Osinbajo challenges Ikenne to become Africa’s AI hub in next 50 years

Former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, has urged the people of Ikenne in Ogun State to set a bold vision of transforming the town into a leading hub for Artificial Intelligence and technology in Africa.

Osinbajo gave the charge on Friday in Ikenne while delivering a lecture at the 50th Ereke Day Anniversary, Community Awards and Investiture of 2026 Ambassadors, organized by the Ikenne Development Association, IDA.

Speaking on the future of the historic town, the former Vice President said the next 10 and 50 years will be defined by AI, and Ikenne has what it takes to be at the forefront.

He challenged the community to dream big, noting that great transformations start with bold ideas that many initially doubt.

He recalled how the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was told by colonial authorities that free education was impossible, but he proved them wrong. He also cited ValueJet airline, owned by Ikenne son, Kunle Soname, saying if anyone had predicted 10 years ago that residents could fly from Ikenne axis to Abuja in the morning and return same day, many would have dismissed it.

According to Osinbajo, Ikenne already has one of the highest concentrations of small and medium enterprises per square kilometre even without deliberate planning, and could achieve more with a clear roadmap.

He therefore proposed an Ikenne 2036 Plan, a 10-year development blueprint with defined priorities, costs and yearly measurable targets.

Osinbajo said the plan should position Ikenne as a centre for AI-enabled education and for building AI tools, alongside the existing curriculum.

He referenced Taiwan, a small island about 81 miles from China, which now produces a large share of the world’s microchips, to show that size is not a limitation but vision and determination matter.

To achieve the goal, he recommended a robust STEAM programme – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics – with early introduction of AI literacy from primary school, robotics, AI-powered learning tools and well-equipped laboratories.

He cited a learning centre in Maiduguri where children orphaned by insurgency, who initially could not speak English or Hausa, became proficient in robotics, technology and English within five years when given opportunity and support.

Osinbajo stressed the need to retrain teachers as facilitators of AI-assisted learning and robotics, partner with Chinese schools with strong AI curricula, and establish a campus dedicated to AI and advanced systems that would provide solutions in agriculture, healthcare, education and finance.

He urged the town not to settle for small ambitions but to pursue what others have not dared.

In his remarks, President of Ikenne Development Association, Otunba Olufemi Allen, described the celebration as historic, saying Osinbajo’s presence added immense value to the occasion.

Allen said IDA remains committed to promoting unity and preserving the cultural heritage of Ikenne for future generations, in line with the ideals of its founding fathers.