By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
CMC Connect LLP has convened its Crisis Management Advocacy Month Flagship Conference 2026 in Lagos, calling for the adoption of artificial intelligence-driven strategies and stronger national coordination to tackle today’s rapidly evolving crisis landscape.
The conference, held at the Metropolitan Club, brought together stakeholders from government, industry, and the communications sector under the theme, “Crisis Management in the AI Milieu: Fresh Threats, Smarter Responses.”
Discussions at the event emphasised the need to move from reactive crisis management to a proactive, intelligence-led approach to preparedness.
In his welcome address, Lead Partner at CMC Connect LLP, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, called for a fundamental shift in how organisations approach crisis management. He stressed that it must be elevated to a core leadership function, driven by anticipation, preparation, and decisive action.
He also announced the launch of Crisis-X, an AI-powered crisis management platform developed by the firm, describing it as a solution built for speed, intelligence, and modern-day challenges.
“In the age of AI, a stitch in time doesn’t just save nine; it preserves reputation, leadership, and the trust that underpins both,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, highlighted the growing role of data, technology, and coordinated systems in crisis management.
He noted that while crises are inevitable, organisations can shape outcomes through preparedness. “With the right data and systems, organisations can move from reacting to crises to anticipating risks and managing them in real time,” Tijani said.
A major highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the Crisis-X Intelligence Engine, an AI-driven platform designed to help organisations detect, analyse, and respond to crises. The system integrates real-time monitoring, sentiment analysis, strategic response planning, and recovery tools, while also incorporating emotional intelligence to better interpret public sentiment.
In addition, a Public Verification Portal was introduced to combat misinformation by enabling organisations to verify and disseminate accurate information in real time, thereby strengthening credibility and public trust.
Participants expressed concern over the speed and complexity of modern crises, noting that misinformation often spreads faster than institutional responses, placing trust and credibility at risk.
One of the key observations from the sessions noted that “today, crises are faster than facts, louder than truth, and increasingly engineered,” underscoring the urgency for faster, coordinated, and intelligence-driven responses.
In his goodwill message, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Olalekan Fadolapo, who represented the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, commended CMC Connect for its forward-thinking approach.
He, however, raised concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence by unregulated content creators to spread misinformation and amplify negative narratives, urging stakeholders to deploy AI responsibly in support of national development.
Other dignitaries at the event included Femi Olubanwo, Partner at Banwo & Ighodalo; Kunle Elebute, Chairman of CMC Connect LLP; and Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing.
The conference concluded with a strong consensus that while crises are inevitable, organisations that invest in anticipation, intelligence, and coordinated response systems will be better positioned to protect trust and emerge stronger.
