Artificial Intelligence has Become the next Technology that Everyone Should Embrace Said by Dr. Kayode Femi. By CHiNONYEREM IGWE, Abuja
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to speculative horizons; it has firmly established itself as a present-day instrument with the capacity to reshape lives, strengthen businesses and accelerate national—and even continental—growth, according to the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 7AI Technologies, Dr. Kayode Femi. He further disclosed that he authored an entire book within a single week using Artificial Intelligence, guided by his own audio voice.
Dr. Femi made the revelation during the 7AI Abuja Conference held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, where hundreds of participants representing diverse sectors convened to examine the expanding role of AI in Africa’s development and the future of work.
In his opening address, Dr. Femi explained that the book—titled “African Intelligence Amplified: Trust, Tools and Transformation – A Step-by-Step Guide for Every African Ready to Use AI”—shows how AI, when applied responsibly, can materially enhance productivity.
He emphasised that AI should not be viewed as a substitute for human intelligence. Rather, it is a powerful ally that enables individuals and organisations to resolve problems more efficiently, develop innovative solutions and unlock fresh economic prospects.
A veterinary surgeon, AgriTech innovator and Ashoka Fellow, Dr. Femi said his professional trajectory is anchored on a steadfast belief that Africa’s most pressing challenges are solvable through innovation. As founder of Farm Alert Limited, West Africa’s largest veterinary distribution network operating across five countries, and the founder of 7AI Technologies, he noted that he has spent nearly two decades building practical systems designed to improve the everyday realities of ordinary Nigerians.
The conference began with participant registration and an exhibition tour showcasing AI-driven solutions, before the formal opening ceremony. The event featured an opening address by Dr. Femi, followed by keynote presentations by Engr. Victory Muyiwa Ajabiowe, Founder and CEO of Arctic Control Limited, and Ikeh Titus Adakole, CEO of Open Space Financial Services.
A major highlight of the programme was a sequence of panel discussions extending from afternoon into evening, during which specialists from varied professional backgrounds deliberated on how AI is transforming sectors including education, agriculture, finance, entrepreneurship and public service. The panels examined themes such as responsible AI adoption, digital innovation, ethical considerations and strategic pathways for preparing Nigerians to thrive in an AI-enabled economy.
Dr. Femi also delivered a special presentation titled “African Intelligence Amplified – A Vision for Africa’s Future,” urging governments, businesses and educational institutions to prioritise AI literacy and digital skills development in order to position Africa as a genuine global technology powerhouse.
The event concluded with a closing ceremony, a vote of thanks, and an extensive networking session. Delegates used the opportunity to engage with speakers, industry leaders and fellow participants, while exploring collaboration prospects.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the conference, Hon. Ginika Florence Tor commended Dr. Femi for advancing AI education and awareness across Nigeria. According to her, Artificial Intelligence has become an unavoidable reality that every Nigerian must embrace.
“This is the time to work with the future because AI has come to stay,” she said.
She urged the Federal Government to embed Artificial Intelligence into Nigeria’s educational curriculum so that children could develop digital competence from an early age. Hon. Tor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Smart Schools initiative being implemented across local government areas, describing it as a strategic investment capable of narrowing the digital divide and equipping Nigerian children for the global knowledge economy.
She further challenged Nigerian youths to move beyond low-income employment and instead acquire AI skills that can support sustainable careers, enable entrepreneurship and create durable wealth.
Conference participants also applauded the organisers for delivering a practical and impactful learning experience. Many delegates indicated that they were departing Abuja with renewed resolve to continue developing AI competencies and applying the technology responsibly to generate meaningful social and economic value within their communities.
Another key attraction was the official launch of Dr. Femi’s new book, “African Intelligence Amplified: Trust, Tools and Transformation – A Step-by-Step Guide for Every African Ready to Use AI.” The author noted that the publication itself stands as tangible proof of AI’s ability to accelerate content creation while preserving the creator’s originality through voice-enabled technology.
Participants were also provided with details of the 7AI Academy, described as one of Nigeria’s most practical AI learning platforms. The academy offers fully virtual, certificate-bearing courses tailored to business owners, professionals, students, civil servants and entrepreneurs seeking to improve productivity, increase earning capacity and build scalable businesses using Artificial Intelligence. Organisers announced an exclusive 50 per cent tuition discount on all academy courses for conference participants.
The conference attracted a wide array of distinguished personalities, including Her Royal Majesty AIG Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Baju; Hon. Ginika Florence Tor; Ikeh Titus Adakole; Engr. Victory Muyiwa Ajabiowe; Taslim Salaudeen; Dr. Paul Alaje; Dr. Steve Olusegun Ogidan, mni; Jeremiah Shika; Tajani Bulama; Lola Adey; Jephthah Odei; Maimuna Ummi Abdullahi; Dr. Benjamin Wayo, alongside many other leaders drawn from government, business, technology and academia.
The conference closed with a resounding message: Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming indispensable to Africa’s development. Equipping citizens with practical, real-world AI skills, organisers noted, will be crucial to driving innovation, enhancing productivity and cultivating sustainable economic opportunities across the continent.
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