Women Radio 91.7FM has unveiled NIMI, an Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA) it developed, marking Nigeria’s first AI-driven radio broadcasting.
Blueprint reports that this cutting-edge technology is set to enhance the radio station’s operations by offering real-time interaction with listeners, automating content delivery, and personalizing listener engagement across Nigeria.
NIMI was officially unveiled during the AI Radio Summit Nigeria, organized by Women Radio 91.7 with support from the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) with the theme “Smart Radio: Leveraging AI for Next-Gen Broadcasting,” the summit took place at the Collosus Conference Center in Lagos.
In her keynote address, the CEO of Women Radio 91.7, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, emphasized the importance of innovation and technological adoption in broadcasting, describing the event as “a defining moment for the future of radio in Nigeria”.
Sonaiya highlighted the summit’s overarching mission: to revolutionize Nigeria’s broadcasting landscape by leveraging AI, commending the station’s efforts in leading the charge for AI integration within the industry.
“At Women Radio 91.7, we have intentionally embraced this new era with our team—not only welcoming innovation but leading it. Well done, guys. Well done, ladies,” Toun said, referring to the station’s team who made the ambitious project possible.
“Today’s highlight for me is the unveiling of NIMI, the Women Radio Intelligent Virtual Assistant, which I believe is Nigeria’s first in radio broadcasting.”
She explained that NIMI would serve as a bridge between the station and its audience, providing real-time information and enhancing listener engagement in ways that were previously impossible.
According to her, the project would not have been realized without the dedicated work of her team and the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation.
“NIMI would not be possible without the resilient teams at Women Radio 91.7 FM and Voice of Women Foundation. I acknowledge the efforts and contributions of Taiwo, Demi, Ogene Wairi, and my executive assistant, NIMI, who inspired the name for our virtual assistant,” she said.
One of the panels, moderated by Esther Alaribe, Programs Manager at Women Radio 97.1, explored the intersection of AI, journalism, and broadcasting ethics. Panelists included Kayode Okikiolu, a TV anchor at Channels TV, Nabilah Usman, Head of Programs at Radio Now, and Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director of the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ). Together, they discussed the advantages and challenges of using AI tools in the media industry.
Nabilah Usman was particularly vocal about how AI is revolutionizing content production, especially in news editing. “AI is pushing us to think about what it gives us and how we treat it to ensure it meets industry standards,” Nabila explained. “The most immediate benefit is that it’s much faster, which is crucial in a media industry plagued by a shortage of staff. AI helps us optimize time and deliverables, especially when juggling multiple roles.”
Kayode Okikiolu shared his own experiences with AI, highlighting its ability to ease the burdens of journalists. “I could answer you with my brain, or I could just ask my AI assistant,” he joked, pointing to the convenience AI offers in content creation and editing. He emphasized that AI tools, such as smart transcription services, can significantly reduce the pressure journalists face under tight deadlines. “I’d advise journalists to embrace AI as much as you can afford it,” Kayode said. “It helps with automating tasks, freeing up time for more critical work.”
