Revolutionizing African Media: CJID hosts inaugural journalism, digital tech, and AI dialogue

By Adeyemi Adekunle

The African media landscape is on the cusp of transformation, as the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Developments (CJID) hosted the maiden edition of the Journalism, Digital Tech, and AI Dialogue at the prestigious Abuja Continental Hotel. The event, which unveiled groundbreaking advancements in media technology, brought together influential figures and thought leaders to explore the intersection of journalism, digital technology, and artificial intelligence (AI).

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the DUBAWA Audio Platform, a cutting-edge tool designed to transcribe radio shows and extract verifiable claims.

The CEO of CJID, Dapo Olorunyomi, set the tone for the discussions by emphasizing the increasing importance of understanding the generative power of AI and the values that will drive its adoption in the media industry.

While acknowledging the benefits of generative AI in expediting journalistic work, Olorunyomi also cautioned against the potential propagation of misinformation and disinformation. “We must not underestimate the possibility of generative AI propagating mis/disinformation. So, it is imperative for us to always ensure to do our due diligence,” he stressed.

The event was graced by distinguished personalities, including the Vice President, Africa at Luminate, as well as ambassadors from Belgium, Spain, Norway, and Finland to Nigeria. These esteemed figures provided valuable perspectives on the potentials and challenges associated with the use of generative AI in the future of journalism.

The dialogue delved into various panel sessions, with a keen focus on the global AI landscape and opportunities for Nigeria and Africa.

Iyin Aboyeji highlighted the transformative potential of AI in monetizing information and enhancing data utilization, emphasizing the need for industry collaboration to ensure data accuracy. Joshua Olufemi, the CEO of Dataphyte, emphasized the importance of balancing ethical data use and fairness with monetization in Africa, addressing the crucial need to create inclusive models that benefit all stakeholders.

The intersection of AI and gender issues was a pivotal topic during the panel session on “The Current State of AI and Digital Transformation in Media and Civil Society Organization (CSO) practice in Nigeria.” Panelists unanimously acknowledged the significant challenges in this area and stressed the need for a more inclusive work and technological environment.

Nelson Olanipekun, the CEO of Citizen Gavel, shed light on how AI revolutionizes the approach to understanding and processing information, underlining its potential to combat misinformation and disinformation.

The unveiling of the DUBAWA Audio Platform and Chatbot marked a significant milestone in the fight against misinformation and disinformation. These tools offer real-time internet data access, reliable sources, and enhanced fact-checking support. Monsur Hussain, Head of Innovation at CJID, provided an insightful overview of these innovative products and their potential to restore public trust in the media.

The dialogue also addressed the ethical and safety concerns in the adoption of AI for media and civil society practice. Kadaria Ahmed, CEO of The Daria Media, emphasized the disruptive impact of AI on the gathering and publication of information, advocating for a systemic approach to promoting media literacy to ensure the responsible use of AI tools in developing high-quality contents.

In his closing remarks, Dapo Olorunyomi expressed gratitude to all delegates, distinguished personalities, and the online community for their active participation. He reiterated CJID’s commitment to documenting the discussions and transforming them into learning products for public use, underscoring the center’s dedication to driving positive change in African media.

The inaugural Journalism, Digital Tech, and AI Dialogue served as a pivotal platform for shaping the future of African media, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation in the digital age. As the industry continues to embrace technological advancements, the dialogue underscored the imperative of responsible and ethical integration of AI in journalism and media practice.

The event stands as a testament to the proactive efforts of CJID and its partners in spearheading a new era of media excellence and technological innovation in Africa, setting the stage for a transformative journey towards a more informed, empowered, and trustworthy media landscape.