the complex challenges we face alone.
“It is through partnerships, shared knowledge and collective action that we can drive the kind of growth that is inclusive, sustainable and transformative,” he said.
Akinsanya called on all stakeholders, industry leaders, policymakers, academia and civil society to join hands with NITRA, even as NiRA was committed to the cause of building a robust digital ecosystem.
In a panel discussion, Mr Oluwatoni Olugbenga, the Energy Tech Project Leader, listed three key aspects to focus on to leverage AI effectively.
Olugbenga said that the key aspects included data quality and security – ensuring the right data, with appropriate security measures in place and using it in an ethical manner.
The second aspect, he said, included governance – establishing the right governance structure to oversee the use of AI.
The project leader added that the last aspect was stakeholder engagement; engaging stakeholders, including users, with sincerity and transparency on the part of both the government and users.
According to him, this means no cutting of corners, fairness and paying the right price.
“By focusing on these areas, we can leverage AI to improve what we have in the energy space.
“There is a need for effective governance, and as previous speakers have mentioned, responsibility lies with the government to ensure security.
“The government has the resources and capacity to deliver, but it requires sincerity and a genuine commitment to do so,” he said.
Olugbenga noted that there were instances where the government had succeeded in delivering and also cases where it had fallen short, saying that if the government was truly committed to its purpose, it would deliver.
Also speaking in the panel discussion, the Founder, Digital Encode, Dr Adewale Obadare, emphasised the importance of research institutions, local content, and collaboration to leverage AI effectively.
Obadare, who was represented by Mr Oluwakayode Olatunji, the Chief Information Security Officer, Digital Encode, said that tertiary institutions being more focused research institutes, had access to valuable data.
Obadare noted that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the data came from hospitals and research centres, therefore highlighting the importance of the public sector and local content.
He said to achieve success, there was need to support the sector by partnering with experts to ensure leveraging their content effectively.
He also reiterated the need to be research-oriented, focused on local content and synergising to achieve more.
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