Introduction

On February 26th, 2025, the EduGha Institute for Social Development (EISD) hosted a training session on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at its Ideas Space.

The Deputy CEO of EISD, Mr. Bilal Taimako Shamsudeen, warmly welcomed participants and delivered the opening remarks, during which he introduced the facilitator and set the tone for a productive session.

The training was led by Mr. Moses Konlan, a seasoned professional with a rich background spanning Mathematics, Finance, Education, Pharmaceuticals, Business, and Data Science. He drew on his extensive expertise to underscore the pivotal role of AI across industries, illustrating its practical applications in business and daily life.

Opening Remarks

Mr. Moses inaugurated the session with vibrant enthusiasm, expressing his pleasure at the diverse representation of attendees from various sectors. Notably, he commended the strong presence of women participants—a significant departure from the traditionally male-dominated landscape of tech workshops.

Sharing insights from his multifaceted career in Education, Corporate Business, and Political Discourse, he conveyed his passion for leveraging technology to drive progress. He highlighted the importance of applying generative AI to create business opportunities and enhance productivity.

The workshop was structured in two phases:

1. Introduction to Generative AI Tools and Practical Applications
2. Hands-On Session: Crafting a Marketing Playbook Using ChatGPT

Mr. Moses advised participants to prioritize using AI for solving real-world challenges rather than chasing fleeting technological trends.

Understanding Business as a System

One of the key takeaways was the concept of “Everything is a system.” Mr. Moses explained that understanding the systems within a business is essential for diagnosing and solving problems effectively.

Participants engaged in group activities to:

• 1. Develop business ideas.
  2. Map out the systems within their businesses.
  3. Design organizational structures.
  4. Discuss how each system supports overall business functionality.

These exercises demonstrated how AI tools could enhance efficiency by identifying and addressing weaknesses within interconnected business systems.

The second phase of the training featured a practical session where participants used ChatGPT to create a marketing playbook. Guided by Mr. Moses, attendees explored specific AI prompts to develop the playbook, gaining valuable hands-on experience in leveraging AI for business strategy.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Mr. Moses addressed key challenges associated with AI adoption, such as:

1. 1. Over-reliance on AI tools without a clear understanding of their capabilities.
   2. Subscription costs and accessibility barriers for advanced features.
   3. Ethical concerns, including AI-generated misinformation and biases.

He emphasized the importance of responsible AI use, urging participants to ensure ethical practices and accuracy in AI-generated outputs.

Conclusion

The workshop was a highly enriching experience, equipping participants with practical knowledge of generative AI tools and their diverse applications.

Key takeaways included the significance of:

1. 1. AI-driven productivity.
   2. Strategic problem-solving.
   3. Ethical AI practices.

The session concluded with an inspiring call to action from Mr. Bilal Taimako Shamsudeen, Deputy CEO of EISD, urging attendees to integrate AI into their academic, business, and professional endeavors to foster efficiency and innovation.

To reinforce the training outcomes, participants were assigned tasks to apply their newfound knowledge to their businesses. EISD staff will conduct follow-ups to assess the implementation of AI tools—a requirement for certification.

Written by: Gillian A. Asewie