Technology
Nigerian Religious Leaders Warn of AI Risks, Demand Ethical Safeguards at Lagos Summit
……Faith leaders say Nigeria must not become a passive consumer of artificial intelligence.
Religious leaders, journalists and policy advocates in Nigeria have called for urgent ethical safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI), warning that unchecked technological development could deepen misinformation, inequality, job losses and social instability.
The warnings came during a high-level interface on AI ethics titled “God in the Engine”, organised by the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) under the Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence.
The event, facilitated by the CCN-Institute of Church and Society, Ibadan, with support from the Future of Life Institute, United States, was held on 12 May 2026 at the Wesley Pastoral Centre in Yaba, Lagos.
Participants said Nigeria and Africa must have a stronger voice in shaping global AI ethics frameworks instead of merely consuming technologies developed abroad.
Why the summit matters
The conference reflected growing global concerns over artificial intelligence, particularly around Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), deepfakes, misinformation, privacy, automation and machine autonomy.
Speakers argued that AI is no longer limited to technology companies or research laboratories, but is already reshaping communication, governance, education, religion, journalism and everyday human interaction.
Opening the event, Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria, described the gathering as part of an ongoing national conversation about the role of AI in society.
He said AI was already influencing “how people understand truth and reality,” warning that manipulated images, fake voices and AI-generated propaganda could erode trust in institutions and journalism.
“The question before us is how to ensure AI serves humanity rather than destroys it,” he said.
He also stressed that religious leaders could not remain silent on technological ethics.
“The church believes innovation without ethics becomes dangerous,” he added.
Nigeria urged to shape AI ethics, not just consume technology
Setting the framework for the discussions, Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, Director of the CCN-Institute of Church and Society, referenced Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025 developed through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
He argued that religious communities should serve as the “moral voice” and “conscience of the nation” in discussions about AI governance.
Fadahunsi said Nigerians were already consuming AI technologies through smartphones, drones, social media algorithms and digital platforms, even if many did not fully understand the long-term implications.
He warned against the dangers associated with AGI and superintelligence systems, saying Nigeria should pursue “trusted” and ethically driven AI policies.
According to him, Nigeria should adopt a selective approach to AI technologies entering the country, similar to how governments regulate imports and sensitive technologies.
“We must guide technology with wisdom rather than simply resist it,” he said.
Fears over deepfakes, misinformation and identity fraud
Several speakers raised concerns about AI-generated deception and online manipulation.
Archbishop Adewale Adegbemi, Methodist Archbishop of Ogun State, warned that AI could threaten privacy rights and fuel identity fraud through fake emails, signatures and impersonation tools.
He cited examples of fraudulent digital communications and contracts allegedly linked to AI misuse in parts of Africa.
“Machines only know what humans feed into them, but the danger is when people lose control over the systems they create,” he said.
He also warned that AI lacked human qualities such as empathy, compassion and moral judgment.
“There is urgent need for local, national and international laws to regulate AI technology,” he added.
The conference also highlighted concerns about deepfake videos, manipulated audio and AI-generated misinformation capable of influencing elections, public opinion and religious tensions.
Participants said journalists would play a critical role in defending truth in the AI era.
Journalists urged to defend truth in the AI age
Speakers repeatedly emphasised the importance of ethical journalism as AI-generated content becomes harder to distinguish from authentic reporting.
Organisers said society increasingly depended on journalists capable of verifying facts with integrity amid the spread of AI-driven propaganda.
Religious leaders and media practitioners at the summit warned that public trust could collapse if misinformation technologies continue advancing faster than verification systems.
During practical sessions led by facilitator Nkechi, participants discussed how internet-connected devices and AI systems were already shaping information exposure and influencing behaviour.
Some speakers warned that algorithms could manipulate emotions, opinions and even spiritual beliefs through targeted digital content.
Concerns over children, education and creativity
The impact of AI on young people emerged as a major concern throughout the conference.
Rev. Egbuta Ojebe of Lagos Presbyterian Church, Yaba, warned that overdependence on AI could weaken critical thinking and creativity among students.
He said many children were increasingly submitting AI-generated assignments without understanding the material themselves.
“If independent thinking dies, society loses creativity,” he warned.
Ojebe argued that AI should remain a tool rather than replace human reasoning, reading culture and authentic learning.
Similarly, Nneoma Mary, Woman Leader of Methodist Church Nigeria, expressed concern that excessive screen time and AI-driven digital engagement were weakening family relationships and reducing communication between parents and children.
She also warned that technology-driven social competition among women was damaging traditional support systems and mentorship structures within communities.
Church leaders, she said, should encourage moderation in technology use.
Global AI fears echoed in Lagos discussions
A documentary screened during the event; The Existential Threat of AI and the Need for International Cooperation, intensified debate around the future risks of advanced AI systems.
The film referenced warnings from leading AI researchers and Nobel Prize winners who argue that humanity may be underestimating the speed and scale of AI development.
Participants discussed claims that AI could trigger mass job losses, mental health crises, privacy violations and even existential threats if development continues without effective global regulation.
The summit referenced warnings attributed to AI pioneer Jeffrey Hinton, who has publicly discussed catastrophic AI risks, as well as open letters signed by more than 1,000 experts calling for pauses in advanced AI development.
Speakers criticised what they described as a gap between the rapid growth of AI capabilities and the slower pace of international regulation.
Religious leaders seek representation in Nigeria’s AI commissions
A major point of debate was Nigeria’s proposed AI governance structure.
Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi argued that religious voices were largely absent from planned AI expert groups and ethics commissions envisioned under Nigeria’s AI strategy.
He warned that ethical oversight bodies dominated only by politicians, scientists and technology companies could ignore broader social and spiritual concerns.
Participants called for bishops, Imams and faith representatives to be formally included in national AI ethics discussions.
Some also expressed fears that advanced AI systems could eventually replace aspects of religious life, including sermons, pastoral counselling and worship experiences.
The conference strongly rejected the idea that machines could replace spiritual authority or human dignity.
“Humans are created in God’s image,” one participant said during the practical sessions. “Technology should serve humanity, not replace it.”
Calls for balanced regulation instead of panic
Despite widespread concern, some speakers argued against panic-driven responses.
Elder Akaninyene Obot, National Treasurer of the Christian Council of Nigeria, said AI development was fundamentally an economic activity that required balanced government regulation rather than fear.
He argued that technology itself was not inherently dangerous if properly managed.
“Government regulates banking and insurance. It should also regulate AI development to protect communities,” he said.
Obot added that Nigeria’s young innovators were already participating in the global technology ecosystem and should not be excluded from AI advancement.
However, he stressed that economic rights and technological growth should never come at the expense of public welfare.
Human empathy and morality remain central
Several speakers returned repeatedly to the idea that AI could not replicate human empathy, vulnerability and spiritual consciousness.
Archbishop Christopher Ede, Methodist Archbishop of Enugu, stressed the importance of emotional empathy and sympathy in human relationships.
The conference also referenced discussions from a World Council of Churches webinar on AGI, which explored questions about justice, inequality, race, gender and the impact of AI on vulnerable populations.
Participants debated whether AI represented a new challenge to humanity’s understanding of itself, with some describing the technology as a potential “fourth narcissistic insult” to human uniqueness.
Faith communities, speakers argued, must therefore remain actively engaged in shaping ethical and theological responses to emerging technologies.
What happens next?
Organisers said the discussions were intended to build sustained collaboration between religious leaders, journalists, policymakers and civil society groups on AI ethics in Nigeria and Africa.
Participants called for:
stronger AI regulation,
public education campaigns,
child protection safeguards,
ethical journalism standards,
international cooperation on AI governance,
and broader inclusion of religious communities in policymaking.
The summit ended with calls for a “pro-human AI declaration” aimed at ensuring technological innovation aligns with justice, peace, truth and human dignity.
HabariPay, the fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), has launched its first-ever HabariPay Impact Report 2025, detailing the company’s growth journey, business performance, innovation initiatives, and contributions to Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital payments sector.
The report, unveiled on Tuesday, provides a comprehensive overview of HabariPay’s evolution from a startup fintech venture into a major payment infrastructure provider supporting businesses, merchants, and financial technology firms across Nigeria.
The publication comes at a time when digital payments continue to reshape commerce across Africa, with growing demand for secure, scalable, and inclusive financial services.
Why the Report Matters
Nigeria’s digital economy has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by increased smartphone adoption, fintech innovation, and government-backed financial inclusion efforts.
Against this backdrop, HabariPay says its new report highlights how technology-driven payment solutions are helping businesses accept payments, manage transactions, and expand their reach in an increasingly digital marketplace.
According to the report, the company has invested heavily in payment acceptance infrastructure, switching services, transfers, merchant solutions, and value-added products designed to support businesses of varying sizes.
The report also tracks the expansion of HabariPay’s flagship digital payment platform, Squad, which serves thousands of merchants across the country.
HabariPay Reflects on Growth Journey
Speaking during the launch, HabariPay Managing Director, Eduofon Japhet, said the report goes beyond financial metrics to measure broader economic and social impact.
“As a technology-driven company, we believe that impact extends beyond financial performance. It is reflected in the businesses we enable, the merchants we support, the infrastructure we build, and the opportunities we create for the next generation of innovators. The HabariPay Impact Report 2025 captures this journey and demonstrates our commitment to creating sustainable value for customers, partners, and the broader economy.”
She added that the publication reflects years of strategic investments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem.
“The HabariPay Impact Report 2025 represents more than a reflection on our achievements; it is a testament to the deliberate investments we have made in building sustainable payment infrastructure, empowering businesses, fostering innovation, and creating long-term value for our stakeholders. As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our capabilities, deepening our impact, and shaping the future of digital payments through technology-driven solutions that are secure, scalable, and inclusive.”
Investment in Innovation and Talent Development
Beyond payments infrastructure, the report highlights HabariPay’s efforts to nurture technology talent through initiatives such as the Take on Squad Hackathon and Squad Hackademy.
The programmes are designed to support young innovators, encourage practical problem-solving, and help develop the next generation of technology professionals capable of addressing real-world challenges.
Industry analysts say such initiatives are becoming increasingly important as fintech companies compete for skilled talent in Africa’s growing digital economy.
Strengthening Digital Commerce
The report also outlines HabariPay’s contributions to enabling digital commerce through products that support online and offline payments.
Its payment infrastructure includes solutions for merchants, businesses, and fintech companies seeking to process transactions efficiently while reducing operational costs.
Financial technology experts note that improving payment infrastructure remains a critical factor in expanding financial inclusion and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form a major part of Nigeria’s economy.
Looking Ahead
According to the report, HabariPay plans to continue investing in payment infrastructure, merchant services, digital innovation, and intelligent technologies aimed at improving the future of financial services.
The company says these investments will focus on creating more secure, scalable, and inclusive payment solutions for businesses and consumers.
As competition intensifies within Nigeria’s fintech sector, industry observers will be watching closely to see how companies like HabariPay continue to innovate while supporting broader economic growth.
About HabariPay
HabariPay Limited, https://www.habaripay.com, is the fintech subsidiary of GTCO and is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The company provides payment and commerce solutions designed for SMEs, micro-merchants, large corporations, and fintech companies operating within Africa’s digital economy.
Its products include:
Squad Digital Payments Platform (https://www.squadco.com)
HabariPay Storefront(https://www.squadco.com)
Merchant Value-Added Services
Payment Switching Infrastructure
HabariPay received Mastercard’s Innovative Mobile Payment Solution Award at the Technology Innovation Awards (TIA) 2022 for its SquadPOS payment solution.
Access the Full Report
The full HabariPay Impact Report 2025 can be accessed here:
HabariPay Impact Report 2025 https://squadco.com/impact-report
Technology
TrafficMaster Pro Launches AI-Powered SEO Platform to Boost Search Visibility, Website Traffic
A new artificial intelligence-powered digital marketing platform, TrafficMaster Pro, has launched globally, promising to help businesses improve search visibility, increase website traffic, and generate more online revenue through automated SEO and growth tools.
The launch comes at a time when businesses face increasing competition for online attention and customer acquisition. Many organisations struggle with search engine optimisation (SEO), content production, website indexing, backlink building, social media management, and performance tracking.
TrafficMaster Pro says it aims to address these challenges by bringing multiple digital marketing functions into a single platform powered by artificial intelligence and business intelligence technology.
The company said its platform combines SEO auditing, keyword research, competitor analysis, AI content creation, backlink monitoring, rank tracking, social media campaign management, indexing tools, and real-time analytics to support business growth.
Why It Matters
Search visibility has become a critical factor for businesses seeking customers online. With search engines remaining one of the primary sources of website traffic, companies increasingly rely on SEO and digital marketing tools to remain competitive.
Industry analysts have noted that AI-driven marketing platforms are becoming more popular as organisations look for ways to automate routine tasks while improving efficiency and reducing costs.
TrafficMaster Pro enters a growing market of AI-powered marketing platforms competing to help businesses improve digital performance and customer acquisition.
Business Brain Technology
A key feature highlighted during the launch is the company’s proprietary “Business Brain” technology.
According to TrafficMaster Pro, the system learns about a company’s products, services, customers, competitors, and growth objectives to generate personalised recommendations rather than standardised reports.
“Businesses do not need more complicated reports. They need clear growth opportunities and practical actions that generate results,” said Vincent Bamgbala, Founder of TrafficMaster Pro.
“TrafficMaster Pro combines artificial intelligence, automation, and business intelligence to help organizations improve visibility, attract customers, and grow revenue.”
Features Offered
The platform provides a range of capabilities, including:
– AI-powered SEO audits
– Website health analysis
– Keyword research and difficulty analysis
– Competitor gap analysis
– Rank tracking and performance monitoring
– AI content generation and optimisation
– Content refresh intelligence
– Schema markup generation
– Automated indexing technology
– AI landing page creation
– Traffic forecasting and simulation
– Backlink intelligence and monitoring
– Social media campaign automation
– Analytics and conversion insights
– Strategic recommendations powered by Business Brain
– White-label agency reseller solutions
Agency Reseller Programme Announced
The company also announced a new Agency Reseller Programme designed for agencies, consultants, and entrepreneurs.
The initiative allows participants to operate their own branded SEO software businesses using TrafficMaster Pro’s white-label infrastructure.
Supporters of white-label business models argue that they can help entrepreneurs enter the software market without the significant costs associated with developing platforms from scratch.
Free Website Audit for Businesses
To attract new users, TrafficMaster Pro is offering a complimentary AI-powered website audit.
According to the company, the audit evaluates website performance, search visibility, indexing status, technical SEO issues, content opportunities, and competitive positioning.
The company said the service is intended to help businesses identify growth opportunities and improve digital performance.
Who Can Use the Platform?
TrafficMaster Pro says its services are designed for:
– Small and medium-sized businesses
– Digital marketing agencies
– SEO professionals
– Bloggers and content creators
– News publishers
– E-commerce businesses
– SaaS companies
– Consultants and freelancers
– Educational institutions
– Non-profit organisations
The platform launches with multiple pricing tiers, including entry-level SEO reporting plans, advanced automation packages, premium growth solutions, and managed services.
The company has also introduced a Founding Member Programme for its first 50 customers, offering a 40% lifetime discount on selected plans while subscriptions remain active.
Industry Perspective
The launch reflects the broader shift towards AI-driven marketing technologies as businesses seek more efficient ways to compete in increasingly crowded digital markets.
Marketing professionals say businesses are looking for platforms that simplify data analysis and provide actionable insights rather than complex reports.
As AI adoption accelerates across industries, platforms capable of combining automation, analytics, and strategic recommendations are expected to play a growing role in digital marketing operations.
What Happens Next?
TrafficMaster Pro is now available worldwide and will compete in the rapidly expanding SEO and digital growth software sector.
The company’s success is likely to depend on how effectively its AI-powered tools help businesses improve rankings, increase traffic, and generate measurable returns on marketing investment.
Official Links
Platform information: TrafficMaster Pro https://trafficmasterpro.com
Free website audit: TrafficMaster Pro Free Audit https://trafficmasterpro.com
Technology
NCC Praises Bosun Tijani as 185 Girls Explore Nigeria’s Telecom History Through ICT Programme
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has praised Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for promoting programmes designed to empower girls with digital knowledge and technology skills.
The commendation came as the commission hosted 185 students from different parts of Nigeria at the National Communications Museum in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 National Girls in ICT Programme.
According to the NCC, the educational tour introduced participants to the history and evolution of telecommunications in Nigeria while encouraging them to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to close the gender gap in the technology sector and inspire more young women to participate in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Why It Matters
Women remain underrepresented in many areas of science and technology despite increasing demand for digital skills globally.
Experts say exposing girls to technology at an early age can boost confidence, increase participation in STEM education and create pathways to future employment opportunities.
Nigeria’s digital economy has become a key driver of economic growth, making digital literacy and technological innovation increasingly important for the country’s future workforce.
By connecting students with the history of telecommunications and modern technological developments, programmes such as Girls in ICT seek to build interest in innovation among younger generations.
Inside the National Communications Museum Visit
During the tour, students explored exhibits showcasing the development of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, from early communication systems to modern digital technologies.
The NCC said the experience was designed to help participants understand how innovation has shaped communication in Nigeria and how young people can contribute to the country’s digital transformation.
The commission noted that the museum visit was intended to inspire the students to become active contributors to Nigeria’s future technological advancement.
Growing Push for Girls in Technology
The National Girls in ICT Programme aligns with global efforts to increase female participation in technology-related fields.
Industry stakeholders have repeatedly highlighted the need for more women in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science and telecommunications.
Supporters of the programme argue that greater inclusion of girls in digital education can help address skills shortages while promoting innovation and economic development.
Educational advocates also say mentorship opportunities, practical exposure and digital literacy programmes remain essential to encouraging long-term participation among young women.
What Happens Next?
The NCC is expected to continue supporting initiatives that encourage digital literacy, innovation and technology education among young Nigerians.
Stakeholders say sustained investment in STEM education, digital infrastructure and skills development will be critical to achieving Nigeria’s ambitions for a technology-driven economy.
As Nigeria expands its digital transformation agenda, programmes focused on empowering young girls are likely to remain a key part of efforts to build a more inclusive technology ecosystem.
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