General News
The Emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Challenges of Modern Newsrooms: Implications for Nigerian Journalists
By Felix Elele
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is one of the outcomes of the digital disruptions of this era. The disruptive effects of sundry technological innovations such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and blockchain have changed all facets of human endeavour and the creative industry is not an exception.
The impact of these disruptive technologies on the creative industry is an area of growing interest to media practitioners. One segment of the creative economy that has integrated AI into its creation process is journalism. It serves as a model of how technology could be applied to various forms of creative expression in the future.
It is no more news that the advent of the internet has revolutionised the way every facet of life operates globally including the practice of journalism.
Accordingly, media organisations are strategizing on how to navigate the threats posed by the emergence of AI and reposition themselves to take advantage of the opportunities. It is inherent that with the help of AI programs, the art of storytelling is becoming more and more scientific.
Hadi Rashedi, Ku Leaven and Hossen Mosalapoor in their paper titled “Exploring the future of modern journalism with artificial intelligence”, stated that AI software developers are using their extensive knowledge of linguistics and natural language to explore narrative and turn data analytics insights from data silos into digestible narratives in seconds.
This has ushered a new era and paradigm shift in journalism practice known as Robotic Journalism. They further posited that Robotic Journalism is based on two pillars: computer software that automatically extracts new knowledge from huge data silos and algorithms that automatically convert this knowledge and insights into readable stories without human intervention.
In this new era, commercial firms have AI algorithms that write thousands of journalistic reports without humans. For obvious economic and business strategy reasons, the adoption of robot journalism is rapidly growing and will be a disruptor in the journalism practice, as it is known today.
Recent developments have shown that efficient new robot journalists will challenge traditional journalists. Aside from significant personnel cost reductions, these robot journalists are factual, are never fatigued, and are free of bias if programmed objectively.
Christoph Trattner and his team in an article titled “Responsible media technology and AI: challenges and research directions” published in 2021 have argued that new competition in the media industry is an undeniable fact and an inevitable effect of the disruptive effects of digitalisation and new economic models.
They argue that traditional media outlets and their long-standing editorial practices are losing ground to up-and-coming firms that have successfully filled a niche in the media market by anticipating and targeting specific consumer demands.
For instance, fnn.no has become Norway’s primary classified ads platform, a sector previously dominated by traditional media; Twitter has become a major debate platform, bypassing traditional media; Facebook appears to provide far more insight into people’s lives than the personals sections of newspapers ever did; and Netflix, HBO, Twitch, TikTok, and YouTube challenge the commercial and public broadcasters’ positions.
Facebook aggregates material and services more efficiently than the media due to its use of user-curated content and predictive content personalization. These enormous platforms now distribute content, while traditional media companies have evolved into content providers for these platforms, similar to anyone with a smartphone.
The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Associated Press, Forbes, and ProPublica have initiated the automation of news content. Though the technology is still in its infancy on the market, automated journalism has made its way into newsrooms and is likely to remain.
The use of AI in journalism has provided opportunities to automate reporting and has helped to rapidly expand coverage; the Associated Press was able to expand the number of companies it reported. It also provides faster insights and the ability to spontaneously provide real-time data for the outlines of a story in seconds, unlike human reporters. In addition, it can reduce the human element in the content-creation process.
In his research on the subject, “Guide to Automated Journalism”, Andreas Graefe stated that the increasing availability of structured data and news organizations’ desire to both reduce costs and increase the quantity of news are some of the primary drivers of automated journalism.
This is because algorithms can generate news more quickly, on a larger scale, and potentially with fewer errors than human journalists. It can use the same data to tell stories in multiple languages and from various perspectives, thus tailoring them to the preferences of each individual reader.
Equally, they have the capacity to generate news on demand by generating stories in response to users’ data-related queries. On the other hand, he argued that the disadvantage of algorithms is that they rely on data and assumptions, both of which are susceptible to bias and error.
As a result, algorithms may generate unanticipated, unintended, and erroneous results. They are unable to pose questions, explain novel phenomena, or establish causality, limiting their capacity to observe society and perform journalistic duties such as orientation and opinion formation.
In looking at the pros and cons, some journalists may see the new robot journalists as a serious threat to their career and means of livelihood, while some forward-thinking journalists will view this potential threat to journalism as a tool for more efficient delivery.
For proactive practitioners, the robot journalists will free them from engaging in sometimes dangerous and costly investigations. The bot will also provide them with an automated draft of a story, which they will then revise and enhance with their in-depth analysis, perspectives, and storytelling skills.
With advancements in micro-data technology, it will be challenging for human journalists to compete in this ecosystem of automatic data collection and writing without advancing their skill set. In the nearest future, there is the possibility that career professions in the media will experience a paradigm shift.
It is envisaged that Data managers and AI software engineers may become key players in the journalism profession as employees of media organizations and potential newsroom leaders in the emerging media practice.
Notwithstanding the above, human journalists still have important roles and competitive advantages over robot journalists – but they must fully understand those limitations and retool their skills, competencies and abilities to reposition their mode of operation to take advantage of the opportunities.
Andreas Graefe has argued that Journalists whose work consists of covering mundane themes may be displaced by automated journalism, but the advent of news-generating algorithms may also lead to the creation of new employment opportunities. For instance, a robot journalist cannot be a watchdog over democracy and human rights.
Consequently, there is a likelihood of collaboration and integration of human and automated journalism to form a man-machine alliance. It is in the best interest of journalists to hone their skills and develop new ones in areas such as in-depth analysis, interviewing, and investigative reporting, which algorithms cannot execute. It is therefore pertinent that human journalists should understand and embrace the new rules of the game.
Going forward, media organisations and practitioners in developing countries and particularly in Nigeria must begin to change their perspective and espouse these new realities if they must remain relevant in the emerging media space.
Otherwise, the mega and evolving media practice propelled by AI will lead to the extinction of some media practitioners and operators in line with Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. The time to act is now as AI has the capacity to transform the digital space in ways that seem unimaginable.
Regarding Nigeria journalism practice in the age of robot journalism, Desmond Onyemechi Okocha and Roxie Ojoma Ola-Akuma stated in their study “Investigating Robot Journalism, National Security and the Future of Military-Media Relations in Nigeria” that media practitioners are still unfamiliar with the concept of robot journalism technology.
They urged media organizations and journalists to acquire the skills necessary to implement and adapt to global strategies for gathering, packaging, and disseminating news and other pertinent information to the public.
In addition, journalists must make editorial and ethical decisions, which could pave the way for the adoption of automated journalism, as robots lack emotions and can only implement pre-programmed ethics. In addition, media organizations should be adaptable and train their employees in online journalism, while the government should facilitate the continuous flow of information. On the other hand, Nigerian training institutions should include robot journalism and military news coverage in their curriculum.
Felix Elele wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called for a fundamental shift in Kano State’s economic strategy, urging stakeholders to embrace innovation, technology and collaboration as the drivers of growth in the 21st century.
Speaking at the Kano Startup Weekend, Inuwa acknowledge Kano’s long-standing reputation as the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region, noting that its history of trade, enterprise and human capital provides a solid foundation for future growth.
He emphasised that while these strengths powered Kano’s success for centuries, the modern economy now offers even greater opportunities through innovation and technology.
He described innovation as the process of transforming ideas into impactful solutions through commercialization, stressing that when ideas are effectively deployed, they create value, solve societal challenges and generate sustainable economic growth. He noted that Kano’s large market, strategic location and vibrant entrepreneurial culture place it in a strong position to take advantage of innovation-driven opportunities.
According to him, “Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact. Invention on its own is a cost centre, but when you commercialise an idea, when you turn it into a product or service that solves a real problem and creates value, that is when you begin to drive economic growth and inclusion.”
He noted that the state hosts numerous degree-awarding institutions across federal, state and private ownership, providing a strong base for human capital development. However, he expressed concern that these institutions often operate in isolation from industry, with research outputs rarely translating into commercial or industrial applications.
He explained that innovation does not happen in silos and stressed the need for a strong, interconnected ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, startups, entrepreneurs and government.
According to him, universities should conduct research informed by industry needs, industries should leverage research to improve productivity and competitiveness, and startups should serve as the bridge that converts ideas into market-ready solutions.
He further encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage technology to build businesses that can grow beyond local markets, explaining that innovation-driven enterprises have the power to scale rapidly, create jobs and position Kano competitively at both national and global levels. According to him, digital platforms and emerging technologies now make it easier for startups to reach wider markets and develop solutions that were previously unimaginable.
“You can start your business here in Kano, but your thinking must be global from day one. Technology has removed barriers. With the right skills and platforms, a startup in Kano can build solutions that serve not just Nigeria, but the world,” he noted.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing interventions, the Director General outlined the Agency’s commitment to building national innovation capacity through targeted human capital development programmes. He cited the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which aims to equip Nigerians across all segments of society with essential digital skills, and the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, designed to produce a pipeline of globally competitive technical professionals in areas such as software development, data analysis and emerging technologies.
He said, “Through DL4ALL, we are ensuring that Nigerians at all levels have the basic digital skills needed to participate in the digital economy, while 3MTT is deliberately building a pipeline of globally competitive technical talents who can drive innovation, create jobs and attract investment.”
He explained that these programmes are key pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth as pathways to national prosperity. According to him, empowering Nigerians with digital and technical skills is essential for building a resilient economy capable of competing in the global digital landscape.
“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is about investing in people, empowering them with relevant skills and creating opportunities for inclusive growth. At NITDA, we are using digital skills and innovation as tools to translate that vision into real economic impact for Nigerians,” he said.
Inuwa urged all stakeholders in Kano to work together to build a functional innovation ecosystem that can unlock the state’s vast potential. He expressed confidence that with the right mindset, strong collaboration and sustained investment in digital skills and innovation, Kano can reclaim its historic leadership role and emerge as a major innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Nigeria and beyond.
General News
Sterling Bank Renewable Energy Colloquium Urges Stakeholders to Unlock Nigeria’s Clean Energy Potential
Sterling Bank Limited on Monday convened stakeholders in the renewable energy industry to explore strategies for accelerating Nigeria’s transition to clean energy and boosting economic growth.
L-R: Mr. Ayo Ademilua, President, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria; Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, Group Executive, The Alternative Bank; Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, The Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; Mr. Dele Faseemo, Group Executive, Coprporate and Investment Banking, Sterling Bank; Engr. Bem Samuel Anyangeuor, Representative, Honorable Minister of Power and Mr. Oluwaseyi Okunnuga, Group Head, Renewable Energy & Sustainability Finance, Sterling Bank at the just concluded Renewable Energy Colloquium held in Lagos recently.
The colloquium, themed “Beyond the Grid: Unlocking New Frontiers in Renewable Energy”, was held in Lagos and brought together policymakers, financiers, and industry leaders to deliberate on priority areas for action.
In his opening address, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, represented by Mr. Dele Faseemo, Group Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking, said the bank would focus on regulation and financing to expand access to energy.
He noted that energy access remained critical to supporting economic growth and achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one trillion-dollar economy.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Scaling Electrification in Nigeria: The REA Impact”, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu, represented by Mr. Abba Hayatudden, said Nigeria required about 26 billion dollars to bridge its energy deficit.
Aliyu explained that the energy transition strategy integrates grid, mini-grid and off-grid technologies to achieve universal, reliable and sustainable energy access while aligning with national development and climate goals.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Engineer Samuel Ayangeaor, commended Sterling Bank for convening the dialogue.
He said renewable energy and rural electrification were central to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Ministry of Power has continued to expand electricity access to underserved communities to drive economic growth, foster industrial activity and create jobs across the nation,” Adelabu said.
Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, highlighted the state’s efforts in renewable energy, including the ongoing two-gigawatt grid-scale solar project.
He described it as the most ambitious energy transformation ever undertaken by the state.
Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, urged participants to move beyond communiqués and act with intention to deliver meaningful impact.
The colloquium featured panel sessions on financing and scaling green energy solutions in Africa, among other discussions.
Cellulant, a leading Pan-African payments company enabling seamless digital transactions across Africa, has appointed Mr. Freddie Oduro as its new Country Manager for Ghana.
Mr. Freddie Oduro, New Country Manager for Ghana.
Freddie’s appointment is a key step in Cellulant’s broader strategy to deepen its presence in priority markets by accelerating the acquisition of in-country enterprise businesses and strengthening its position as the payments partner of choice in Africa.
Freddie brings over a decade of commercial and strategic leadership experience in the telecommunications and financial services sectors, with expertise in sales, business operations, and market expansion.
In his new role, he will drive merchant acquisition, strengthening partnerships, oversee collections and payout operations, while ensuring strong internal controls and regulatory compliance.
He joins Cellulant from Payaza and previously served as Sales Director at Cellulant, where he helped significantly expand the company’s footprint in Ghana.
Cellulant has been powering payments in Ghana for leading brands in sectors like e-commerce, utilities, oil and gas and retail, helping them offer their customers a wide range of secure digital payment options.
“We are happy to welcome Freddie back to the Cellulant family,” says Richard Gesimba, Chief Revenue Officer at Cellulant. “Ghana remains a critical market for us, with immense potential driven by rising digital payments adoption.
“As we sharpen our focus on in-country enterprise customers, Freddie’s leadership and industry insight make him the ideal person to steer our Ghana operations.”
The appointment comes at a transformative time for the company. Following a strategic shift between late 2023 and early 2024, focused on streamlining operations, doubling down on enterprise payments, and strengthening customer intimacy, Cellulant achieved profitability in 2024 and continues to build on this momentum.
The company now processes close to 4.5 million transactions daily for businesses across Africa, reinforcing its position as a fintech leader.
“I am honoured to return to Cellulant and lead the Ghana team at such a defining moment,” says Freddie, Country Manager for Cellulant Ghana. “Ghana presents a tremendous opportunity.
“We will ramp up our efforts to sign on more local merchants, strengthen our compliance and control frameworks, and introduce innovative solutions like Tingg Edupay, our automated school fee management solution that eliminates reconciliation delays by validating payments in real time and instantly updating student accounts.
“We will build on Cellulant’s strong foundation to deliver real value, reliability, and economic impact.”
Ghana’s digital payments sector continues to grow steadily, supported by increased mobile money usage and a progressive regulatory environment. Between January and October 2025, the value of mobile money transactions hit about GH¢ 3.6 trillion, up sharply from GH¢ 2.37 trillion in the same period of 2024.
Registered mobile money accounts now exceed 79 million, demonstrating strong consumer and business confidence in digital financial services and in turn creating many opportunities for payment innovation.
This leadership appointment underscores Cellulant’s commitment to building a resilient, high-performance organisation geared towards playing a pivotal role in the next era of Africa’s digital economy.
Looking ahead to 2026, Cellulant plans to further enhance the user experience on its payment platform, Tingg, and expand its footprint across Ghana.
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