Craft Innovation Hub (CIH) officially launched its pioneering training in Agentic AI and Automation, drawing significant participation from youths, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to harness AI’s transformative potential for economic growth and social inclusion.
The inaugural event, held virtually, was marked by addresses from distinguished speakers, including Abdulrasaq Ahmed Abiodun, founder of CIH; Olajide Olusegun Emmanuel, Program Analyst at Craft Information Technology Services USA; and Ifeanyi Okoli, a UK-based legal practitioner and tech enthusiast, who delivered the keynote address.
Abdulrasaq Ahmed Abiodun, opening the session, highlighted the hub’s commitment to empowering communities through digital and vocational education. “We are not just opening a facility; we are building a future where Ilorin’s youth can thrive, earn, and lead from right where they are,” he declared, reflecting the vision articulated by CIH’s leadership.
Olajide Olusegun Emmanuel introduced the Craft Innovation Hub as a strategically designed ecosystem, stating, “CIH exists to bridge the widening gap between skills acquisition and meaningful economic participation.” He further emphasized the holistic approach of the hub, which integrates technical training with practical innovation and entrepreneurial readiness.
Delivering the keynote speech, Ifeanyi Okoli urged participants to embrace the steep learning curve associated with AI, calling it a crucial driver of future prosperity. “Technology, specifically Agentic AI, represents a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective way to accelerate tasks, save time, and increase productivity. Embracing this now is key to securing financial freedom and creating multimillionaires from our midst,” he affirmed.
During the practical training session, facilitated by Adeleke Ahmed Lekan (A-SOFT), participants explored various AI and automation tools, including N8N, Zapier, and OpenAI APIs. A-SOFT, despite initial technical challenges, demonstrated real-world applications such as automated workflows for LinkedIn content creation, appointment scheduling, and email automation, underscoring the practical relevance of these tools in everyday business operations.
Participants actively engaged in hands-on sessions, learning how to build and deploy AI agents and automated workflows, which, according to A-SOFT, “are not limited to tech professionals but accessible to anyone ready to embrace innovation.”
The event concluded with a strong emphasis on follow-up action and continuous learning. Abdulrasaq Ahmed Abiodun announced that recordings and supplementary materials would be distributed to all attendees, ensuring that learning continues beyond the event.
Implications:
This initiative significantly contributes to addressing youth unemployment and skills mismatch in Kwara State, offering tangible pathways for economic inclusion and digital empowerment. By combining hands-on training with strategic mentorship, CIH positions itself as a central hub for sustainable community development and innovation.
Next Steps:
Craft Innovation Hub will continue offering specialized courses, mentorship, and practical projects in technology and vocational skills, aiming to maintain continuous engagement with participants. Future training sessions and community events have been planned to sustain momentum and maximize local impact.
