Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has proposed a 10-year artificial intelligence (AI) development plan to transform Ikenne, Ogun State, into a centre of technological innovation in Africa.
The proposed initiative, tagged the Ikenne 2036 Plan, aims to build on the educational legacy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo by promoting artificial intelligence, robotics and technology-driven education.
Osinbajo presented the proposal on Friday while delivering a lecture titled, “Ikenne, a Small Town, a Great Inheritance and an Even Greater Future”, at the 50th Ereke Day anniversary organised by the Ikenne Development Association.
He said Ikenne’s relatively small geographical size should not limit its ambitions or its ability to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
“Ikenne occupies a small place on the map, but a great place in our national story. Our geographical size has never defined the reach of our possibilities,” he said.
Osinbajo Cites Awolowo’s Education Legacy
The former Vice-President cited Awolowo’s free and compulsory education policy in the defunct Western Region as an example of how visionary leadership and investment in human capital could transform society.
He recalled that nearly one million children were reportedly enrolled in schools across the region by 1959, while about 41 per cent of its budget was allocated to education.
Osinbajo also highlighted the establishment of Western Nigeria Television in 1959, describing it as evidence of the region’s foresight in embracing technology.
According to him, Awolowo’s achievements, particularly his investment in education, should inspire Ikenne to embrace emerging technologies and prepare young people for future opportunities.
“The next 50 years will be shaped by artificial intelligence. We can be the village in Africa that trains the best minds and develops the most transformative AI tools,” he said.
AI and Robotics Key to Ikenne’s Future
Osinbajo also drew lessons from the educational philosophy of the late educationist and social activist, Tai Solarin, who founded Mayflower School in Ikenne in 1956.
He said Solarins’s emphasis on independent thinking, character development and the dignity of labour demonstrated that education should equip young people with practical skills and a sense of responsibility beyond academic qualifications.
The former Vice-President said the proposed Ikenne 2036 Plan should establish clear development priorities, assign responsibilities, set measurable annual targets and introduce mechanisms for monitoring implementation.
He urged community leaders to look beyond physical infrastructure and prioritise investments in knowledge, innovation and technology.
“Brick and mortar are good. We can put a few more buildings here and there, we can prepare a few more things, but we must think big,” he said.
Osinbajo added that the most meaningful way to honour Awolowo’s legacy was to apply the principles of visionary leadership and human development to contemporary challenges.
Ikenne Development Association Reaffirms Commitment
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ikenne Development Association, Otunba Femi Allen, commended residents for their contributions to community development.
He particularly acknowledged the late pioneer chairman of the association, Daddy Kolawole Oronti, for his contributions to the town.
Allen reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting unity, encouraging self-help projects, preserving Ikenne’s cultural heritage and building a prosperous future for coming generations.
The 50th Ereke Day anniversary also featured awards recognising individuals for their contributions to community development and service to society.
Among the recipients were Chairman of ValueJet Airlines and Bet9ja, Kunle Soname; Alhaja Sikiratu Jakande, widow of former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande; Justice Olufemi Adeniyi; Otunba Adedoyin Adesina; Otunba Sola Odumosu; and Chief Mrs Idowu Owolana.
