The Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has partnered with Meta to launch the Llama Impact Accelerator, promoting impactful AI development in Nigeria.

The Minister, Dr Bosun Tijani, confirmed this in a statement released on Tuesday by Ms Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa at Meta.

Tijani described the partnership as a significant step in Nigeria’s mission to nurture a thriving AI ecosystem and drive national development through innovation.

He said the government views AI as a key tool for addressing national challenges. The programme will equip innovators with vital tools and expert guidance.

“This initiative forms part of Meta’s broader effort to democratise responsible AI and foster local innovation across Nigeria’s growing technology landscape,” the minister noted.

Tijani added that collaboration with government, academia and civil society will help cultivate a more inclusive, forward-looking AI community in the country.

Dada stated that Meta also partnered with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

She explained that the eight-month programme targets early-stage startups using open-source Llama models to tackle national and regional challenges in four key areas.

The priority sectors include agriculture, security and safety, healthcare, and a ‘wild card’ category for high-impact innovations in any other field.

“The wild card category encourages bold and creative AI applications that could bring substantial impact to underserved sectors,” Dada said.

She added that the programme starts with a six-week incubation phase, offering technical training and mentorship from industry leaders and AI professionals.

This is followed by six months of extended support, including access to further technical resources and relevant opportunities for growth and scaling.

Dada said Meta was thrilled to collaborate with FMCIDE on this initiative, recognising Nigeria’s strong innovation ecosystem and growing pool of AI talent.

She added that Meta aims to empower communities through open-source AI, tailored to address Nigeria’s unique development challenges.

“The accelerator offers local talent the infrastructure, tools and mentorship needed to build responsible solutions using open-source models like Meta’s Llama,” she said. (NAN) 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Tuesday inaugurated an ultra-modern digital ICT park donated by the commission to the University of Ibadan(UI).

NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, in his remarks at the inauguration and handover ceremony in Ibadan, said that the park was an integral part of NCC’s broader agenda to foster innovation.

Maida noted that the park was one out of six NCC flagship digital infrastructure projects, strategically established in selected institutions to strengthen research capacity.

Represented by the NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Mr Abraham Oshadami, Maida noted that the park would also accelerate development of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“In today’s world, technology stands as one of the most powerful drivers of economic and social transformation. For Nigeria’s evolving economy, it represents our greatest opportunity for inclusive growth.

“The ICT Park concept is a manifestation of our vision to cultivate innovation and digital entrepreneurship, while supporting research and development that translates ideas into commercially viable, real-world solutions.

“This is why our ICT Parks—aptly named “One Roof, All Possibilities” are purpose-built as multidisciplinary innovation hubs.

“Each park brings together cutting-edge infrastructure under one roof, including high-capacity computer laboratories, simulation rooms, intelligent networking systems, collaborative workspaces, and multipurpose halls.

“Their establishment aligns directly with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, as well as the Strategic Vision of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani,”he said.

Speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said that the park stood as a testament to NCC’s dedication to bridging digital divide and fostering a knowledge-based economy.

He noted that the world was currently undergoing fourth industrial revolution, driven by digital technologies.

Adebowale further said that nations that would thrive in current revolution remained those that invest strategically in digital infrastructure, nurture digital skills and foster innovations.

“The University of Ibadan, as Nigeria’s premier university, recognises its critical role in preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers equipped to navigate and shape this digital future.

“The NCC Digital ICT Park arrived at a pivotal moment, perfectly aligning with our strategic vision to become a world-class institution for research, innovation, and digital excellence, “he said.

The ICT Park featured a 100-seat main hall, five dedicated ICT hub halls, a 24-seater lounge with eight dual-computer workstations, multiple shared workspaces, and administrative offices.(NAN) 

By David Torough, Abuja

One of the few individuals, who has made a profound impact in the Digital space is Dr. Talle Davidson Amedu, affectionately known as Dr. Talle.

As the CEO of Upportune International, a certified life coach, Amazon published Author, and a blockchain project consultant, Dr.

Talle has emerged as a leading figure in promoting blockchain adoption across Africa. His journey is not just a proof of his expertise but also an inspiration for the younger generation to dream big and pursue their passions.

Dr. Talle holds an MBA in Business Administration from the prestigious Ascencia Business School in Paris. His educational foundation has equipped him with the strategic mindset necessary to navigate the complexities of blockchain technology and its applications in various sectors.

One of Dr. Talle’s significant achievements is his role as the co-founder of Nurika, a gamified fitness app that integrates artificial intelligence and blockchain technology with a Move-to-Earn system.

Launched in December 2023, Nurika aims to promote wellness by incentivizing physical activities among digital nomads in Africa.

In his announcement about the app, Dr. Talle expressed his excitement, saying,

“The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived! We are thrilled to announce that the Nurika app is now live on the App Store for iOS/iPhone users.

“Whether you’re a new user or a “waiting user”, Nurika is now here as your AI-powered wellness companion to reward every step you take.

Get ready to embark on a journey to a healthier, happier you. With Nurika, every step pays!”

In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Dr. Talle is the founder of the Blockchain Elites Hub, a global network of blockchain educators, project managers, and advisors dedicated to promoting blockchain education and adoption in over ten African countries also reaching Africans in diaspora.

His commitment to education is further exemplified by his participation in various high-profile events, including being one of the 70 outstanding young Nigerian leaders invited by the presidency to Aso Rock Presidential Villa for the Youth Civic Engagement Strategy Design in 2015. He also served as a tech expert and moderator for the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit in 2021, representing Nigerian youths and advocating for technological advancement.

Dr. Talle’s influence extends beyond his professional achievements as he’s also a mentor to many aspiring professionals through his books, CSR interventions, mentorship classes and strategic program blocks.

A Blockchain Educator, Ayegorme Dzoboku Mawulolo Heartwill, a certified Blockchain Compliance Specialist and Crypto Forensics Expert, who has been privileged to be under Davidson’s mentorship for years described him as an astute and outstanding leader of great impact.

“It has been 7 years since encountering Talle Davidson Amedu who is fondly called Dr Talle and I must say he is a master of his field in aiding multi-potentials discover and maximize their potentials. He is skilled to lead result oriented teams and a down to earth leader who pays attention to everyone’s opinion to see to it that the corporate objective of the team is achieved”.

“I highly recommend him as I have had the privilege of being under his mentorship over the years and a great beneficiary of his expertise,” ADM Heartwill stated.

Also, a Project Manager, Helen Joshua, said Dr. Talle is a visionary leader worthy of emulation.

“Davidson Amedu is a rare gem, I was privileged to work under him and I must confess that his skills and expertise at what he does is worthy of emulation.

He is a profound Web3 project Analyst and a great leader and I strongly recommend him,” Joshua affirmed.

In addition to his work in blockchain, Dr. Talle is the author of the book “Making ROOM: Unleashing Your Multi-Talent Mastery for Success in Business, Career, and Life.”

Discussing his book, he stated, “Discover the transformative power of multi-talent mastery with ‘Making ROOM.’ This comprehensive book is your ultimate guide to developing and excelling in multiple areas.”

His insights encourage individuals to harness their diverse talents to achieve success in various aspects of life.

Dr. Talle’s journey has proven that with dedication and vision, one can make a significant impact in their field regardless of location. He embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience, inspiring the younger generation to embrace technology and pursue their dreams. He stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring technologists and entrepreneurs across Africa.

In his own words, Dr. Talle summarized his mission: “I am poised to help individuals and organizations maximize their innate potentials for greater impact and income.”

No doubt, Dr. Talle Davidson Amedu is a name to watch out for in the near future as his contributions to the blockchain space and Personal Development space is already paving and will undoubtedly keep paving the way for a new era of growth and opportunity in Africa and beyond in no small measure.