Last to embrace AI is a fool
Nigeria is 1,000 steps closer to becoming AI-ready
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Let’s get into today’s edition:
Nigeria is hoping to overtake global economy with new AI initiative
UN warns that planned protests against economic hardship in Nigeria could be hijacked
Kamala Harris surges ahead in polls after Biden’s bold move
The Big Deal
Nigeria is hoping to overtake global economy with new AI initiative
Your favourite startup founders have been preaching the “AI is the future” gospel for a long time and now, they’ve managed to convince the federal government.
Earlier this month, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced plans to set up research centres for new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain in the six geo-political zones of the country. Now, the FG has decided to take things a notch further.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the launch of the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse, Jigawa. This programme, part of the government’s plan to overtake the global economy, is expected to open at least 1,000 training slots to Nigerians interested in learning about AI, blockchain and other aspects of tech every year.
If Shettima’s words are anything to go by, these local talents will be trained to become globally certified in AI knowledge. However, he kept some key aspects of the initiative (like the beneficiary's selection process and requirements) pretty vague. But as always, The Big Daily will stay curious and keep digging for answers.
Why is this a big deal?
The whole world is in an unspoken “last to embrace AI is a fool” contest because world leaders and tech experts are confident that AI is going to transform global sectors like healthcare, finance, education and even transportation.
Nigeria is technologically late to the party as it isn’t even on the list of top ten African countries that are prepared for AI transformation according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). But better late than never, right?
The government’s latest contribution to AI growth in Nigeria will address the skill gap in Nigeria and set the stage for economic growth and global competitiveness. We also expect to see a boost in job creation in the Nigerian tech scene following these developments.
UN warns that planned protests against economic hardship in Nigeria could be hijacked
It’s 7 days to the proposed #EndBadGovernance protest and the government still hasn’t done anything to address the concerns of the protest leaders. The United Nations' Department of Safety and Security has warned that these protests will likely be hijacked by people with not-so-good motives.
So far, all the President has done is speak through the mouths of other people and clearly, that isn’t what Nigerians want. The National Bureau of Statistics has recently reported that the prices of beans, tomatoes, Irish potatoes, garri, yam, and other food items you’d typically find in Nigerian households rose dramatically last month.
The UN expects a large turnout for the upcoming protests so there’ll likely be disruptions in your daily life. The agency also predicted that clashes between government supporters and opposing groups could occur from late July through mid-August.
Some companies are already sending out work-from-home notices to employers…
Yewande, an HR consultant at a fintech company, told The Big Daily that she has sent out a work-from-home notice to employees to ensure their safety.
“I don’t see the protest being cancelled. We’ve decided to send out the notice to our employees so they’ll be more conscious of what’s happening and what the way forward is. If it gets cancelled, we’ll cancel the work-from-home arrangement too. But for now, we’re preparing for the worst.”
Kamala Harris surges ahead in polls after Biden’s bold move
In a surprising twist, Vice President Kamala Harris has won a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, maintaining a two-point lead over Donald Trump. Last week, Biden was trailing Trump by the same narrow margin.
The fresh poll, taken right after Biden’s exit and Trump’s formal acceptance of the Republican nomination, shows Harris leading 44% to 42%. Just a few weeks ago, Trump was ahead by a few points, but now the tables have turned—at least for now.
But some of Trump’s supporters aren’t fazed because they believe that Harris’s new bump in the polls is likely due to the media hype around her candidacy.
The recent poll also reveals that Harris is seen as more "sharp and ready" by 56% of voters, compared to just 49% for Trump and a modest 22% for Biden. It seems Harris’s fresh energy and focus are resonating with voters, especially among Democrats, where she enjoys a much higher rating compared to Biden.
Harris leading this hypothetical poll could be a good sign for her campaign. And as for picking a running mate, she’s still keeping things mysterious.
This Week’s Big Question
“If you could witness any event in history, what would it be and why?”
Fayo’s response - “Probably another lockdown. I know people will disagree but I feel like experiencing another lockdown just for the plot.”
You can also share your response here and if it’s as interesting as Fayo’s response, we’ll feature it in the next edition.
The Big Picks
Musk Denies Backing Trump Campaign With $45m A Month Donations: Elon Musk has dismissed claims that he is donating $45 million a month to support former US President Donald Trump's campaign.
Gabon President Invites Dangote For Investment Talks: President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon has encouraged Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, to consider investing in Gabon, a country rich in oil resources.
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