Segun Atanda/
A digital storm is sweeping through the corridors of power in Africa, and at the heart of this transformation is the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), which has boldly positioned itself as a vanguard in the battle for ethical governance through digital innovation.
Held between September 4th and 5th, 2024, at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, the 11th Annual Conference of ACSPN brought together a powerhouse of communication scholars, media practitioners, and government officials under the banner of “Digital Communication and Governance in Africa.” With partners from top universities and media institutions, the conference ignited crucial debates on the future of governance and the media industry in a digitally evolving Africa.
In his address, ACSPN President, Prof. Umaru Pate, lit the spark that would carry through the conference, urging participants to cultivate lasting networks.
“The future of communication in Africa is in our hands,” he said. “We must harness the potential of our connections to build and sustain not just communication scholarship, but good governance.”
The weight of his words set the tone for a high-stakes discourse on how digital tools could reshape Africa’s leadership.
Amidst the charged atmosphere, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, the Publisher of Premium Times, delivered a keynote address that had participants on the edge of their seats. In a sobering revelation, he laid bare the unprecedented crisis confronting Africa’s media industry—an existential threat rooted in dwindling funds and a tidal wave of misinformation.
As he outlined these dangers, Olorunyomi saw a path forward: the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“AI is the future,” he said, his voice resonating through the hall. “It has the potential to revolutionize governance, enhance transparency, and empower citizens. But if we fail to deploy it ethically, we risk plunging deeper into chaos. Privacy violations and misinformation will rise, threatening democracy itself.”
Olorunyomi’s plea for a national policy on AI sparked urgent conversations that would ripple through every session that followed.
The stakes were raised even higher when the representative of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, took the stage. He didn’t mince words. Lagos, he declared, is already leading the charge in digital communication as a tool for governance. From smart city initiatives, including CCTV installation and fiber optic projects, Lagos is setting the pace for what Africa’s future could look like when technology is leveraged for good governance.
“We are not talking about the future anymore,” Omotoso said. “We are living it.”
His words sent a clear message: Lagos is at the forefront of Africa’s digital governance revolution.
As the conference progressed, scholars and practitioners engaged in deep, strategic discussions. From the dangers of deepfake technology to the absence of collaboration between communication experts and computer scientists, the challenges were daunting, but the solutions were clear: digital governance starts with digital minds—leaders willing to embrace technology to enhance transparency and accountability.
One of the most urgent calls was for the creation of AI-enabled newsrooms and media laboratories across Africa.
Scholars from across the continent vowed to collaborate with global researchers to unlock the full potential of AI in communication, pushing back against the forces of disinformation that threaten to destabilize the continent’s democracies.
According to a statement issued by the General Secretary of ACSPN,
Dr. Solomon Abiodun Oyeleye, the conference adopted landmark resolutions that promise to leave a lasting mark on the African communication landscape. At the heart of these resolutions was a rallying cry for research partnerships that will revolutionize communication institutions and promote sustainable practices. Scholars were also urged to work hand-in-hand with big tech companies, civil society, and government agencies to develop policies that would govern the ethical use of AI for fact-checking and verification, ensuring that media practices across Africa align with the highest standards of truth and responsibility.
In a final appeal, participants underscored the need to equip the next generation of journalists with real-world skills through the Teaching Hospital (PRACTICUM) Model, which merges classroom learning with hands-on newsroom experience.
As the conference drew to a close, one thing was clear: Africa stands at a crossroads. With digital communication and AI as powerful tools, the continent has the potential to lead a governance revolution that will redefine leadership, media, and public service in the 21st century.
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