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Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for the adoption of technology-driven strategies to combat terrorism, cybercrime, and border security challenges facing Nigeria and the African continent.
Shettima made the call yesterday, when he hosted members of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 from the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The vice president, who acknowledged the current security and economic challenges in the country, said the challenges required innovative solutions.
According to him, Africa and Nigeria are currently navigating some of the most troubling times in areas such as security and economy.
“The challenges we face require innovative solutions, and Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a vista of opportunities to address issues in agriculture, healthcare, financial inclusion, and security,’’ he said.
The vice president spotlighted Nigeria’s youthful population, with an average age of 16.9 years, as a significant asset.
“Africa is the youngest continent, and our tech-savvy youths are essential in bridging the skill gaps needed to tackle these challenges. Where there is a will, there is always a way,” he said.
Shettima pointed to successful Nigerian unicorns such as Moniepoint, Interswitch, Flutterwave, and OPay.
He said: “Despite our infrastructural deficits, these companies demonstrate that with innovation and determination, we can achieve remarkable success.”
Shettima, therefore, challenged leaders and participants to remain optimistic and proactive.
Earlier, Joseph Odama of NISS lauded the success of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 17.
He said the course commenced in February 2024 with 91 participants from Nigeria’s military, paramilitary, federal and state ministries, and five African countries, including Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Rwanda, and the Gambia.
“The theme of this year’s course: ‘Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects’, has fostered rigorous academic discussion, strategic thinking, and innovative problem-solving.
“Since its inception, NISS has graduated 961 participants, significantly enhancing national security strategies and international cooperation,” he said.
