By A civil society organization, Connected Development (CODE), has unveiled a five-year strategic plan, including a $5 million media grant to support Nigerian journalists in promoting artificial intelligence (AI) reporting.
The initiative, launched in Abuja by CODE’s Chief Executive Officer, Hamzat Lawal, aims to harness AI’s potential to enhance governance, economic growth, and social change while addressing ethical concerns such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and accessibility.
Lawal emphasized the transformative power of AI in media and public service delivery, noting that responsible AI use requires public understanding of both its benefits and risks. He reaffirmed CODE’s commitment to empowering journalists as key influencers in shaping societal narratives and ensuring accountability.
The grant will support AI-driven reporting across sectors including health, education, water sanitation, and transparency.
In his keynote address, media expert Dr. Majeed Dahiru highlighted AI’s role in increasing efficiency and content automation but warned of its risks, such as misinformation and job displacement. He urged journalists to maintain ethical standards and called for government investment in the media sector.
Managing Editor of Social Voices Media, Seun Durojaiye, acknowledged AI’s potential but stressed that it should be integrated with other tools to address the media industry’s challenges.
The initiative, themed “Exploring New Media Opportunities to Accelerate Development,” aims to equip Nigerian journalists with the skills and resources to leverage AI responsibly while ensuring ethical journalism.
