PLASMIDA’S FLAGSHIP AI TRAINING INSPIRES A NEW GENERATION OF DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURS
The Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA), in partnership with the Plateau State Government, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and promoting digital innovation through its Flagship AI Training: Closing the AI Gap, held at Novel Suites, Jos, Plateau State. The training brought together government officials, technology experts, mentors, entrepreneurs, and aspiring business owners to equip participants with practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills for business growth, innovation, and economic development.
Speaking at the event on behalf of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Arc. Samuel Jatau, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and innovation, describing AI as the future of business and economic development. He urged participants to embrace technology, learn from experienced mentors, and acquire the digital skills needed to remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
Furthermore, Arc. Jatau stressed that poverty, alongside insecurity, remains one of Plateau State’s greatest challenges, noting that empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is central to addressing both. He highlighted the state’s remarkable progress in improving the ease of doing business, moving from 26th to 6th nationally, and assured entrepreneurs of the government’s continued support. He encouraged young people to pursue entrepreneurship with resilience, hard work, and determination, expressing confidence that they would play a pivotal role in transforming Plateau State’s economy.
In his welcome address, the Director General of PLASMIDA, Hon. Wuyep Bonkam, welcomed government officials, partners, PLASMIDA staff, entrepreneurs, and participants to the training. He described the programme as a strategic initiative of the Plateau State Government aimed at equipping citizens with practical AI skills that will drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
He also commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for prioritising human capital development and urged participants to maximise the opportunity by applying the knowledge gained responsibly to improve productivity and create new opportunities.
Similarly, the Lead Consultant, Dr. Donald Nsofor, applauded the Plateau State Government and PLASMIDA for championing the initiative, describing it as a bold step towards preparing citizens for the rapidly evolving digital economy. He noted that artificial intelligence is transforming industries worldwide and expressed confidence that Plateau State is positioning itself as a leader in AI adoption. He encouraged participants to embrace the training wholeheartedly and leverage AI-driven tools to enhance innovation, productivity, and business growth.
Speaking on behalf of the mentors, Mrs. Abigail Bugama expressed appreciation to PLASMIDA and the Plateau State Government for creating opportunities that promote mentorship, skills development, and lifelong learning through initiatives such as the Shine Mentorship Programme and the Flagship AI Training. She encouraged participants to approach the programme with open minds, emphasising that valuable knowledge is acquired through both learning and experience. She further commended PLASMIDA’s impact across various sectors and urged participants to maximise the opportunity to strengthen their personal and professional capacities.
Also delivering a goodwill message, Dr. Panan Gonden commended the Plateau State Government and PLASMIDA for investing in youth empowerment through the training. He described the initiative as a timely response to the growing importance of AI in today’s digital economy and noted that it would equip young entrepreneurs with relevant skills while positioning Plateau State to keep pace with global technological advancements. He encouraged participants to become ambassadors of the knowledge acquired and called on stakeholders to explore AI-driven solutions to security challenges and sustainable development.
Participants equally expressed satisfaction with the quality and impact of the training. Barr. Panmark Lere described the programme as timely and transformative, noting that it broadened his understanding of how AI can drive business growth and innovation. He commended PLASMIDA and the Plateau State Government for investing in young entrepreneurs, adding that the practical sessions and mentorship had equipped participants with valuable tools to build sustainable businesses and contribute to the state’s economic development.
In the same vein, Ikegwu Lydia Chinelo, a fashion designer specialising in clothing and bag production, described the training as an eye-opening experience that expanded her understanding of how AI can improve business operations, client communication, and professional development. Although she initially had concerns about the security of AI applications, she said the practical demonstrations addressed her fears. She appealed to PLASMIDA and the Plateau State Government to sustain and expand such initiatives, making them more accessible and widely publicised so that more entrepreneurs can benefit from the opportunities AI offers for business growth.
The Flagship AI Training concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders and participants to leverage artificial intelligence as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. The programme reinforced PLASMIDA’s resolve to continue building the capacity of MSMEs and empowering Plateau residents with the digital skills needed to compete successfully in the evolving global economy.
