The Minister of Youths Development, Jamila  Ibrahim, says artificial intelligence is pivotal to the electoral development of youths.

Ms Ibrahim said this at the unveiling of ‘Naija Elections’, a generative AI tool developed by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) with the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in Abuja on Thursday.

According to her, the electoral AI tool heralds a new era in which every Nigerian can participate meaningfully in our electoral process.

“This platform will empower our youths by giving them easy access to accurate real-time electoral information, enabling them to make informed decisions and participate actively in electoral processes.

“As we inaugurate this platform today, I wish to emphasise the government’s determination to deploy technology that will enhance our democratic processes,” Ms Ibrahim said.

Speaking also at the launch, Bukola Idowu, KDI executive director, said the tool would facilitate easy access to the Nigerian election ecosystem by youths.

“Every information on Niaja elections is from the official sources that is, the Constitution and INEC,” said Mr Idowu. What we have done is that we give you information that you can rely on, and you can actually use the platform without signing in. You just log on to the address, and it  does not store an individual’s data.”

Cynthia Rowe, development director at FCDO, said, “For a country that is as large and diverse as Nigeria, a well-informed electorate is pivotal.”

According to her, an educated voter is better equipped to make informed political choices and engage in the democratic process in a meaningful way.

According to her, technology is bridging digital gaps in business, education, and security, which ensures much better efficiency.

Ms Rowe added, “As we celebrate this launch it’s important that we  look at the broader context, democracy around the world is all facing exceptional challenges of  misinformation and disinformation, which encourages scepticism.

“And, it is  important we know  that our collective efforts in putting forward correct information using platforms like this. We are also strengthening democracy in Nigeria and contributing to global efforts on democratic values.”

The app, developed by Nigerians, is built to supply any electoral information that concerns Nigeria and can be accessed by logging on to www.naijaelections.ng.

(NAN)