EKO NEWS

Tech Leaders Praise Senator Abiru’s Vision As SAIL Innovation Lab Graduates Earn Positions At AI Firm

Published

12 months ago

Nov 23, 2023.

Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, co-founders of Awari AI, and SAIL students

By Babawale Solomon

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, the lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has earned commendation from the Minister of Communications, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Lagos State Commissioner for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Hon. Tunbosun Alake, and other tech leaders in the country.

The commendations come after more than 100 individuals, having completed Tech Talent and Data Science training at the SAIL Innovation Lab, secured rewarding artificial intelligence positions with Awari AI.

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This rapidly expanding AI/Robotics firm is said to be at the forefront of fostering frontier technology in Africa, commencing from Nigeria.

Selecting the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu as a launchpad for expansion across Nigeria and Africa, Awari AI is collaborating with the lab for ongoing talent acquisition in the burgeoning multi-billion dollar AI industry, poised to revolutionize various aspects of life in the coming years.

Senator Abiru, co-founder of SAIL Innovation Lab, emphasized in his remarks that the partnership launch with Awari AI marks the initiation of a transformative journey for Ikorodu and the entire Lagos East Senatorial District.

“The Awarri AI project, which we launch today, stands as a testament to our resolute commitment to embracing technology and innovation. It heralds a new era where industries will be redefined, jobs will be created, and our youth will be empowered,” he said.
“Throughout the annals of history, humanity has been witness to extraordinary revolutions. From the advent of steam power to the electrifying dawn of electricity, and from the proliferation of computers to the connected world of the internet. Each era brought profound transformations to our lives.

“Today, we stand on the precipice of the 4th Industrial Revolution, a realm characterized by artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, biotechnology, and automation. This revolution promises unprecedented opportunities for Nigeria and Africa, and it is incumbent upon us to seize this moment.”

Expressing his passion for technology and digital skills, Senator Abiru revealed that his enthusiasm was due to the vast job opportunities and potential economic growth in the sector.

Reflecting on the SAIL Innovation Lab project launched in 2022 with five pilot programmes, he highlighted the positive impact, reaching over 150 in-class participants and benefiting 1,200 online trainees.

“Today, the SAIL Innovation Lab has left an indelible mark on the lives of over 4,173 participants through a diverse array of programmes, including Tech Talent Development, STEM initiatives tailored for Senior Secondary School Students, Lagos East Teachers Fellowship, Start-Up Accelerator, and Data Science for Society,” the lawmaker said.

“These programmes have now evolved to offer job prospects through our esteemed partner organizations. Awarri AI has taken the lead by employing nearly 100 of our graduates and pledging to continue its role as a platform for future outstanding participants seeking employment.

“In an era where digital skills have become an essential currency, the SAIL Innovation Lab serves as a bridge, closing the digital divide. Our vision is to provide free training to young individuals in high-demand tech skills and work collaboratively with our partners to secure them decent job placements.”

Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru and one of the co-founders of Awari AI

On their part, Awari AI’s co-founders, Mr. Silas Adekunle and Ms. Eniola Edun, emphasized that embracing artificial intelligence is crucial for Nigeria to harness opportunities in the current digital and innovation age.

Likewise, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy acknowledged the swift achievements of the SAIL Innovation Lab, achieving its goals within seven months since its commissioning as a state-of-the-art innovation hub.

“We set out to open up the minds of young people to opportunities that are available globally, and these opportunities are no longer the preserve of the developed world. We live at a time when technology now connects each and everyone of us strongly. The technologies have given us the opportunities to overcome barriers and be part of the global economy,” Tijani said.

According to him, “We (Nigerians) have not been able to participate fully and harness the benefits of Artificial Intelligence due to its foreign origin.

“For the first time in the history of Nigeria and anywhere in Nigeria, Awari AI has decided to start a company that will focus on building that knowledge so that computers will also think like us. For the first time in Nigeria, hundreds of people are being hired from the SAIL Innovation Lab,” the minister said.

Similarly, the Lagos Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology disclosed that the state government will be partnering on the project.

Alake thanked Senator Abiru for driving the initiative.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion included a Former deputy governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, HRM Oba Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Engr Bashir Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba (Barrister) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, The Adegboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba David Raji, The Eweye of Isiu, Prince Amid Oduborisha, President Oriwu Club.