MAAI Takes Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Campaign to Five LGAs Through AI Empowerment Drive

The Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA, popularly known as MAAI, has supported an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology empowerment programme across five local government areas in Yagba and Kabba–Ijumu federal constituencies.

The initiative, organised through the Tinubu/Ododo 2027 Continuity Support Group, aims to expose participants, particularly young people, to emerging digital technologies and their practical applications in education, business, employment and personal development.

The programme covered Yagba East, Yagba West, Mopa-Amuro, Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu local government areas, taking the training directly to communities across the two federal constituencies.

Unlike conventional political mobilisation activities centred on rallies and campaign speeches, the initiative combined grassroots engagement with digital skills development, providing participants with an opportunity to learn about technologies increasingly shaping the modern economy.

The training commenced in Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East Local Government Area, before moving to Titcom College Hall in Egbe, Yagba West. It subsequently extended to Mopa-Amuro, Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu.

Organisers reported encouraging participation across the various locations, with attendance at the Yagba East session increasing considerably between the first and second days.

The programme also attracted notable personalities, including Dr Elijah Evenemi, a former Head of Service and Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Budget and Economic Planning, who attended the Kabba-Bunu session, advised participants and presented certificates.

The final phase of the initiative took place in Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area, extending the programme’s reach to more communities.

By distributing the training across five local government areas, the organisers sought to make digital learning more accessible to residents who might otherwise have limited opportunities to participate in structured technology programmes.

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being applied in different sectors, including education, commerce, communication, research and content creation. Familiarity with these tools can help students improve their learning, entrepreneurs promote their businesses and small business owners manage routine activities more efficiently.

For young people seeking employment or exploring entrepreneurial opportunities, digital knowledge can also provide a foundation for acquiring additional skills and adapting to changes in the labour market.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of digital inclusion and the need to extend technology-related opportunities beyond major urban centres.

The AI and technology training is part of the broader grassroots engagement strategy of the Tinubu/Ododo 2027 Continuity Support Group, whose visioner and chief sponsor is Asiwaju Asiru Idris.

The group is mobilising support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in 2027, alongside its advocacy for All Progressives Congress candidates across different elective positions.

Through the empowerment programme, the group has sought to complement its political activities with an intervention focused on skills development and community engagement.

The approach reflects an effort to make grassroots mobilisation more practical by creating opportunities for residents to acquire knowledge while engaging with the group’s political message.

However, the long-term value of the initiative will depend on participants’ ability to practise the skills introduced during the training and apply them to their educational, business and career pursuits.

The programme also comes against the backdrop of the Kogi State Government’s emphasis on youth empowerment, technology and skills acquisition under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

In August 2024, the state government announced the Kogi Youth Database platform to document young people’s skills, talents and aspirations and help connect them with available opportunities.

The administration has also implemented the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme, which has featured vocational and technical training in areas such as software development, computer networking, solar power installation, welding and fabrication.

At a graduation ceremony in 2025, Governor Ododo reiterated his commitment to expanding skills development opportunities for young people across the state.

The governor also emphasised the importance of education, technology, employment and youth empowerment while addressing the Kogi Youth Security Summit in Lokoja on October 8, 2026.

The AI and technology training sponsored through the Tinubu/Ododo 2027 Continuity Support Group is a separate initiative from the state government’s programmes, although both reflect an interest in developing young people’s skills and expanding access to emerging opportunities.

Private individuals, community organisations and other stakeholders can complement government efforts by supporting initiatives that promote learning, innovation and economic participation.

For such interventions to achieve lasting results, participants must have opportunities to practise their new skills and continue learning beyond the initial training sessions.

As the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiru Idris occupies a key position in the administration of Kogi State’s financial and development priorities.

His sponsorship of the AI and technology empowerment programme represents an additional avenue through which he has supported community-based skills development across Yagba and Kabba–Ijumu.

Idris has also expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for providing him with the opportunity to serve the people of Kogi State.

The initiative underscores the importance of using available platforms to support development efforts that address practical community needs, particularly those affecting young people.

Beyond financial assistance, empowerment can include providing access to relevant knowledge, technical skills and information that enable beneficiaries to explore opportunities for personal growth and economic independence.

The programme has introduced participants across five local government areas to AI and digital technologies, while creating opportunities for interaction between the organisers and residents.

From Isanlu to Egbe, Mopa-Amuro, Kabba-Bunu and Iyara, the initiative has taken technology training to communities across Yagba and Kabba–Ijumu, bringing the conversation about AI closer to the grassroots.

The reported turnout at the different venues indicates interest in digital learning, but sustained impact will ultimately depend on how participants apply the knowledge acquired.

Students could explore AI tools to support research and learning, entrepreneurs could use digital platforms to reach customers, while small business owners could adopt technology to improve productivity and organise their operations.

The opportunity also presents a starting point for participants interested in exploring careers in digital services and other technology-related fields.

For the Tinubu/Ododo 2027 Continuity Support Group, the programme combines political engagement with an initiative centred on skills development. For its beneficiaries, the greater opportunity lies in turning the knowledge acquired into practical results.

As technology continues to transform the modern economy, expanding access to digital education remains important to preparing young people for emerging opportunities.

The lasting success of the initiative will therefore be measured not only by the number of communities reached or participants trained, but also by the extent to which beneficiaries can build on their new knowledge to improve their prospects.

Ultimately, the programme highlights the potential of grassroots initiatives to complement wider development efforts by bringing learning opportunities closer to the people.