Onigbinde: We cannot be bystanders to AI driven industrial revolution

The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland has been abuzz with discussions on the global economic landscape, with a particular focus on the implications of Trump 2.0 and the role of Africa in the international arena. Against this backdrop, Seun Onigbinde, Director at Budgit U.S, shared his insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI-driven industrial revolution. Onigbinde highlighted the contentious stance taken by the Trump administration, emphasizing its withdrawal from international organizations such as the World Health Organization and its inclination towards protectionist policies. He noted the importance of maintaining alliances and upholding international norms in the face of such shifts, underscoring the significance of collaboration in the intelligent age. Bringing the discussion closer to home, Onigbinde emphasized the role of Nigeria in positioning itself within the intelligent age. He stressed the necessity of investing in people and rebuilding trust, particularly in the context of preparing the workforce for the transformative impact of artificial intelligence. The advent of AI, according to Onigbinde, will permeate all industries and redefine the way in which various sectors operate and interact. In order to navigate this impending industrial revolution, Onigbinde outlined several key imperatives for Nigeria. Firstly, he underscored the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce equipped with expertise in areas such as engineering, AI technologies, and generative AI. Secondly, he emphasized the need for robust education systems tailored to the demands of the AI landscape. Thirdly, he advocated for the implementation of progressive regulatory frameworks that foster innovation and create an enabling environment for AI-driven advancements to flourish. As AI continues to shape the global economic landscape, the imperative for countries like Nigeria is clear - to actively engage with and embrace the opportunities presented by the intelligent age. By leveraging the potential of AI to enhance productivity and drive innovation across various sectors, Nigeria can position itself as a key player in the evolving industrial landscape.