Oladapo Adekunle Sofowora, a prominent celebrity journalist and public relations expert, has urged the media to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape by promoting the constructive applications of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.).
He delivered this message during a panel discussion titled “Fostering Sustainable Development: The Future of Work” at a United Nations General Assembly side event organized by Veracity at the Nigerian Consulate in Manhattan, New York, on September 26, 2024.
The panel featured notable figures, including Titi Oshodi, Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change; Oulie Keita, Executive Director of Greenpeace Africa; and Sarah Drake, Founder of HerARTS in Action (Education), moderated by Aminat Gbajabiamila, CEO of Ginger Soul Lifestyle.
In his address, Sofowora highlighted the transformative potential of A.I. in enhancing efficiency and productivity across various sectors. He stressed the importance of the media in shaping public perception, particularly in Nigeria, where there is widespread apprehension about A.I. leading to job losses.
“We are embattled with the negative PR around A.I. that it will displace many jobs, but we should all understand that the world is changing, and we need to embrace the dynamics of these changes so we are not left behind. A.I. has come to stay, and it will only displace those who fail to plan and also up their skills,” he asserted.
Sofowora, who also serves as Chairman of Rudder Blade Global Company and publisher of Cityspy News, called on media professionals to shift their narratives towards the benefits of A.I. He argued that while it is vital to acknowledge the potential risks associated with any technology, the conversation should prioritize the positive impacts A.I. can have on society.
“We are aware that every technology has its different pros and cons, but we should not dwell on the negative aspects. The mobile phone we use has its disadvantages; regardless, we still use mobile phones, so we should focus on the good aspects of A.I. as a development tool for ease,” he explained.
During the session, Sofowora also addressed the responsibility of the government and private sectors to collaborate more effectively in promoting A.I. education and awareness. He emphasized the need to integrate A.I. into academic curriculums at universities, technical colleges, and monotechnics across Nigeria. This educational initiative, he argued, would not only help dispel myths surrounding A.I. but also prepare the workforce for future opportunities in a tech-driven economy. “By working together, we can drive more employment and open new pools of opportunities using technology as a catalyst,” he stated.
Overall, Sofowora’s call to action resonated with the audience, highlighting the critical role of the media in fostering a balanced understanding of A.I. and its potential to enhance societal progress while encouraging stakeholders to actively engage in shaping a more positive narrative around technological advancements.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
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