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Tech and Innovation Is Key to Nigeria’s Economic Resilience – Akwa Ibom Experts

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In Akwa Ibom State, a collective of innovators known as the Ibom Innovative Network (IIN) has highlighted technology and rapid innovation as crucial solutions to Nigeria’s current economic and environmental challenges.

During a recent press conference in Uyo, Amanda Etuk, the group’s chair, emphasized that despite the severe difficulties businesses face in Nigeria’s current operational environment, technology, research, and industry hold the key to not only surviving but thriving.

Etuk asserted, “Technology, startup enterprises, and swift innovation are essential for Nigeria to overcome the economic downturn it is experiencing.

Akwa Ibom State’s tech landscape is on the verge of transforming from an emerging ecosystem into a dynamic and resilient powerhouse, positioning itself as Africa’s new technology hub.”

The difficult business environment in the country and region has made survival increasingly challenging. Nevertheless, the Ibom Innovation Network has managed to achieve notable success through initiatives like Akwa Ibom Tech Week and other ecosystem-wide programs.

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These efforts demonstrate the potential for technology and innovation to drive positive change even amid economic adversity.

Hanson Johnson, the president of IIN, underscored Akwa Ibom’s emergence as a significant tech centre, with its developer ecosystem expanding at an impressive rate of 29.7% month-on-month since March 2023.

This growth rate is competitive with that of Lagos, highlighting Akwa Ibom’s growing influence in the tech sector.

Johnson advocated for increased government support, calling for investments in infrastructure, education, and research.

He also recommended the introduction of tax incentives, grants, and supportive regulatory frameworks to foster a robust innovation ecosystem in the state and attract further investment.

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Additionally, Johnson urged innovators to concentrate on sustainable solutions, diversify their revenue streams, and actively engage in networking and knowledge-sharing within the community.

He emphasized that such strategies are vital for building resilience and ensuring long-term success.

Innovators should prioritize sustainable practices, diversify their income sources, and remain agile.

Building strong networks and sharing knowledge within the community is crucial for fostering resilience and driving innovation,” Johnson concluded.


 

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AI Nigeria Sets Lagos 2025 for InnovateAI’s Second Edition

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AI in Nigeria announces that the InnovateAI will be held in Lagos 2025, this will be the second edition of the event. The innovation will be themed “Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria: Catalysing Cross-Sectoral Innovation and Fostering Inclusive Growth’. The event will be held on 21st of February , 2025.

The Co-convener, Doyun Adeoye, commented on the convention “InnovateAI Lagos 2024 was a stepping stone. For 2025, we are taking it further – examining how AI can drive inclusive growth, solve economic challenges, and catalyse innovation across Nigeria.”

He also stated that convention will likely attract over 6000 people to participate in Lagos as well as the live streaming. The convention will serve as platform for movement to shape the future of Nigeria through technology.


 

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The Rise of AI in Everyday Life: A Blessing or a Curse?

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, often in ways we barely notice.

From the convenience of virtual assistants managing our schedules to the personalized recommendations on our favorite streaming platforms, AI’s presence is both pervasive and transformative.

But as we embrace this technological marvel, it’s imperative to reflect on whether AI serves as a blessing or harbors pitfalls in disguise.

The Blessings of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI’s contributions to enhancing our lives are manifold. It streamlines our tasks, making it easy for us to focus on more meaningful endeavors.

For instance, AI-powered personal assistants can manage our calendars, set reminders, and even control smart home devices, which creates a more efficient living environment.

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In healthcare, AI aids in diagnosing diseases with remarkable accuracy, leading to early interventions and better patient outcomes.

Educational platforms leverage AI to offer personalized learning experiences, catering to individual student needs and fostering a more effective educational journey.

The Ethical Predicament

However, the rapid use of AI is not without ethical dilemmas. One pressing concern is the potential case of privacy.

AI systems often require vast amounts of personal data to function optimally, this raises questions about data security and consent.

The collection and analysis of such data can lead to unauthorized surveillance, inadvertently infringing on individual privacy rights.

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Moreover, the opacity of some AI algorithms, the so-called “black box” phenomenon; means that even their creators may not fully understand how decisions are made. This can lead to a lack of accountability.

Another significant issue is the perpetuation of biases. AI systems learn from existing data, which may contain historical prejudices.

Without proper oversight, AI can reinforce and even worsen these biases, leading to unfair treatment in areas like hiring, law enforcement, and lending.

For example, if an AI system is trained on data that reflects societal biases, it may make decisions that disadvantage certain groups, thereby causing inequality.

The Nigerian Perspective

In Nigeria, AI holds the promise of creating a change in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, finance, etc.

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Farmers can utilize AI-driven tools to predict crop yields and optimize resource allocation, wich will help enhance food security.

In healthcare, AI can assist in diagnosing diseases common in the region, and improve the healthcare of patients.

However, the challenges are wide. The potential for job displacement in a country with a high unemployment rate is a legitimate concern.

Additionally, the lack of robust data protection laws worsens privacy issues, leaving citizens vulnerable to data exploitation.

However, the opinion of AI as a blessing or a curse depends on our approach to its development and deployment.

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Acknowledging AI’s benefits and avoiding its risks requires a strong effort from policymakers, technologists, and society at large.

Establishing clear ethical guidelines, ensuring transparency in AI systems, and enacting robust data protection regulations are crucial steps toward making the best use of the potentials of Artificial Intelligence.


 

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Price Rumored to Be Higher Than S24 Ultra

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra may cost way more than the S24 Ultra according to a report from China. The Samsung manufacturers will focus on the profit margins and suggest that a price hike might occur in the market and a fierce competition in China will keep the prices stable.

However this news is still not confirmed and no one knows Samsung plans and the price of the new S25 Ultra. The Model is expected to be launched in January 2025


 

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