The federal government has declared that 1,000 young people will be empowered in each state to participate in various livestock value projects aided by technological advancements.
According to the government, it has decided to use the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), among other technologies, to address issues related to Nigeria’s cattle value chain.
Alhaji Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, revealed this during the closing ceremony of the four-day Hack4Livestock Hackathon competition, which took place at the Galaxy Backbone Building in Abuja.
The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics organised the event in conjunction with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Ministry of Livestock Development.
The Minister was represented by his Special Adviser, Eustace Iyayi. He said the initiative aimed to leverage digital platforms to drive growth and development in the sector.
According to him, the ministry has developed the Nigerian Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy to drive growth and development in the sector.
“I want to say on behalf of the minister that currently we plan to capacitate 1,000 youths per state, including diversity across the country, in different values in the livestock sector.
Dr Tijani, represented by the National Director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, said the winners would present their ideas at a conference in July at the University of Florida, providing invaluable international exposure.
He said the three top winners would also receive incubation, funding, and intellectual property protection through the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).
He said they would get a special-purpose vehicle from NITDA, responsible for managing and handling startups.
“Beyond the financial benefits, the immediate impact for the first winners is to present their ideas at a conference at the University of Florida in July, providing invaluable international exposure.
“A comprehensive support system awaits the three top winners.
“They will receive incubation, funding, and intellectual property protection through the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), a special purpose vehicle of NITDA responsible for managing and handling startups.
The Minister lauded the remarkable ingenuity of Nigerian innovators, highlighting an exhibition of diverse solutions that demonstrated their significant capabilities.
He further stated that ONDI will offer comprehensive support to promising ventures, encompassing incubation, capacity building, funding, and Intellectual Property (IP) protection, thereby ensuring their success.
Source: The Nation
Image Credit: Voice of Nigeria
