*The Federal Government restates its commitment to addressing the challenges associated with livestock value chain in Nigeria with the deployment of Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things, among other new tech tools
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
In a move to enhance food security, and empower youths to contribute to economic development, the Nigerian Government has said it is committed to addressing the challenges associated with the livestock value chain in Nigeria with the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), among others.
The Federal Government also announced that 1,000 youths would be empowered per state in different livestock value projects supported with technological innovations.
ConsumerConnect reports Alhaji Idi Maiha, Honourable Minister for Livestock Development, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of a four-day Hack4Livestock Hackathon competition held, in Abuja.
The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, in conjunction with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) and the Ministry of Livestock Development organised the event.
Nigeria has a diverse livestock sector, with poultry, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and rabbits being the most common.
The sector of the economy is significant for its contribution to the country’s economy, providing a primary source of employment and protein to millions of consumers.
Maiha, represented on the occasion by Eustace Iyayi, his Special Adviser, said the initiative aimed to leverage digital platforms to drive growth and development in the agricultural sector of the economy.
He particularly mentioned that the process would focus on empowering women and promoting diversity.
Maiha also noted that the Ministry of Livestock Development is convinced that digital skills would play a critical role in driving growth and development in the livestock sector in Nigeria.
The ministry, he stated, has developed the Nigerian Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which is aimed at driving growth and development in the sector.
The Minister further said: “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.
“We are aware that this digital project is going to be very helpful in doing that.”
Maiha further asserted: “We live in a world where we can just dive, and get to anywhere we want to go.
“We are looking at women also getting involved in livestock activities, and we also believe that projects like these are going to be very helpful.”
Hackathon winners’ startups will get support, international exposure, says Dr. Tijani
In his address at the event, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), said the Hack4Livestock Hackathon winners would get support for startups and international exposure.
Emphasising the data vital is for livestock industry’s growth in the West African country, Dr. Tijani, Minister for FMCIDE, represented by Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, National Director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), said the winners would have the opportunity to present their ideas at a conference slated for July 2025, in the United States (US).
He disclosed the forthcoming conference holding at the University of Florida, would earn the Hackathon winners’ invaluable international exposure.
According to him, the three top winners would also receive incubation, funding, and intellectual property protection through the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).
The Minister also assured that the Hack4Livestock Hackathon winners would receive a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which is responsible for managing and handling startups in Nigeria.
Tijani stated: “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.”
He noted: “They will receive incubation, funding, and intellectual property protection through the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), a special purpose vehicle of NITDA that is responsible for managing and handling startups.
“ONDI will provide end-to-end support, including incubation, capacity development, funding, and Intellectual Property (IP) protection, ensuring these promising ventures have everything they need to thrive.”
According to him, an exhibition showcasing a wide array of solutions underscores the immense capabilities of Nigerian innovators.
The Minister expressed immense pride in the ingenuity displayed by Nigerian innovators, report said.
The Minister further remarked: “What I could see today is actually a validation of what Nigerians could do.
“Solutions range from solving issues of mass conflict, improving productivity, and leveraging artificial intelligence, IoT, and UAVs.
“This is a wide range of solutions that have been proposed.”
In his remarks at the event also, Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive-Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), reportedly said that each project reflected the transformative potential of technology to address real-world challenges in the livestock sector, and beyond in the country.
