By Sumaila Ogbaje
A foundation in honour of the former Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, is set to be unveiled with a plan to set up Artificial Intelligence (AI) centre.
Mr Sadiq Usman, Chairman Planning Committee, Launch of a book and Shamsudeen Usman Foundation, made this known while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
Usman also said that a book titled, “Public Policy and Agent Interests: Perspectives from the Emerging World”, co-authored with other accomplished Nigerians and seasoned technocrats would also be unveiled alongside the foundation on Sept. 26 in Abuja.
He said the Shamsudeen Usman Foundation was recently founded and registered by Dr Usman’s children to honour his impactful life and leave a legacy for future generation.
The foundation according to him, is dedicated to promotion of education in the country with the mission to create a collaboration that empowers individuals, corporates, researchers and students to explore and develop advanced AI and technological solutions for real-world challenges.
“Its signature project is the establishment of an AI and Technology Development Centre whose main focus will be skills development, innovation and economic development.
“The foundation will be formally introduced at the event,” he said.
Usman emphasised that the place of AI in the world today could not be overlooked, adding that it was going to have greater impact in technological advancement that Nigeria could not afford to be left behind.
He said the book was a unique publication on both the impetus for, and impediments to growth and development in emerging economies.
According to him, it provides a fascinating and penetrating insight into the workings of government and the boardroom, in terms of policy formulation and implementation, economic management as well as the overall growth paradigm in the developing world, with Nigeria as a case study.
He added that the book was also an account of the interactions between the government, its agencies and the private sector and how such engagements impact national growth, investments and the overall performance of the economy.
“The book will therefore be a veritable reference material for policymakers, technocrats, business leaders and public officials on the workings of government and governance and the tradeoffs they have to make in designing and implementing public policy.
“It is without doubt a go-to publication for universities; public and home libraries; and for students, academics and public and private sector officials. As I said earlier, there are other contributors to the book.
“The contributors are experts in their own fields, carefully selected, based on their impressive records in the public and private sectors, to share their experiences in key areas of policy making and development.
“Their unique contributions helped to broaden the book’s scope and impact, and give it its unique character and flavour,” he said.
Usman said that the former minister and public figure who had served top levels in public and private sector would be 75 on Sept. 18, a little over a week to the event.
He said the event was scheduled to celebrate his birthday and his life of impacts, accomplishments and service.
He said the proceeds from the book launch would be used solely to support the work of the foundation.
According to him, Dr Shamsudeen Usman has immersed himself in community development and philanthropy such as medical services, economic empowerment and peace development in Kano State.
“The hospital is known as ‘’Gidauniyar Alheri Community Health Centre’’, located in Garangamawa Ward, Gwale LGA of Kano State, founded in 2004, has provided healthcare services to thousands of women and children.
“The services include antenatal and postnatal care and immunization for the children, in addition to OPD care and pharmaceutical services.
“A few years ago, the hospital went into partnership and collaboration with the French charity, Medicins Sans Frontiers (Doctors without Borders) and which has helped to address maternal and neonatal mortality in Kano.
“Today, the health centre is helping to deliver over 200 babies a month, which is second only to the much bigger Murtala Mohammed Hospital in the whole of Kano State,” he added.
Usman said the event would be chaired by Former President Goodluck Jonathan, with Vice President Kashim Shettima as the Special Guest of Honour while the former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and other dignitaries were expected.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA