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.
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.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has signalled a stronger commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into policing operations following the conclusion of a high-level leadership workshop in Abuja focused on innovation, governance, and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
The Second AI-POL Leadership Dialogue Workshop, held on 3 June 2026, brought together senior law enforcement officials, technology experts, and international partners to examine how AI could transform policing and public safety in Nigeria.
Police leaders said the discussions focused on practical applications of AI in security operations, while also addressing concerns around governance, accountability, and the challenges associated with adopting new technologies.
Why it matters
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly important in public administration, security, and business operations worldwide, law enforcement agencies are exploring how the technology can improve crime prevention, investigations, intelligence gathering, and operational efficiency.
For Nigeria, where security challenges continue to affect communities across the country, the adoption of AI tools could potentially strengthen law enforcement capabilities while improving service delivery.
However, experts have also raised concerns globally about data protection, privacy, algorithmic bias, and the need for robust oversight frameworks when deploying AI in policing.
Police chief says AI is already reshaping security
Speaking at the workshop, the Inspector-General of Police, , said discussions at the event highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence on modern policing.
“The conversations reinforced a simple but urgent truth: artificial intelligence is no longer something to prepare for in the distant future—it is already reshaping how security agencies operate around the world,” the IGP said.
He thanked participants, facilitators, experts, and development partners for contributing to the success of the workshop and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to advancing collaboration in the field of AI-driven policing.
Nigeria recognised in African AI policing initiative
One of the key moments during the event was a presentation based on outcomes from the 5th Global Meeting for AI and Law Enforcement.
According to the police, Nigeria was recognised as a priority partner for the African AI Policing Pilot, a development that could position the country among leading African nations testing and implementing AI-based policing solutions.
The recognition is expected to create opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaboration with international stakeholders working on responsible AI deployment in law enforcement.
Experts stress responsible adoption
Technology and governance experts have consistently argued that while AI can help law enforcement agencies process information more efficiently and identify patterns in large datasets, clear regulations and ethical safeguards remain essential.
Global policing agencies are increasingly balancing innovation with concerns over transparency, accountability, and citizens’ rights, making governance frameworks a central part of AI adoption strategies.
Participants at the Abuja workshop were encouraged to apply lessons learned within their respective commands and ensure that discussions translate into practical outcomes across the police service.
Building future-ready policing
The Nigeria Police Force said the workshop forms part of broader efforts to modernise policing and strengthen institutional capacity through innovation.
Officials expressed appreciation to partners and stakeholders who contributed to the event, noting that collaborative efforts remain critical to building safer communities and a police service that remains accountable to citizens.
As governments and security agencies across the world continue to explore the role of artificial intelligence, the workshop signals Nigeria’s intention to play a more active role in shaping the future of technology-driven law enforcement in Africa.
Africa’s marketing and advertising landscape could be entering a new era as Ad-Agency GPT, billed as the continent’s first generative artificial intelligence platform designed specifically for agencies, is set to be unveiled at MarkHack 5.0 in Lagos.
The platform will be introduced by Tomi Davies, Collaborator-in-Chief at TVC Labs and founding President of ABAN, alongside Dr. Victor ‘Gbenga Afolabi, Group Chief Executive Officer of GDM Group, during the conference scheduled for June 5 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The launch comes at a time when businesses and agencies across Africa are increasingly exploring artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer engagement.
Why It Matters
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries worldwide, including advertising, media, and communications. However, many existing AI tools have been criticised for lacking local context and cultural understanding, particularly in African markets.
According to its developers, Ad-Agency GPT has been built to address this challenge by incorporating African consumer behaviour patterns, regional language nuances, cultural insights, and market-specific campaign strategies.
The platform is designed to support agency operations from interpreting client briefs and developing campaign concepts to generating content, planning strategies, and validating marketing outputs.
Developers say this could allow smaller agencies to access capabilities typically associated with larger international marketing networks.
What the Developers Say
Speaking ahead of the unveiling, the organisers described Ad-Agency GPT as a significant advancement in Africa’s marketing technology ecosystem.
“Ad-Agency GPT represents a significant leap in marketing infrastructure across Africa,” the organisers said.
They added that the platform functions as an end-to-end intelligent system capable of supporting agencies throughout the entire marketing workflow.
At the heart of the platform is what its creators describe as “deep contextual intelligence.”
“By encoding African consumer behavior, regional language nuances, FMCG activation models, and cultural dynamics, Ad-Agency GPT produces outputs that are inherently market-ready,” the organisers stated.
According to GDM Group, the system is also designed to help agencies preserve institutional knowledge and improve campaign development over time.
MarkHack 5.0 Focuses on AI and Culture
The unveiling will take place during MarkHack 5.0, one of Nigeria’s leading marketing, media, and technology conferences.
This year’s theme, “The Culture Algorithm: AI × Human Experience,” reflects growing conversations around how artificial intelligence is influencing culture, creativity, identity, and business decision-making.
Industry leaders, technology experts, policymakers, and creative professionals are expected to attend discussions examining the opportunities and challenges presented by AI adoption.
For many participants, the launch of Ad-Agency GPT may serve as a practical example of how AI is being adapted to solve uniquely African business challenges.
Live Demonstrations Planned
Conference attendees will have an opportunity to see the platform in action through live demonstrations.
Organisers say the sessions will showcase campaign ideation, multi-format content generation, and culturally adaptive marketing strategy development.
The demonstrations are intended to provide agencies with practical insights into how AI can help streamline operations, accelerate creative processes, and improve campaign effectiveness across diverse African markets.
Open Access Launch Strategy
Ad-Agency GPT will initially be available through an open-access model aimed at encouraging adoption across the marketing ecosystem.
A premium version, known as the Pro tier, is expected to be introduced later. It will include expanded output capacity, collaborative workspaces, and access to GDM Group’s proprietary campaign playbooks.
Developers say the long-term goal is to position the platform as more than a productivity tool, but as an operating system that supports agency growth, competitiveness, and innovation.
Industry Perspective
Marketing analysts say AI-powered platforms tailored to local markets could become increasingly important as African businesses seek digital transformation solutions that better reflect regional realities.
The emergence of locally developed AI products may also help reduce dependence on global platforms that often struggle to capture cultural and linguistic nuances across Africa’s diverse markets.
As competition intensifies within the advertising industry, agencies are likely to continue investing in technologies that improve efficiency while maintaining authentic audience engagement.
What Happens Next?
The official unveiling at MarkHack 5.0 will provide the first public look at Ad-Agency GPT’s capabilities and market potential.
The event could also offer insight into how African-developed AI solutions are evolving and whether they can help shape the future of marketing, communications, and creative industries across the continent.
-
Security7 days agoLagos Police Debunk Viral Ikorodu Arms Arrest Video, Say Footage Is Over Three Years Old
-
Security6 days agoLagos Police Debunk Viral Bandit Invasion Claims as False, Confirm One Death, 15 Arrests
-
Tourism6 days agoRite Foods Boosts Ojude Oba 2026 as Thousands Celebrate Ijebu Heritage and Awujale’s Legacy
-
Crime7 days agoDelta Police Arrest Five Suspects, Recover Gun and 10 Bags of Suspected Cannabis
-
Crime5 days agoOyo Police Recover Firearm, Vandalised Cables and Suspected Stolen Property, Arrest Three
-
Security6 days agoOgun Police Debunk Viral Kidnap Claim After Officers Mistaken for Criminals in Simawa
-
Nigeria News4 days agoOndo Approves Akure Flyover, Major Road Projects, Owena Dam Funding
-
Security6 days agoOyo Police Arrest Two Over False Bandit Attack Claim in Lamini Community
