Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming education, healthcare, agriculture, business, governance, and public service delivery across the world. However, the benefits of AI remain unevenly distributed because of persistent inequalities in digital infrastructure, digital literacy, internet access, workforce preparedness, and institutional capacity. The study adopted a qualitative multiple-case study research design to obtain an in-depth understanding of stakeholders' experiences, perceptions, and recommendations regarding AI readiness. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants from government institutions, educational institutions, ICT organizations, community leadership structures, civil society organizations, and digital development initiatives. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis of national digital economy policies, AI strategy documents, and reports published by international organizations. The collected data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework to identify recurring patterns and themes relevant to the research objectives. The study found that AI readiness extends beyond technological infrastructure and depends largely on the interaction among digital literacy, digital inclusion, workforce development, institutional preparedness, supportive governance, and community digital resilience. The findings indicate that limited internet connectivity, inadequate digital infrastructure, unstable electricity supply, insufficient AI awareness, low digital literacy, inadequate workforce capacity, financial constraints, and weak institutional coordination remain significant barriers to AI readiness within rural and underserved communities. The study further revealed that strengthening community digital resilience enhances communities' ability to adapt to technological change, sustain digital innovation, and reduce digital exclusion. The study contributes to existing literature by proposing a holistic framework linking digital literacy, digital inclusion, workforce development, and community digital resilience as complementary determinants of AI readiness in developing-country contexts. The findings provide practical implications for policymakers, educational institutions, development agencies, technology providers, and community stakeholders seeking to promote equitable AI adoption and sustainable digital transformation in Nigeria. The study recommends increased investment in rural digital infrastructure, AI literacy programmes, curriculum reform, workforce development initiatives, community digital innovation hubs, ethical AI governance frameworks, and coordinated multi-stakeholder partnerships to accelerate AI readiness and bridge the AI divide across underserved communities.