Nigeria must embrace AI, tech revolution or be left behind — Sowore

Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, has issued a stark warning to Nigeria: embrace the ongoing technological revolution or risk being further marginalized globally. Sowore emphasized that the nation cannot afford to miss out on the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is characterized by the convergence of digital, biological, and physical technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced robotics.

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The world has undergone four distinct industrial revolutions that have transformed economies, societies, and the way human beings live and work. The First Industrial Revolution introduced mechanisation powered by water and steam. The Second ushered in mass production driven by electricity. The Third brought automation through digital technology. Today, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is redefining the future through artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, biotechnology, quantum computing, and cyber-physical systems

Sowore pointed to Nigeria's history, stating that the country's inability to capitalize on the first three industrial revolutions has resulted in a persistent technological dependence on foreign innovations. He argued that decades of poor leadership, weak governance, and insufficient investment in education, science, and technology have prevented Nigeria from developing its own technological capabilities.

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Nigeria missed the opportunities presented by the first three industrial revolutions, largely due to decades of poor leadership, poor governance, and a failure to invest in innovation, education, and technological development.

"Nigeria missed the opportunities presented by the first three industrial revolutions, largely due to decades of poor leadership, poor governance, and a failure to invest in innovation, education, and technological development," Sowore stated. He added that this has led to the nation remaining a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere rather than a creator.

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As a result, our nation has remained largely dependent on consuming technologies developed elsewhere instead of creating them

As the world navigates the current wave of transformation driven by AI, blockchain, and quantum computing, Sowore stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to prioritize science, technology, and innovation. He believes this focus is critical for repositioning the nation's economy and accelerating its development, urging the country to avoid repeating past mistakes.

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We cannot afford to repeat that mistake. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the greatest technological transformation in