Polaris Bank’s Media Seminar Focuses on AI’s Impact on Journalism, Empowers Over 6,200 Journalists in 12 Years
Polaris Bank Limited has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering ethical journalism and elevating media professionalism through the successful hosting of its 12th Annual Media Capacity Seminar, themed “Rebuilding Trust and Reinventing Storytelling in the Age of AI.”
Conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams, the seminar attracted more than 650 journalists, editors, publishers, media executives, and communication professionals from across Nigeria. The event provided a platform for vital discussions on the future of journalism amidst an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
Over the course of twelve years, Polaris Bank’s Annual Media Capacity Seminar has empowered over 6,200 journalists, reinforcing the Bank’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media landscape through knowledge exchange, professional development, and strategic collaboration.
The event featured insightful contributions from two distinguished resource persons. Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, a renowned Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, delivered a compelling presentation titled “The Trust Economy: Strengthening Credibility Across Media and Financial Institutions.” Olufemi Awoyemi, MNI, Chairman of Proshare, addressed “AI in Newsrooms: Opportunities for Smarter Storytelling and Faster Reporting.” Both sessions equipped participants with practical insights into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in journalism and the importance of maintaining trust in an increasingly digital environment.
Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Lawal, reiterated the Bank’s unwavering support for journalism as a vital pillar of national development.
“At Polaris Bank, trust is the currency that underpins every meaningful relationship—between banks and customers, institutions and citizens, and indeed between the media and the public. As artificial intelligence reshapes how information is created and consumed, preserving credibility and ethical journalism becomes even more critical. Through this seminar, we remain committed to supporting journalists with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving media landscape while safeguarding public confidence in responsible journalism,” he stated.
Lawal, represented by Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head of Brand Management & Corporate Communication, emphasised that the Bank’s sustained investment in media capacity development reflects its broader mission to promote knowledge, innovation, institutional excellence, and sustainable national progress through strategic partnerships.
He further stated, “For over a decade, this platform has reflected our unwavering belief that a strong, professional, and well-equipped media is indispensable to national development, economic growth, democratic accountability, and public trust. At Polaris Bank, we recognise that journalists are not merely reporters of events; they are custodians of facts, shapers of public discourse, and critical partners in nation-building.”
Commenting on the theme, Lawal highlighted the dual nature of artificial intelligence’s impact on the media industry: “As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how information is created, distributed, and consumed, the media industry faces both unprecedented opportunities and profound responsibilities. The imperative to preserve credibility, strengthen public trust, and uphold ethical journalism has never been greater.”
He reaffirmed the Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting media professionals’ continuous development, asserting, “Empowering journalists with contemporary knowledge, practical insights, and emerging digital skills ultimately strengthens the entire information ecosystem and benefits society at large.”