Nigeria’s media and technology leaders are gathered in Lagos today for the AI & Media Sustainability and Democracy Conference, a landmark event exploring how artificial intelligence can shape the future of journalism and democratic engagement in the country.
Themed: “Unlocking Nigeria’s AI Potentials for Media Sustainability and Democracy,” the conference is taking place at BON Hotel, Ikeja GRA, and features the official launch of ToriAI, a home-grown innovation built to empower newsrooms through multilingual automation, inclusive storytelling, and newsroom efficiency.
The event, organised by the New Thoughts Media Support Foundation (formerly Civic Media Lab), is bringing together journalists, technologists, innovators, and policymakers to discuss how AI can drive sustainability, ethical reporting, and stronger democratic participation across Nigeria’s media landscape.
Techparley’s team is live at the event, with reports by RIDWAN ADELAJA, editorial support from QUADRI ADEJUMO.
10:30 AM — Keynote Address by Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher and CEO, Premium Times (Represented by Monsur Hussain, Innovation Lead, CDIJ)
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Dapo Olorunyomi, Monsur Hussain reflects on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in shaping Africa’s media landscape.
He says AI must serve as a tool for inclusion, not exclusion; for democracy, not domination; for truth, not falsehood.
“The fear is not that AI will kill journalism,” Hussain notes, “but the possibility to kill human judgement.”
He emphasises that AI should not replace journalists but empower them to do better journalism, combining technological efficiency with ethical responsibility.
Hussain also calls for Africa to move from consuming innovation to creating it, tailoring AI solutions to reflect the continent’s languages, cultures, and values.
10:20 AM — Welcome address by Seun Akinfolarin, Director, New Thoughts Media Support Foundation
Seun Akinfolarin opens the conference with a powerful message about the future of journalism in the age of artificial intelligence.
He says the newsroom of the future may not have walls, highlighting how technology is redefining how stories are told and consumed.
“AI must democratise comprehension,” Akinfolarin notes, stressing that artificial intelligence should help people understand the world better, regardless of language or background.
“AI will not end journalism. It will make it universal. And we will be the custodians to make it happen,” he says.
He added that AI will not replace journalists but empower them to tell stories that reach more people and inspire deeper engagement.
10:00 AM — Programme Commencement and Recognition of Guests
The event kicks off with the recitation of the national anthem, followed by the formal recognition of key dignitaries and special guests.
In attendance are journalists, media executives, technologists, and policy leaders, all gathered to explore how artificial intelligence can shape the future of journalism and democracy in Nigeria.
“This gathering marks a defining moment in our shared mission to build stronger, more inclusive, and digital newsrooms across Nigeria,” the organisers say.
The organisers note that today’s gathering marks a defining moment in the collective mission to build stronger, more inclusive, and digitally empowered newsrooms across the country.
