Atayero Urges Oyebanji to Leverage AI for Economic Growth, Sponsors 100 Residents for Training.

Atayero Urges Oyebanji to Leverage AI for Economic Growth, Sponsors 100 Residents for Training.

The Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, His Royal Highness, M’oba Olusegun Aderemi, has called on the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic tool for economic transformation in the state.

The traditional ruler made the call on Wednesday during the closing ceremony of a free, three-day AI training programme sponsored by him for over 100 residents of Aramoko at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Centre located at Glory Model Schools, Aramoko-Ekiti.

Speaking with journalists at the event, Aderemi, who also doubles as the Nigerian Regional President of the Occupational Safety and Health Association, said the state must move in tandem with global trends, stressing that AI holds the key to unlocking numerous economic potentials in Ekiti.

“Artificial Intelligence is the new goldmine. It can increase revenue, boost productivity, and improve governance if fully harnessed. I urge Governor Oyebanji to integrate AI into the state’s developmental blueprint,” he said.

According to him, the youth cannot afford to remain ignorant of the emerging wave of digital innovation. “Any youth who doesn't understand AI is already behind. The usefulness of AI is endless; it is the path to financial independence and economic empowerment,” the monarch said.

Aderemi, in a surprising twist, also linked recent killings in Benue State to a lack of proactive intelligence. He argued that such attacks could be mitigated through the deployment of AI-powered surveillance technologies like drones.

“I attribute the Benue massacre to low intelligence. With full intelligence powered by AI, potential threats can be identified and neutralised before they escalate. We only react after attacks, and that has to change,” he declared.

The event, which attracted a number of dignitaries, also witnessed the presentation of certificates to outstanding participants. The training covered areas such as cybersecurity, digital marketing, machine learning, and prompt engineering.

Mr. Adefisoye Adesola Diligent, President of the Nigerian Entrepreneurship Youth Initiative and lead trainer at the programme, said the goal was to equip Aramoko youths with globally relevant digital skills.

“They have been taught how to control AI through prompt engineering, how to protect themselves online, and how to market their businesses globally using digital tools,” he explained.

Some of the participants who spoke to newsmen expressed gratitude to the monarch and organisers for the rare opportunity.

Joseph Fajuyigbe described the programme as “life-changing,” noting that he now feels more confident navigating the tech space, while Esther Olaniyi said the training was an eye-opener and that the certificate earned would give her an edge in the job market.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were dignitaries including Mr. Ayodele Adeyanju, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Digital Economy; Mr. Ayodele Akande, Technical Assistant on Digital Communication to the Governor; Mr. Bamidele Jegede, State Director of Admin and Supplies; and Mr. Ogunbiyi Ahmed, a digital marketing facilitator.

Other guests included Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Professor Mojisola Oyaregua, former Provost of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti; Pastor Gabriel Olaniyan, Proprietor of Glory Model Schools; Pastor Fatuade; Prophet James Omitade; Mrs. Olubunmi Laniyan; Mrs. Mercy Adebayo; and Prince Pedro Adebayo.

Outstanding among the participants.

They all commended M’oba Aderemi for his steadfast commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

The Atayero used the occasion to appeal to indigenes of Aramoko both home and abroad to contribute meaningfully to the town’s progress. “Development is not the duty of government alone. We all have a role to play,” he said.

Below are the pictures of the event:

The participants which cut across Ekiti and Osun States.

Outstanding among the participants.