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AI Should Be an Enabler, Not a Replacement for Human Creativity – Dr. Lakinbofa Goodluck

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In a rapidly evolving digital world, conversations surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) are growing louder, particularly within Nigeria’s media and communications landscape. Experts, creatives, and journalists with the Pan-Atlantic University recently gathered for a virtual panel discussion themed, “AI with Integrity: Exploring Responsible Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria’s Media Industry.”

The engaging session brought together key voices from journalism, advertising, public relations, and broadcasting to discuss how the rise of AI is transforming media practice, creativity, and the essence of truth in storytelling.

One of the panelists, Dr. Lakinbofa Goodluck, Public Relations Manager at MTN Nigeria, shared compelling insights on how AI can be a force for good if used responsibly. According to him, artificial intelligence should not be feared but rather embraced with discipline and ethical awareness.

“The reality is that you can’t run away from AI,” Lakinbofa said. “The way I like to put it is that AI is like the personal assistant that only the rich could once afford. Now, it has become a tool that enables everyone no matter their background to be more productive and effective.”

He explained that whilst AI has opened new doors for innovation, automation, and communication efficiency, it should never replace the human mind’s depth, empathy, and originality. Instead, it should serve as an enabler, a support system that amplifies creativity rather than erases it.

Drawing from communication theories such as Marshall McLuhan’s Extension of Man, Goodluck highlighted that every technological advancement extends a human ability whilst simultaneously diminishing another. “When you introduce a new technology,” he said, “you extend one human faculty but also amputate another. For instance, whilst the phone brought people closer, it reduced  face-to-face conversations. The same applies to AI it will extend our capacity to create and analyse faster, but if not handled wisely, it could weaken our ability to think deeply or write from the heart.”

According to him, the true danger lies not in AI itself, but in the over-reliance on it without human reflection. He cautioned that creators who depend entirely on AI for writing, design, or storytelling risk losing the authenticity and emotional intelligence that connect them to their audiences.

“AI can mimic tone,” he added, “but only humans can mean what they say. Machines can produce words, but they can’t feel them and that’s the difference between content and connection.”

Goodluck further emphasised the need for AI literacy and transparency across Nigeria’s media and communication sectors. He recommended that media organisations adopt clear guidelines on the ethical use of AI, including disclosure on how and where AI tools are used in creating content. This, he said, will help uphold integrity and rebuild public trust in media output.

“Perhaps what we need to start doing now is what I call ‘AI transparency,’” he noted. “Every media house should be able to indicate to what extent AI contributed to a story, report, or campaign. That honesty helps readers and audiences to understand what’s real, what’s human, and what’s machine-assisted.”

Throughout the discussion, Goodluck and other panelists agreed that the adoption of AI in the Nigerian media industry should come with caution, regulation, and consistent training. Beyond using AI for content creation, he said, professionals must also learn to detect and debunk misinformation produced through the same technology.

He further called for the inclusion of AI literacy in media education, arguing that “understanding how AI works is the first step to spotting when it’s being misused.” This, he said, will empower journalists, creators, and consumers to navigate the digital space with discernment and confidence.

In conclusion, Goodluck reminded participants that the role of media practitioners in this era is not to compete with AI but to collaborate responsibly with it. “Eventually,” he said, “AI is artificial; it’s only as good as the human who controls it. What will always stand the test of time is truth, empathy, and the human touch in storytelling.”

The event ended with a shared consensus among speakers that Nigeria’s media future depends not on rejecting AI, but on embracing it ethically. The call was clear: as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, so must the integrity, creativity, and accountability of those who use it.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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SiBAN Partners Vontech to Strengthen Nigeria’s Blockchain Ecosystem with $100,000 AWS Cloud Support for Startups

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The Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Vontech, an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, to advance blockchain innovation and capacity building across Nigeria’s digital economy.

Through this collaboration, blockchain startups and developers in Nigeria will gain access to $100,000 in AWS Cloud credits, empowering them to build, scale, and optimize solutions that leverage cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

This partnership represents a significant milestone in SiBAN’s mission to create an enabling environment for blockchain adoption, regulatory engagement, and sustainable innovation within the country. By connecting local builders with global technology resources, SiBAN continues to champion a future where Nigerian blockchain projects can compete and collaborate on a global scale.

“At SiBAN, our vision is to make Nigeria one of the safest and most vibrant blockchain ecosystems in the world. This partnership with AWS and Vontech reflects our commitment to equipping our members and startups with the technical foundation needed to innovate confidently and grow sustainably,” Obinna Iwuno

SiBAN invites blockchain founders, startups, and ecosystem enablers to join its growing network of innovators, regulators, and investors working together to strengthen Nigeria’s digital asset and Web3 landscape.

By becoming a SiBAN member, you gain access to training programs, international partnerships, policy advocacy, and exclusive opportunities like this AWS initiative designed to drive real impact across the blockchain sector.

 


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UK Launches Phase Two of Nigeria–UK PACT Fund to Boost Clean Energy and Climate Action

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United Kingdom has officially launched Phase Two of the Nigeria–UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) Fund, unveiling a new package of support aimed at powering Nigeria’s clean energy transition and climate resilience.

The announcement was made at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, where the UK government revealed eight new technical assistance projects and five expert deployments designed to help Nigeria implement its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

UK PACT is a flagship programme under the UK Government’s International Climate Finance portfolio, jointly managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

It operates across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, providing technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge exchange to support climate commitments and inclusive transitions.

Launched in 2021, the Nigeria–UK PACT Fund has supported Nigeria in strengthening climate governance, mobilising finance, and implementing clean energy and nature-based solutions aligned with the country’s Energy Transition Plan, Climate Change Act, and NDCs.

The new portfolio focuses on two key areas: clean energy transition and climate policy and governance.

Five clean energy projects will scale up decentralised renewable energy solutions, enhance energy sector institutions’ capacity to integrate renewables, and create market-enabling environments to attract private investment.

Implementing partners include Landell Mills, Africa PPP Advisory Services, Mercy Corps, Wayne Energy Consult, and Glasgow Caledonian University.

Three climate policy and governance projects will build institutional capacity, improve data systems for evidence-based policymaking, and foster policy frameworks to encourage private sector innovation.

Expert deployments will support the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). Partners include the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, Perspectives Climate Research gGmbH, and University of York.

The projects are expected to enhance climate data tracking, facilitate small-scale hydropower deployment, strengthen Nigeria’s climate negotiation skills, and unlock over $8 billion in private investment for renewable energy in the healthcare sector.

The UK government said these efforts form a foundation for deeper engagement in Nigeria’s journey to net zero.


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AfriTECH 5.0 and ATAEx Awards Light Up Lagos Today

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The anticipation is electric. Tomorrow, November 13, 2025, the grand halls of the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, will pulse with innovation, ideas, and inspiration as Africa’s brightest technology minds gather for the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH) 5.0 and Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards.

From 9:00 AM (WAT), industry leaders, regulators, investors, and digital disruptors will converge under one compelling theme: “AI and Sovereign Tech: Building Africa’s Digital Independence.”

At a time when artificial intelligence is transforming global industries, AfriTECH 5.0 stands as a rallying point, a call to Africa to own its narrative, shape its technologies, and build sustainable digital systems powered by homegrown innovation.

“This isn’t just another tech conference,” says Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co-Convener of AfriTECH 5.0. “It’s where bold ideas meet real impact, where Africa’s digital journey is redefined through collaboration, vision, and courage.”

The stage will welcome a constellation of thought leaders including Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale, founder/Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Ltd., George Agu, Group President, ActivEdge Technologies, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty Nigeria, Muhammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), and Dr. (Mrs.) Ebehijie Momoh CEO, AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited.

Others are; Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO, SKOT Communications, Mr. Chidi Okpala, Personal Branding Expert, Mr. Chudi Ajuzie, Group CEO, WTES Ltd, and John Itodo, AI & Tech Innovator for Emerging Markets.

This year’s event goes beyond speeches; it’s a story of Africa’s awakening. The Fireside Chat, hosted by Lagos Blockchain Week, featuring: Chukwuemeka Enoch Mbaebie, convener, Lagos Blockchain Week, Senator Ihenyen, lead partner at Infusion Lawyers, and past President of SiBAN, and Damilare Aregbesola, West Africa Lead – Coinbase, will ignite conversations around blockchain, transparency, and the continent’s march toward decentralized governance.

And when the day turns to mid-day, the spotlight shifts to the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence Awards (ATAEx), a celebration of excellence, honoring individuals and organizations shaping Africa’s digital destiny.

Supported by Digital Encode (Platinum Sponsor), alongside itel, SKOT Communications, Tecom, AfriGoPay, Tizel Cybersecurity, and ActivEdge Technologies, AfriTECH 5.0 is powered by a shared vision: to make Africa’s digital future truly sovereign.

Backed by over 15 media outlets including, AriseTV, TechTrends.Africa, TechBuild.Africa, RavenewsOnline.com, NigeriaCommunicationsWeek.com.ng, GrassRoots.ng, ITPulse.com.ng TechnologyMirror.com.ng, DigitalTimesng.com, CyberEra.com.ng, TechnologyMirror.com.ng ITRealms.com.ng, SwiftReporters.com, BusinessRemarks, BusinessMetricsng.com, TechandBizNews, amongst others, attendance to AfriTECH 5.0 is free, but registration is required. For virtual participants, join live via this link.


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