- Sowore urged Nigeria to embrace the AI revolution
- He blamed poor leadership for missed opportunities
- He called for more investment in technology
The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has urged Nigeria to take full advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, warning that the country risks falling further behind if it fails to embrace emerging technologies driving global economic growth.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterised by the integration of digital, biological and physical technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, biotechnology, quantum computing and other advanced innovations that are transforming industries across the world.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, Sowore said Nigeria had already missed the opportunities created by the first three industrial revolutions, leaving the country heavily dependent on technologies developed elsewhere.
The former presidential candidate, who has consistently advocated reforms in governance, education, science and technology, said the current technological shift presents another opportunity for Nigeria to reposition its economy and compete globally.
According to him, each industrial revolution has reshaped human civilisation in different ways, from the mechanisation powered by steam and water during the first revolution, to electricity-driven mass production in the second, and digital automation in the third.
He noted that the ongoing revolution is now being driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain technology, biotechnology, quantum computing and cyber-physical systems, which are redefining how people live, work and conduct business.
Sowore attributed Nigeria’s poor participation in previous industrial revolutions to years of ineffective leadership, weak governance and insufficient investment in education, research, innovation and technological development.
He argued that these shortcomings prevented the country from becoming a producer of modern technologies, leaving it instead as a consumer of innovations created by other nations.
The activist stressed that Nigeria must avoid repeating those mistakes by placing greater emphasis on science, technology, innovation and the development of skilled human capital.
He maintained that the country needs visionary leadership capable of replacing corruption, incompetence and outdated political practices with policies that promote innovation and technological advancement.
Sowore added that embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution is no longer optional but essential if Nigeria hopes to secure long-term economic growth and remain competitive in the rapidly evolving global economy.
He concluded by warning that the country’s future depends on its willingness to fully participate in the ongoing technological transformation rather than allowing another historic opportunity to pass by.
