Typically, one might be inclined to praise and celebrate Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, the distinguished representative of Ekiti South Senatorial District in the 10th Senate in Abuja. However, a profound love for Ekiti compels this commentary.
Unbeknownst to many, the Senator, once a member of the Federal House of Representatives and popularly known as Agbaman, a name often associated with Solomonic wisdom, finds himself embroiled in controversy due to perceptions that he is pursuing an ill-conceived agenda in Ekiti State and Nigeria in Abuja!
The news sneaked into the information platforms yesterday that this Ekiti Senator is working earnestly to ensure the passage of a Bill into a Law
To remain silent or overlook this situation would be a disservice and a dereliction of duty. If left unchecked or unmonitored, this potentially perceived subversive act could profoundly impact both this generation and those yet to come.
But who is this audacious figure in the Senate, making bold moves that could force other nations to reconsider their perceptions of Ekiti State and Nigeria in the community of nations?
The sponsor of this transformative bill is no ordinary legislator. He is a professional creative journalist with exceptional intellectual prowess and communication skills. His background as a former Cartoon Editor at the Nigerian Tribune illustrates his unique blend of creativity and incisive commentary. Known for his brilliance and proficiency in English, he communicates with a distinct Ilawe Ekiti accent.
Physically described as petite and somewhat fragile, these perceived limitations are often seen as a divine accumulation of extraordinary mental capacity. His vast intelligence makes him critically minded, cerebral, and highly analytical. Indeed, he is notoriously challenging to beat in arguments—a testament to his wisdom and philosophical depth.
The tragedy is that the Senator is now employing the fusion of his creative, analytical, and journalistic mind with extensive political experience to create an effective force for championing complex, future-oriented initiatives, such as the Bill for the Establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo Ekiti.
Just imagine, Senator Adaramodu possesses the foresight to recognise the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, articulate its benefits persuasively, and navigate the complexities of the legislative process. This makes him not just a sponsor but an exceptionally effective advocate and visionary leader for this groundbreaking initiative.
And gladly, the Bill for establishing an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo Ekiti passed its first reading on May 27, 2025. This initial milestone signals the seriousness with which the Senate considers the bill and underscores its momentum. The choice of Omuo Ekiti as the location for this pioneering institution signals thoughtful leadership. Omuo is one of the major towns in Senator Adaramodu’s district and serves as Ekiti’s border town with Kogi State. This geographical detail is not coincidental; it reflects a deliberate strategy aimed at more than just constituency patronage.
Establishing a high-tech institution like an AI Academy in a border town addresses unique developmental challenges while tapping into its potential as a corridor for inter-state commerce and talent flow.
By launching a cutting-edge academy here, Senator Adaramodu is not just developing Omuo Ekiti but creating a new economic node. This strategic placement is designed to attract investment, talent, and infrastructure to a historically marginalised region, fostering economic diversification and job creation within the Senatorial District. Additionally, it has the potential to stimulate cross-border collaboration and economic activity with Kogi State, transforming Omuo into a regional tech and knowledge hub, thereby reducing urban-rural disparities and promoting equitable growth.
Importantly, the proposed Artificial Intelligence Academy is not an isolated initiative; it is a crucial component designed to integrate seamlessly into and enhance the existing technological ecosystem within Ekiti State. This ecosystem is anchored by the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), a testament to the state’s commitment to digital transformation. The EKZ is envisioned as a 20-hectare green technology park and special economic “free zone,” aimed at boosting tech entrepreneurship, facilitating job creation, and empowering the youth of Ekiti.
Backed by a robust $80 million investment from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and a significant $14.8 million co-funding from the Ekiti State Government, the AI Academy is positioned to be the catalyst that ensures the EKZ’s ambitious targets are not only met but profoundly exceeded. While the EKZ provides the foundational infrastructure for digital innovation, the AI Academy will add a critical layer of specialisation, transforming it into a powerhouse that produces niche expertise in a globally relevant sector.
The establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Academy promises profound and far-reaching impacts. It will strategically position Ekiti as a regional tech hub, diversifying its economy beyond traditional sectors and as a magnet for further domestic and international investments. It will foster a vibrant AI research, development, and entrepreneurship ecosystem, leading to new businesses and innovative solutions tailored to local challenges.
On a national level, the Academy will significantly enhance Nigeria’s digital economy by producing a steady stream of highly skilled AI professionals and fostering the development of innovative AI solutions tailored to various critical sectors. Establishing an AI Academy in a developing country like Nigeria is not merely about adopting technology; it involves actively shaping its application for inclusive and equitable development. By training local experts, the academy empowers the nation to create AI solutions suited to its unique challenges—such as healthcare disparities and food insecurity—while ensuring these solutions are culturally relevant and mitigate biases.
This initiative positions Nigeria not merely as a consumer of AI technologies but as a producer and shaper of ethical AI, positively influencing global disparities while promoting responsible AI development. Such efforts align directly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), blueprinting a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable world.
It is essential to acknowledge the contributions of the Governor of Ekiti State, H.E. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, whose visionary leadership coincides with this transformative moment. His administration’s commitment to technological advancement is evident in the significant investment in the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), reinforcing a cohesive vision for digital transformation that complements the AI Academy initiative.
Strong executive support and alignment are crucial for an ambitious legislative effort like the AI Academy bill to thrive. The Governor’s involvement indicates not just passive observation but active political will and administrative backing, suggesting that Senator Adaramodu’s bill is part of a broader state strategy for digital transformation. The synergy between the Governor’s leadership and the existing commitment to technology through the EKZ maximises the initiative’s impact and ensures long-term sustainability.
In conclusion, the Bill for establishing an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo Ekiti, championed by Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, is a beacon of progress. This institution has the potential to catalyse economic transformation across the state, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s digital future while establishing a precedent for responsible AI development on the global stage. It will empower generations, diversify Ekiti’s economy, and advance the nation while positioning Nigeria as a leader in ethical AI for the Global South.
Senator Adaramodu’s visionary leadership, intellectual depth, and unwavering dedication drive this monumental initiative. This bill is a legislative effort and a reflection of his commitment to securing a prosperous future for both current and future generations.
In reality, what initially seemed like a perplexing, even “silly,” legislative move by Senator Adaramodu is, in fact, a stroke of strategic genius. It is a bold step that sets Ekiti on an irreversible path of technological leadership and socio-economic advancement, paving the way for it to become an emerging hub for AI development in Africa, driven by forward-thinking initiatives and the collaborative spirit of its leaders.
Let us all hope that this Bill becomes law.
Thanks for your patience in reading Senator Adaramodu’s evil agenda against Ekiti State, Nigeria.
*Amb Ojo-Lanre Esq, is the Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State
