Embrace AI for career development, Obasanjo urges African youths

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has encouraged African youths to embrace opportunities in Artificial Intelligence to advance their careers and contribute to Africa’s development.

Speaking at the 5th Edition of the Presidential Youth Mentoring Retreat at the Youth Development Centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday, Obasanjo emphasised the transformative potential of AI.

“If I were between 20 and 35, without a clear career path or substantial funds, I would focus on AI,” Obasanjo stated.

He described AI as a game-changer, noting that by 2040, AI-driven technologies like driverless vehicles would be commonplace.

“AI’s capabilities are unimaginable,” he added, sharing how impressed he was when AI generated and perfected a lecture for him.
Obasanjo recounted a story from Aliko Dangote about recruiting drivers.
He said, “He hired 1,000 drivers, and among the applicants were six PhD holders. Those six are fortunate now, but in 25 years, they won’t have trucks to drive, as the trucks will be driverless. They will need to explore new paths.”

Turning to agriculture, Obasanjo highlighted the shift from traditional to technology-driven farming.

He noted that young people are now drawn to farming because of technological advancements.

“Young people no longer view farming as my father did, with just a cutlass and hoe,” he said, adding that innovations like city farming and soilless methods are redefining agriculture.

Obasanjo also shared personal experiences, emphasising that his years between 1979 and 1999, when he left and later returned to public office, were invaluable.

“I interacted with the world’s best minds in politics, economics, and diplomacy, which I called my high-level free education,” he said.

He stressed the importance of learning in all circumstances, even challenging ones, such as his own time in prison.

An entrepreneur, Ifeanyi Stanley, also advised participants, outlining success factors such as mentorship, integrity, hard work, humility, consistency, risk-taking, divine guidance, positivity, and continuous self-improvement.