By Peace Udugba
Polaris Bank Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical journalism and enhancing media professionalism with the successful hosting of the 12th edition of its Annual Media Capacity Seminar, themed “Rebuilding Trust and Reinventing Storytelling in the Age of AI.”
The virtual seminar, held via Microsoft Teams, attracted more than 650 journalists, editors, publishers, media executives and communication professionals from across Nigeria for discussions on the future of journalism in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).
With this year’s edition, the bank said its Annual Media Capacity Seminar has empowered over 6,200 journalists in the last 12 years, highlighting its sustained investment in strengthening Nigeria’s media landscape through knowledge sharing, professional development and strategic engagement.
The seminar featured presentations by Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of the University of Lagos, who spoke on “The Trust Economy: Strengthening Credibility Across Media and Financial Institutions,” and Chairman of Proshare, Olufemi Awoyemi, mni, who delivered a paper titled “AI in Newsrooms:
Opportunities for Smarter Storytelling and Faster Reporting.
The speakers examined the growing influence of artificial intelligence on journalism and stressed the importance of safeguarding credibility and public trust in the digital age.
Speaking at the event, Polaris Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Lawal, said trust remains the foundation of meaningful relationships between financial institutions, 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 required to thrive in an evolving media landscape while sustaining public confidence in responsible journalism,” he said.
Lawal, who was represented by the bank’s Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa, noted that the institution’s continued investment in media capacity development reflects its commitment to promoting knowledge, innovation, institutional excellence and sustainable national development.
According to him, a professional and well-equipped media remains indispensable to democratic accountability, economic growth and nation-building.
He added that while artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities for the media industry, it also places greater responsibility on journalists to uphold ethical standards, combat misinformation and preserve public confidence.
Lawal reaffirmed Polaris Bank’s commitment to supporting the continuous development of media professionals through initiatives that equip them with relevant digital skills and practical knowledge.
He also commended the more than 650 journalists who participated in the seminar and urged them to apply the knowledge gained to promote accurate, ethical and impactful reporting.
Participants at the seminar explored practical strategies for maintaining editorial integrity, leveraging AI responsibly, combating misinformation and strengthening public trust amid rapid technological changes.
Polaris Bank said its Annual Media Capacity Seminar has, over the past 12 years, become one of Nigeria’s foremost private-sector initiatives aimed at advancing ethical journalism, encouraging innovation and fostering stronger collaboration between the financial services sector and the media.
