Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-21 01:47:33
Special Adviser to Kwara State Governor on Legal Matters, Sambo Muritala, recently emphasized the importance of empowering women with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address food security and poverty alleviation. He highlighted the potential benefits of AI in supporting small-scale farmers, eradicating poverty, enhancing rural development, and improving food security. Muritala shared his insights as a lead discussant at the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) held virtually at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, organized by Renew Our Earth and the Human Rights and Rule of Law Committee of the African Bar Association.
The theme of the summit was ‘Empowering Women to Use the Potential of Artificial Intelligence for Achieving Food Security and Poverty Alleviation.’ Muritala commended the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration in Kwara State for prioritizing food security through the implementation of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative with the Chinese and French governments to ensure economic sustainability in the state. He highlighted the active involvement of women in the state’s affairs, noting that 50% of the state cabinet members are women, surpassing the national gender policy of 35% Affirmative Action.
Recognizing the unique skills that women bring to the table, Muritala pointed out that women have been appointed to key positions such as commissioners of agriculture, finance, education, and human capital development in the state cabinet. He emphasized the importance of providing support for women and young adult enterprises to thrive and be profitable, including knowledge sharing, skill transfer, equipment, and capacity building to leverage Internet of Things (IoT) and AI-driven technologies in the agriculture sector.
Muritala expressed gratitude to the United Nations for addressing the critical issue of hunger and poverty through the summit and acknowledged Dr. Ugoji Adanma Eze, President of Renew Our Earth, for giving the event a human-centric focus. He emphasized the importance of leveraging AI to empower women and achieve sustainable development goals in Kwara State and beyond.
In conclusion, Muritala’s remarks underscore the significance of harnessing the potential of AI to empower women, enhance food security, and alleviate poverty. By prioritizing gender equality and women’s participation in decision-making processes, Kwara State is setting a positive example for other regions to follow. Through collaborative partnerships and a commitment to innovation, there is great potential to create positive change and improve the lives of communities.
