Peter Samuel
A Nigerian-born tech expert, licensed satellite engineer, and Artificial Intelligence ( AI) advocate, Sunday Andrew Opoke says that the innovations around the discovery of artificial intelligence globally, would help reduce the rate of poverty within the African continent, if utilized significantly.
He said AI is not only relevant to large tech corporations but also to rural communities across Africa.
He said the future of AI promises transformative innovations across various sectors.
He said, ” Emerging AI technologies, like quantum computing and brain-computer interfaces, could revolutionize problem-solving capabilities. In the workplace, AI is expected to automate repetitive tasks and enhance decision-making, leading to more productive environments.
“Additionally, AI in personalized services will continue to grow, offering tailored experiences in healthcare, education, and entertainment. Looking ahead, we can expect AI-driven innovations to tackle global challenges, such as climate change, disease prevention, and resource management. The next decade will see AI playing an even more integral role in shaping societal progress.”
He added that AI plays a role in almost every facet of our daily activities. “Whether receiving personalized coffee recommendations through mobile ordering, discovering new videos on Instagram during a lunch break or relying on Google Maps for directions to a new restaurant for dinner, AI’s impact is far-reaching.”
Opoke who is also a robotics specialist
explained that he was leading a digital revolution, aimed empowering rural communities in Ebonyi State and beyond the shores of Nigeria. He hails from Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, South East of Nigeria.
He explained the following 10 examples of how AI is already integrated into our everyday lives.
They include: Digital voice assistants, face recognition, social media, google search, smart home devices, commuting to work, amazon recommendations, OTT platform, Chatbot and E-Payments.
Digital Voice Assistants
Remember when you were lost on a road trip, frantically asking Siri for directions while your travel companions laughed? Or when you caught Alexa whispering the weather forecast for your beach vacation to your potted plant, just to surprise you later?
Digital voice assistants, with their ever-evolving intelligence, often become quirky companions rather than just cold machines. They understand our sarcasm, adapt to our routines and sometimes even crack jokes themselves.
These moments of unexpected connection amidst the humdrum of daily tasks remind us that technology at its best can be more than just functional! It can be downright delightful.
Face Recognition
Waking up and checking your phone is practically a modern-day sunrise ritual, but have you ever considered the tech magic behind that simple swipe?
Unlocking your phone with Face ID isn’t just a fancy convenience, it’s a feat of artificial intelligence.
Apple’s system is like a 3D facial detective. Think of it like this: imagine your phone casting an invisible net of 30,000 infrared dots onto your face.
These dots, along with a captured image create a detailed map of your unique features. This map is then compared to a secret vault of facial data stored on your phone meticulously built during Face ID setup.
Machine learning algorithms analyze every curve and wrinkle ensuring only the authorized, real-life you can unlock the device.
It is like having a tiny AI bouncer at your phone’s gate, checking IDs with the accuracy of a one-in-a-million chance of error. Pretty impressive, right? So next time you effortlessly unlock your phone, remember, it is not just convenience, it is a silent symphony of artificial intelligence ensuring your digital world stays secure.
Social Media
Social media has become the morning newspaper for many, the first thing we reach for after unlocking our phones. But beyond the endless scroll of updates lies a hidden world powered by artificial intelligence (AI). AI tailors your experience, learning from your past likes and shares to curate a personalized feed. Imagine waking up to a breakfast buffet where every dish is your favorite!
This AI magic does more than just recommend friends. It’s the watchful guardian in the background, identifying and filtering out harmful content like fake news and cyberbullying.
Like a vigilant security guard, AI scans the social media landscape, flagging suspicious content and keeping the space safe for genuine interactions. So, the next time you scroll through your feed, remember, that it is not just friends and funny cat videos you’re seeing but the invisible hand of AI, making sure your social media experience is informative, engaging and most importantly, safe.
The AI advocate who is also the author of FarmWatch, a landmark manual for modern farming powered by satellite data and digital tools, added that “You don’t need capital to start using AI. All you need is knowledge, and in most cases, just a smartphone and data “.
His latest campaign targets the most vulnerable populations in Africa, which include, rural farmers, artisans, petty traders, and unskilled youths, and those often left behind during digital conversations.
“Do you know a plumber can now use Artificial Intelligence?” he asked, referencing plumbing automation that uses AI sensors and IoT devices to control water flow, detect leaks, and conserve energy.
“A mechanic can now run diagnostics with AI tools. Even barbers can use AI-enhanced clippers and appointment systems.”
He highlighted that even market women and roadside traders can create digital stores, use Facebook Business Suite, or manage WhatsApp shops to grow their reach and income.
Through his FarmWatch outfit, Opoke is equipping farmers with satellite-guided insights to monitor soil fertility, forecast rain, detect pest outbreaks, and even prevent herder-farmer conflicts.
“No more guesswork,” he said. “Farmers can now rely on satellite data to plant, monitor, and protect their crops. It’s precision farming at their fingertips.”
The platform also includes live surveillance as farmers can monitor their farmlands remotely, especially helpful in conflict-prone areas.
According to him, “Your phone is your classroom.”
He urged young people and business owners to self-learn digital skills through free tools like YouTube, Google, and AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, Canva, Copy.ai, and Zoho.
“No matter your trade, whether it’s fashion, furniture, catering, or carpentry, there is an AI solution that can help you do more with less effort”.
Opoke outline a seven -step roadmap to escaping poverty using AI and smart technology: “Digital Literacy, learn how to use smartphones, search engine and online tools, AI Integration Start with basic AI apps for productivity, marketing, and automation, and continuous learning.”
He advised different categories of individuals to take free courses on Google, Meta, digital branding, Build a digital presence via websites, google business, or social media, process automation, Use simple AI to automate inventory, payment, and customer service, product creation, package your skills into digital products like ebooks, tutorials, and classes, Partnership work with NGOs, community groups, and churches to scale up training.
He also called on governments at all levels to focus less on short-term handouts and more on digital empowerment infrastructure.
“Train people to fish digitally. Set up AI hubs in rural towns. Empower teachers and churches with tech kits. It is cheaper than palliatives. If a country ignores AI, it becomes a dumping ground. If a family ignores AI, it becomes handicapped and left behind in the digital world”, he advised.
