The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has initiated a strategic engagement with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja to explore collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), technology, innovation, education and human capital development.
The initiative forms part of the Council’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships for sustainable development and improving the welfare of residents.
Leading the AMAC delegation, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Muhammad Nadabo, commended the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, smart city initiatives, technological innovation, education, transportation and capacity building.
He described China’s development model as an inspiration to many developing countries and expressed AMAC’s commitment to building a mutually beneficial partnership that would accelerate socio-economic development within the Area Council.
Nadabo presented the Council’s proposal for the establishment of an AMAC–China Artificial Intelligence Training and Innovation Centre, aimed at equipping young people with globally competitive digital skills.
He explained that the proposed centre is a key component of the Council’s AMAC 10K Youth AI Training and Empowerment Agenda, an initiative designed to train 10,000 young people in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, software development, cybersecurity, robotics and other emerging technologies.
“The future belongs to digitally skilled societies. Through strategic partnerships with global development partners such as the People’s Republic of China, we are determined to position AMAC as a hub for innovation while creating opportunities that will empower our youths, stimulate entrepreneurship and strengthen the local economy,” Nadabo said.
Responding on behalf of the Chinese Ambassador, the Embassy’s Minister Counsellor, Mr Wang Yingi, welcomed the delegation and praised AMAC’s forward-looking development initiatives.
He expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship between the Embassy and the Area Council over the years and assured the delegation that the Embassy would carefully study the proposals with a view to identifying practical areas of cooperation that would benefit AMAC residents.
Earlier, AMAC’s Consultant on Development Partners and ICT, Hon. Ambassador Mina Horsfall, said the administration of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, remains committed to leveraging innovation, digital transformation, and strategic international partnerships to improve the livelihoods of residents.
She emphasised that investment in emerging technologies and digital skills would create employment opportunities, reduce youth unemployment and promote sustainable economic development.
Other members of the delegation included the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Emeka Orji; the Special Adviser on Youth Empowerment, Hon. John Austin; the Head of ICT, Mrs Stella Edialle; and the Protocol Officer to the Vice Chairman, Salim Shittu.
