By Bilesanmi Abayomi, Khalid Usman
In a groundbreaking event, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, representing Lagos East Senatorial District took center stage yesterday at the Sail Innovation Lab, providing a glimpse into the transformative strides made by the lab in the tech space.
The highlight of the event was the revelation of AWARRI AI, a pioneering program crafted from scratch by a team of skilled technical experts at Sail Innovation Lab. Co-founders Mr. Silas Adekunle and Ms. Eniola Edun emphasized that AWARRI AI aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution, uniquely attuned to the nation’s rich culture and ways.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, applauded Sail Innovation Lab’s remarkable progress within a mere seven months of its inception. Dr. Tijani expressed the importance of embracing artificial intelligence to tap into global opportunities, breaking the stereotype that such innovations are solely reserved for developed nations.
Notably, Awari AI stands out for its commitment to building a knowledge base that aligns AI with the Nigerian context. This move, according to the minister, marks the first time in Nigeria’s history that a company like Awari AI is actively hiring hundreds of individuals from the Sail Innovation Lab, thereby contributing significantly to job creation.
Hon. Tunbosun Alake, the Commissioner for Science, Innovation, and Technology, revealed that the State Government is set to partner with the AWARRI AI project, extending gratitude to Senator [Senator’s Name] for spearheading this initiative.
Senator Abiru emphasized the far-reaching impacts of this innovation, foreseeing advancements in communication, transportation, and various sectors. Tech experts present at the event echoed these sentiments, predicting AWARRI AI’s potential as a solution provider in agriculture, transportation, and beyond.
In a commendation from Ọba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Senator was praised for his instrumental role, and he urged the Sail Innovation Lab to integrate the AWARRI AI program into university syllabi, recognizing its potential to shape the future of education.
The ripple effects of this innovation are expected to extend beyond technological advancements, as the AWARRI AI program promises to play a pivotal role in reducing unemployment among the youth in Ikorodu Local Government Area.