By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
“In this AI age, poverty is no longer an excuse. Anyone who stays poor is simply uninformed or unwilling.” – Sunday Andrew Opoke
In a fast-changing world where artificial intelligence is redefining how we live, work, and interact, Sunday Andrew Opoke, a Nigerian-born tech expert, is leading a digital revolution aimed at liberating the poor and empowering rural communities.
From smart farming to digital plumbing and remote healthcare, Andrew’s message is blunt but visionary: AI is not just for the elite; it is the only tool that gives the poor a fair chance.
From Satellite Engineering to Smart Empowerment. A licensed satellite engineer, robotics specialist, and AI advocate, Sunday Andrew Opoke is the author of FarmWatch a landmark manual for modern farming powered by satellite data and digital tools. But his mission now goes far beyond agriculture.
“Artificial intelligence is a universal weapon against poverty,” Andrew told Business Day. “You don’t need capital to start using AI. All you need is knowledge, and in most cases, just a smartphone.”
His latest campaign targets the most vulnerable populations: rural farmers, artisans, petty traders, and unskilled youths those often left behind in d,iwho are conversations.
AI Can Fix More Than We Think
Andrew’s practical examples challenge long-held assumptions. “Did you know a plumber can now use artificial intelligence?” he asked, referencing plumbing automation that uses AI sensors and IoT devices to control water flow, detect leaks, and conserve energy. “A mechanic can now run diagnostics with AI tools. Even barbers can use AI-enhanced clippers and appointment systems.”
He insists that even market women and roadside traders can create digital stores, use Facebook Business Suite, or manage WhatsApp shops to grow their reach and income.
FarmWatch: Revolutionising Agriculture with Satellites and Smartphones
Through FarmWatch, Andrew is equipping farmers with satellite-guided insights to monitor soil fertility, forecast rain, detect pest outbreaks, and even prevent herder-farmer conflicts.
“No more guesswork,” he says. “Farmers can now rely on satellite data to plant, monitor, and protect their crops. It’s precision farming at their fingertips.”
The platform also includes live surveillance, so farmers can monitor their farmlands remotely, especially helpful in conflict-prone areas.
Digital Literacy is the New Literacy
“Your phone is your classroom,” Andrew stresses. He urges young people and business owners to self-learn digital skills through free tools like YouTube, Google, and AI platforms like ChatGPT, Canva, Copy.ai, and Zoho.
“No matter your trade, fashion, furniture, catering, or carpentry, there’s an AI solution that can help you do more with less.”
The 7-Step AI Escape Plan
Andrew laid out a 7-step roadmap to escaping poverty using AI and smart technology: Digital Literacy, Learn how to use smartphones, search engines, and online tools, AI Integration, Start with basic AI apps for productivity, marketing, and automation, Continuous Learning.
Take free courses from Google, Meta, or Coursera, Digital Branding Build a digital presence via websites, Google Business, or social media, Process Automation Use simple AI to automate inventory, payment, and customer service, Product Creation Package your skills into digital products: ebooks, tutorials, and classes, Partnerships Work with NGOs, community groups, and churches to scale training.
Governments and NGOs Must Wake Up,
Andrew calls on governments and NGOs to focus less on short-term handouts and more on digital empowerment infrastructure.
“Train people to fish digitally. Set up AI hubs in rural towns. Empower teachers and churches with tech kits. It’s cheaper than palliatives and permanent.”
AI for All, or AI for None
In his most recent voice message, Andrew cautioned, “If a country ignores AI, it becomes a dumping ground. If a family ignores