Osinbajo challenges Ikenne to become Africa’s AI hub in next 50 years
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo called on the residents of Ikenne in Ogun State to embrace a bold vision aimed at transforming the town into a leading hub for artificial intelligence and technology in Africa. His remarks came during a lecture delivered on Friday at the 50th Ereke Day Anniversary and Community Awards, organized by the Ikenne Development Association (IDA).
Speaking about the future of Ikenne, Osinbajo emphasized that advancements in AI will significantly shape the next 10 to 50 years. He urged the community to dream ambitiously, asserting that substantial changes often begin with daring ideas that may face skepticism initially.
Osinbajo recalled how the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was initially told by colonial authorities that free education was unattainable, yet he successfully implemented it. He also highlighted the success of ValueJet airline, founded by Ikenne native Kunle Soname, noting that if anyone had predicted a decade ago that residents could travel by air from Ikenne to Abuja and return on the same day, it would have been doubted.
According to Osinbajo, Ikenne already boasts one of the highest concentrations of small and medium enterprises per square kilometer, despite lacking a strategic plan. He proposed the development of an “Ikenne 2036 Plan,” which would serve as a 10-year blueprint outlining specific priorities, costs, and measurable yearly targets.
The proposed plan aims to position Ikenne as a center for AI-enabled education and the development of AI tools, complementing the current curriculum. Osinbajo drew parallels with Taiwan, a small island that has become a leader in microchip production, to illustrate that success is determined by vision and determination rather than size.
To facilitate this transformation, Osinbajo recommended establishing a strong STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program, featuring early introduction of AI literacy in primary schools, robotics, and access to AI-powered learning tools and well-equipped laboratories. He referenced a learning center in Maiduguri, where children orphaned by insurgency became proficient in technology and English after five years of targeted support.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of retraining teachers to assist in AI and robotics education and suggested partnerships with Chinese institutions known for their robust AI curricula. He proposed the creation of a campus dedicated to AI and advanced systems, aimed at addressing challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance.
Osinbajo encouraged the residents to pursue ambitious goals, rather than settling for smaller aspirations. In his remarks, Otunba Olufemi Allen, President of the Ikenne Development Association, described the event as historic and expressed gratitude for Osinbajo’s participation, which he said added significant value to the occasion. Allen reiterated the IDA’s commitment to fostering unity and preserving Ikenne’s cultural heritage for future generations, in line with the vision of the organization’s founders.
