CODE unveils $5m media grant to promote AI reporting in Nigeria
The Connected Development (CODE) on Tuesday in Abuja formally unveiled a $5m media grant to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) reporting protocol in Nigeria. The Chief Executive Officer of CODE, Mallam Hamzat Lawal, at the one-day media dialogue and launch of the AI reporting initiative, themed: ‘Exploring new media opportunities to accelerate development’, said that the […]
The Connected Development (CODE) on Tuesday in Abuja formally unveiled a $5m media grant to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) reporting protocol in Nigeria.
The Chief Executive Officer of CODE, Mallam Hamzat Lawal, at the one-day media dialogue and launch of the AI reporting initiative, themed: ‘Exploring new media opportunities to accelerate development’, said that the integration of artificial intelligence into human activities has completely changed the world.
He said that the grant is part of the organisation’s five-year strategic plan to assist journalists in mobilising Nigerians for the ethical use of AI tools and that from year 2026 a total of $1m would be provided for five years till year 2030 for the project.
According to him, like with any new technology, citizens must grasp the advantages and disadvantages of AI-driven technologies in order to ensure their responsible use.
“The grant aims to encourage journalists to investigate and report on AI-driven solutions and challenges in Nigeria’s development landscape, with a focus on health, education, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and transparency and accountability,” Lawal said.
“We have all seen the revolutionary power of new media, whether it is in addressing poverty, expanding access to information and its dissemination, or promoting efficiency and openness in the public and private sectors.
“In Nigeria, we have benefitted from the application of AI to address systemic issues in governance, public service delivery, and accountability. However, like with any new technology, citizens must grasp the advantages and disadvantages of AI-driven technologies in order to ensure their responsible use,” Lawal said.
He said that the CODE has profited greatly from the generosity of these new technologies in communicating with people living in remote corners of our country and beyond, influencing government policy, and helping marginalised groups to live sustainably.
Lawal said that the CODE’s AI Reporting Initiative is expected to promote the responsible use of AI in Nigeria, while also supporting journalists in their efforts to hold those in power accountable.
Speaking earlier, a public commentator and media columnist, Dr. Majeed Dahiru, said that rather than being concerned about the downside of AI, media professionals must embrace it and that training in AI tools from content sourcing and generation to data analysis, ensure humans stay at the center of the creative process.
“Media companies must establish ethical AI guidelines, AI generated content should be labelled and rigorous fact checking protocols should prevent misinformation from spreading. The key is balance, use AI for speed and efficiency but keep humans in the loop to ensure emotional depth, authenticity and originality remain intact,” Dahiru said.