Women Radio unveils AI virtual assistant for radio broadcasting

Women Radio 91.7FM has launched NIMI, Nigeria’s first AI-driven radio broadcasting assistant. This Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA) was unveiled at the inaugural AI Radio Summit, themed “Smart Radio: Leveraging AI for Next-Gen Broadcasting,” held in Lagos at the weekend. The event was organized in collaboration with the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation and The Centre […]

Women Radio 91.7FM has launched NIMI, Nigeria’s first AI-driven radio broadcasting assistant.

This Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA) was unveiled at the inaugural AI Radio Summit, themed “Smart Radio: Leveraging AI for Next-Gen Broadcasting,” held in Lagos at the weekend.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation and The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

The panel featured prominent broadcasters like Kayode Okikiolu (Channels TV), Nabilah Usman (Radio Now), and Motunrayo Alaka (Wole Soyinka Foundation).

They stressed the need to maximize AI in journalism.

Monsur Hussain, Head of Innovation at CJID, highlighted tools like dubawa.ai and the Dubawa chatbot, which enhance accountability and transparency in journalism.

The Dubawa Audio Platform, with over 225 users and 2100 audio files processed, aids in documenting and verifying radio broadcasts.

Keynote speaker Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji emphasized partnering with AI and IT professionals to combat misinformation and reduce risks for journalists in conflict zones.

She noted that AI would not replace journalists but enhance their capabilities. Akerele-Ogunsiji also expressed Rise Networks’ readiness to train journalists in AI and innovate media products.

The event was wrapped up with the launch of NIMI, an AI Radio Host designed to enhance the listening experience with innovation and accessibility. AI Engineer Tayo Kalejaiye demonstrated NIMI’s capabilities and shared the development challenges.

CEO Toun Okewale Sonaiya thanked attendees and the team, noting that the name NIMI was inspired by her personal assistant.

NIMI aims to provide real-time information, especially to Nigerian women, offering a vibrant and interactive experience.