Connected Development (CODE) has unveiled the sum of $5 million media grant aimed at promoting ethical AI reporting in Nigeria.
This formed the peak of discussions at the Media Dialogue and the launch of its AI Reporting Initiative held with theme “Exploring New Media Opportunities to Accelerate Development,” at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Tuesday in Abuja.
In his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of CODE, Hamzat Lawal, said that the initiative seeks to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing key developmental challenges while ensuring media professionals are equipped to report on AI technologies with accuracy, transparency, and ethics. He emphasized the importance of AI in fostering development across various sectors.
“The integration of artificial intelligence into human activities has completely changed the world. We have seen the revolutionary power of new media, whether it is in addressing poverty, expanding access to information, or promoting efficiency and openness in the public and private sectors,” he said
Lawal further explained that the initiative was born out of CODE’s commitment to utilizing innovative technologies to engage citizens, especially those in remote areas, and to hold governments accountable. He also stressed the need for journalists to play a central role in ensuring that AI technologies are deployed responsibly for the greater good of society.
“As an organization, we acknowledge your explicit powers as Fourth Estate members to not only report news but also to influence, exercise authority, and define the thinking partner of every culture, morality, and course of all civilisations,” Lawal stated.
The highlight of the day was the announcement of the $5 million media grant, which aims to support journalists and media professionals in investigating AI’s impact on Nigeria’s development.
“By launching this new project, our organisation intends to encourage the appropriate application of AI to investigate frameworks that reduce risks like algorithmic bias, data privacy issues, and unequal access to public services,” Lawal added.
The funding will also support media professionals with seed grants and capacity-building opportunities to enable them to explore and report on AI-driven solutions and challenges. CODE’s initiative will focus on training journalists to identify and address ethical issues arising from AI technologies, such as bias and data privacy concerns, and ensuring that AI’s potential is harnessed responsibly.
Following the launch, Majeed Dahiru, an expert in AI and media, delivered an insightful presentation on the role of AI in the media space. He highlighted both the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the media industry.
“AI is here with us and it is fast transforming how we create, distribute, and consume information and content,” Dahiru said. “However, with this evolution comes drawbacks, including ethical and data privacy concerns, misinformation, job displacement, and algorithmic bias.”
Despite these challenges, Dahiru emphasized the opportunities AI offers in improving efficiency, content creation, and audience engagement. “Rather than being concerned about the downside of AI, media professionals must embrace it. Training in AI tools from content sourcing and generation to data analysis will ensure that humans stay at the center of the creative process,” he explained.
Dahiru also called on media companies to implement ethical guidelines for AI, ensuring transparency and fairness. “AI-generated content should be labeled, and rigorous fact-checking protocols must be put in place to prevent misinformation from spreading,” he said.
In a powerful conclusion, Dahiru reflected on how AI is already influencing the media industry. “Some of the content in this presentation was AI-generated, with a little tweak here and there,” he revealed. “AI is reshaping, redefining, and reconfiguring the media space, and we must ensure that it enhances human creativity rather than replacing it.”
The dialogue sparked important discussions on the future of AI in journalism, with participants agreeing on the need for continuous training, ethical standards, and transparency in the use of AI technologies. As CODE embarks on this pioneering initiative, the $5 million media grant stands as a testament to its commitment to advancing responsible and impactful journalism in Nigeria.
The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to work together in shaping the future of media and technology in a way that promotes development, social advancement, and accountability.
The event, themed brought together media practitioners, civil society groups, technology experts, and development partners to discuss the transformative role of AI in journalism and development. The $5 million grant will fund a five-year strategic plan designed to empower journalists to use AI tools responsibly and investigate AI’s role in various sectors such as health, education, water sanitation, and governance.