By Eunice Orike
Abuja Municipal Area Council AMAC, has begun moves to train 10,000 young people in artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital skills, seeking a strategic partnership with the Chinese Embassy to drive innovation, job creation and technology development.
The initiative, which forms part of the council’s youth empowerment agenda, was unveiled during a visit by an AMAC delegation to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja on Thursday.
Leading the delegation on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, the Vice Chairman, Yusuf Muhammad Nadabo, said the council is proposing the establishment of an AMAC–China Artificial Intelligence Training and Innovation Centre to equip young people with skills required in today’s digital economy.
According to him, the proposed centre will serve as the hub for the AMAC 10K Youth AI Training and Empowerment Programme, which aims to train 10,000 youths in artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development, cybersecurity, robotics, data analytics and other emerging technologies.
Nadabo said the initiative is part of the council’s broader plan to prepare young people for future jobs while promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth within the area council.
“The future belongs to digitally skilled societies. Through strategic partnerships with global development partners such as the People’s Republic of China, we are determined to position AMAC as a hub for innovation while creating opportunities that will empower our youths, stimulate entrepreneurship and strengthen the local economy,” he said.
He commended the Chinese government for its contributions to Nigeria’s development in infrastructure, education, transportation, renewable energy, smart city projects and technological innovation, expressing optimism that the proposed partnership would further accelerate development in AMAC.
Responding on behalf of the Chinese Ambassador, the Minister Counsellor at the Embassy, Mr. Wang Yingi, welcomed the proposal and commended AMAC for focusing on innovation and youth development.
He assured the delegation that the embassy would study the proposals with a view to identifying practical areas of collaboration that would benefit residents of the area council.
Also speaking, Consultant on Development Partners and ICT to AMAC, Ambassador Mina Horsfall, said the Maikalangu administration remains committed to leveraging technology and strategic international partnerships to improve livelihoods.
She noted that investment in digital innovation and emerging technologies would create employment opportunities, reduce youth unemployment and support sustainable economic development in the council.
