Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the adoption of technology-driven strategies to combat terrorism, cybercrime, and border security challenges facing Nigeria and the entire African continent.
Shettima said while Africa and Nigeria were currently navigating some of the most troubling times in areas such as security and economy, the challenges required innovative solutions.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja, when he received in audience members of Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 from the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Shettima acknowledged the current security and economic challenges in Nigeria.
He said, “Africa and Nigeria are currently navigating some of the most troubling times, especially in the security and economic arenas.
“The challenges we face require innovative solutions, and AI presents a vista of opportunities to address issues in agriculture, healthcare, financial inclusion, and security.”
Referencing Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous words, the vice president urged resilience, saying, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Shettima highlighted the successful implementation of security measures by the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, stating, “He has effectively curbed the excesses of those exploiting our security vacuum to cause havoc. This is a testament to what can be achieved with the right strategies.”
Shettima also spotlighted Nigeria’s youthful population, with an average age of 16.9 years, as a significant asset.
He stated that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) presented significant opportunities for improvement in critical sectors of the economy.
“Africa is the youngest continent, and our tech-savvy youth are essential in bridging the skill gaps needed to tackle these challenges. Where there is a will, there is always a way,” he affirmed.
The vice president pointed to successful Nigerian unicorns, such as Moniepoint, Interswitch, Flutterwave, and OPay, saying, “Despite our infrastructural deficits, these companies demonstrate that with innovation and determination, we can achieve remarkable success.”
Shettima challenged leaders and participants to remain optimistic and proactive.
He said, “Let the challenges we face inspire us to put in our best efforts. Our youth hold the key to AI-driven progress in agriculture, health, and finance. Together, we can overcome the obstacles and build a prosperous future for Nigeria and Africa.”
The vice president said, “AI can help us combat emerging threats like terrorism and cybercrime, while also enhancing border security. By leveraging technology, we can replicate African success stories and apply them domestically.”
Earlier in his speech, Commandant Joseph Odama of NISS lauded the success of Executive Intelligence Management Course 17, which commenced in February 2024 with 91 participants from the Nigerian military, paramilitary, federal and state ministries, and five African countries, including Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Rwanda, and The Gambia.
“The theme of this year’s course, ‘Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects,’ has fostered rigorous academic discussion, strategic thinking, and innovative problem-solving,” Odama said.
According to him, “Since its inception, NISS has graduated 961 participants, significantly enhancing national security strategies and international cooperation.”
Deji Elumoye
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