Uba Sani: Kaduna committed to using AI to drive growth, improve governance

Uba Sani, Kaduna governor, says his administration is committed to harnessing the power of digital technology to drive economic growth and improve governance in the state. 

Sani spoke on Tuesday at the third artificial intelligence and robotic summit in Kaduna.

The governor said with the rapid advancement of technology in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics, his administration does not want residents to be left behind.

Represented by Hadiza Balarabe, his deputy, Sani said Kaduna is exploring digital technology in different sectors to drive development in the state.

“This is the very reason why we find the theme of this summit ‘Harnessing AI and Robotics for National Prosperity’ as aptly-timed,” he said.

“The theme underscores our commitment to exploring the full potential of artificial intelligence and robotics to drive economic growth, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of life for our citizens.”

The governor said Kaduna has launched initiatives to foster innovation and technological advancement within the state which includes the establishment of the Kaduna technology city and the Kaduna state digital strategy implementation.

He added that Kaduna is also investing in fibre optics infrastructure, and data centres from projects and programs.

“We are partnering with global tech giants such as Google and Huawei to advance our technological capabilities,” he said.

“Through the partnership with Google, for instance, we are providing AI skills specifically targeted at empowering 5000 women in the state.

“We are proud to support the burgeoning youth-run private innovation hubs springing up all around the state.

“These hubs serve as vibrant ecosystems for creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive.

“In Kaduna, we are actively exploring the application of these technologies in sectors such as security, agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing, to drive sustainable development and inclusive growth across our state.”

Also speaking, Mubammad Aliyu, president of the Nigeria Computer Society, thanked Sani for hosting the summit.

Sirajor noted that by harnessing AI and robotics, the government can unlock new avenues for economic growth, enhance efficiency, and improve the quality of life for all citizens.

He explained that the government must prioritize the development of indigenous capabilities in AI and robotics engineering.

He said by nurturing local talents and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, “we can cultivate a vibrant ecosystem conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship in these critical domains”.