By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government has approved a 50% increase in tariffs for telecommunication companies, according to Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Speaking at the inaugural Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) summit in Ibadan, Tijani stated that the tariff adjustment is critical to sustaining the telecoms industry, facilitating infrastructure investments, and enhancing connectivity.
Themed “The Rain of Transformation is upon us: CEOs Arise,” the summit brought together stakeholders in technology and innovation. Addressing the audience, Tijani urged Nigerian youth to take the lead in technological advancements, assuring them that the government is committed to providing the foundational infrastructure necessary for innovation.
“The biggest challenge for governments is individuals,” Tijani remarked. “While we invest in infrastructure to drive technological progress, we need innovators and entrepreneurs to build the technologies that will transform our nation.”
Tijani lauded Dr. Olusola Ayoola, founder of RAIN, for his pioneering contributions to Nigeria’s ICT sector and for positioning Ibadan as a hub for technological innovation. “Governments cannot achieve the progress we envision alone. What they can do is lay the groundwork for that progress,” he added.
Focus on Robotics and AI to Shape Nigeria’s Future
Highlighting the transformative potential of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), Tijani noted that these technologies would be pivotal in driving productivity and innovation across sectors. He reaffirmed the government’s support for initiatives that enable technological growth, emphasizing that Nigeria’s youth are key to the nation’s future prosperity.
Chief Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, called for increased capacity-building in technology to tackle youth unemployment. “By fostering opportunities in the tech sector, we can empower young people and reduce unemployment rates,” Oseni said.
Former First Bank CEO Dr. Adesola Adeduntan highlighted the impact of robotics and AI on business operations, noting how they enhance decision-making, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Oyo State and Local Talent Development
Mr. Bayo Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on ICT and e-Governance, detailed the state’s strides in technology, including investments in robotics and AI hubs to support education. Meanwhile, Dr. Olusola Ayoola underscored the importance of developing local talent, advocating for policies to ease access to AI and robotics education.
“We have the capacity to drive technological growth and prosperity,” Ayoola said, calling for a collaborative effort to harness Nigeria’s potential in these fields.
The event concluded with awards of excellence presented to Dr. Bosun Tijani and Justice Ruqayat Ayoola, mother of RAIN’s CEO, in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s technological advancement.
