NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

AI revolutionalising risk management- Institute

136 total views today

By Nana Musa

Dr Harriet Akubuiro, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria (CILRMN), has stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming risk management practices.

Speaking at the 14th Annual Risk Professionals International Conference held in Abuja on Saturday, Akubuiro noted the increasing influence of AI in modern risk management strategies.

The theme of the conference was “AI: An Essential Factor in Risk Management Practice”.

“AI is quietly shaping the future of risk management, a summary of what we are looking at through this theme is how to optimise risk management using AI.

“AI is revolutionising risk management; it is very useful in fraud detection, improves accuracy and efficiency, enhances risk management practices, and provides simulation capabilities.

“It also reduces risks in credit decisions and modelling, assists in analysing big data, and enables financial disclosure and consequent risk quantum,” she added.

Akubuiro noted that the future of risk management extends beyond mitigating threats to leveraging AI for opportunities.

Prof Linus Osuagwu, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies at Veritas University, Abuja, underscored the importance of AI in risk management.

He described it as a systematic process involving the identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and control of potential risks.

“AI encompasses a portfolio of technologies, including machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and predictive analytics.

“In risk management, AI facilitates the analysis of large datasets, identification of complex patterns, and generation of predictive insights that enhance organisational decision-making processes.

“Some of the applications of AI in risk management include credit risk assessment, fraud detection and prevention, marketing risk analysis, operational risk management, cybersecurity threat detection, supply chain risk management, and environmental risk assessment”.

According to Osuagwu, the integration of AI into risk management provides several benefits, including enhanced accuracy, real-time monitoring, scalability, and cost efficiency.

However, he acknowledged that the adoption of AI also presents challenges.

“Some of these challenges include data quality and availability, model interpretability, regulatory compliance, ethical implications, integration with existing systems, dependence on technological infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, as well as cost and resource requirements,” he said.

Mrs Salamatu Ahmed, Executive Secretary of the Federal Government of Nigeria Housing Loan Board, emphasised the role of the institute in promoting professionalism in risk management.

Represented by the Director of Administration, Mrs Monica Igwe, Ahmed described the institute as a non-profit and non-political independent body committed to advancing best practices in risk management.

She also highlighted the mandate of the Housing Loan Board to manage a revolving fund for granting soft loans to federal public servants to own homes, thereby addressing the nation’s housing deficit.

“The institute is always ready to partner with dynamic risk management institutions to advance itself with best practices.

“The board will continue to partner with the institute in capacity building for its personnel to ensure effective and efficient management of the housing loan scheme for the benefit of all federal public servants,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Media experts to harness AI for broadcasting transformation

161 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje

Media experts have converged as part of efforts to revolutionalise the broadcasting industry by harnessing the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Women Radio 91.7FM, Toun Sonaiya, made this known at an AI Radio Summit organised in Lagos and monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) virtually in Abuja.

The summit, titled: “Smart Radio: Leveraging AI for Next-Gen Broadcasting,” also had a sub-theme: “An intersection of AI and Future of Radio Broadcasting in Nigeria.”

The event, which was organised by Women Radio in partnership with Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), was also to unveil an AI generated radio host called, “NIMI.”

Sonaiya, while speaking, said the programme was aimed at unlocking the future of radio broadcasting as the experts explore how AI could enhance audience engagement, streamline audio content production and boost operational efficiency through smart editing and data analysis.

“For me, as I reflect on the remarkable progress of Women Radio 91.7FM, I am reminded of my own journey growing up without mobile phones and the internet.

“And I am trilled by the possibilities AI brings. At Women Radio 91.7FM, we have intentionally embraced this new era with our team, not only welcoming new innovation but leading it.

“We are leveraging AI in presentation, voice overs, news editing, content creation and automation.

“We are re-emerging radio to connect with our audience.

“As a pioneer in AI Radio broadcast, our mission is to inspire others into AI skills.

“AI Radio is the future and the future today is now,” she said.

Sonaiya urged media practitioners to embrace AI for sustainable innovation and growth, and to unlock the future of radio broadcasting.

Adedeji Adekunle, the Programmes Director, Nigeria Media Innovation Programme, who spoke virtually, said AI affects the experience of the staff in an organisation and also provides opportunity for business as media entrepreneurs to be enriched.

“If you are a radio or broadcast professionals here or a business owner, you have to consider what AI can do for you,” he said.

Adekunle urged media practitioners to explore various uses of AI and how they affect the experience of their audience.

He, however, called for an internal, organisational AI policy to guide how the practitioners work due to privacy concerns.

“Let’s put together policy that enhances our work and protects the integrity of what we do,” he added.

Stellamaris Okebu, the Business Programme Manager, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, enumerated the benefits of AI.

She said AI would help to analyse one’s data and to know who the listeners are, their age group and how to serve them best.

“It can also help you to analyse trending topics on radio

“Generally from a technology perspective, AI basically helps us to enhance our jobs.

“It will help us significantly for the next generation to get job done quickly, easier and to be more efficient,” she said.

Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Media and Publicity, said AI radio summit represented a significant milestone in the industry.

“It brings together passionate individuals and organisations dedicated to pioneering advancements in the world of broadcasting

“Women Radio 91.7FM has demonstrated remarkable commitment to harnessing the power of the artificial intelligence for social impact .

“The introduction of ‘NIMI’ AI, Nigeria’s first AI radio host and interactive virtual assistant, is a clear testament to the limitless potential of AI in enhancing how we engage with our audiences and deliver compelling content.

“‘NIMI’ AI not only represents technological innovation but also serves as role model for what can be achieved when creativity meets technology,” he said.

Akosile said he believed that the summit would delve into important discussion surrounding AI ethics and the opportunities that it presents toward ensuring a more inclusive and more innovative radio industry that prioritises the needs and voices of all community members.

He said Lagos State had invested heavily in a smart city project which is aimed at transforming the entire technology ecosystem from what it is today to what everyone desires.

The governor’s side, who commended Women Radio, said the state was ready to partner with the radio station for a better future and development of the ecosystem.

“Therefore, let us leverage AI boundless potential to  transform  the landscape of Nigeria radio broadcasting for the better,” he said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by many media professionals, including the CEO of CJID, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Why media must harness AI’s opportunities- NAN MD

321 total views today

 

By Mufutau Ojo

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, says the media must harness the opportunities provided by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

 

Ali said this on Monday in Urumqi, China, in his address at the ongoing World Media Summit.

 

He also said that the media must put in place safeguards to check the negative effects of the use of AI.

 

This sixth edition of the World Media Summit has as theme: “Artificial Intelligence and Media Transformation.”

 

Ali observed that AI had become a matter of absorbing interest across the globe.

 

” Just like the social media insidiously ate into our operations decades ago, the global media family is once again faced with the behemoth of Artificial Intelligence that is gradually defining our very existence.

 

” Across the globe, Artificial Intelligence has today permeated our everyday life.

 

” The spectre of what Artificial Intelligence can do in the light of current developments is better imagined,” Ali said.

 

According to the NAN MD, AI is already revolutionising the way the media conducts its business.

 

He cited the gains of AI in media operations to include automated journalism in which AI-powered tools generate news articles, sports reports and financial updates.

 

Ali also said AI could be used in analysing audience engagement as well as suggesting improvements to headline images and article structure.

 

He added that AI could be used to streamline video editing and colour correction and sound design.

 

Warning, however, on the downsides of AI, the NAN chief said putting in place adequate safeguards had become imperative.

 

” Only some months ago, I was in Copenhagen, Denmark, to attend the World Media Congress, and I was drawn to a particular session on Artificial Intelligence.

 

” We were exposed to two video clips of former President Donald Trump of the United States speaking at a forum—-one original and the other deep fake.

 

” Virtually all of us gathered there could not distinguish the original from the fake.

 

” For me and my colleagues gathered in that room, it was a learning curve as we were taken through the nuances of detecting what was real and what was fake, ” Ali said.

 

He also drew attention to job losses due to automation and the danger of fake news and disinformation which AI-generated content could help spread.

 

To tackle this, he said NAN was working with sister global agencies on policies, processes and programmes to distill contents.

 

This, he said, was with a view to identifying toxic materials unsuitable for publication.

 

” The outcomes of such gatekeeping initiatives have had far reaching and profound impact on the credibility of our copies and the sustainability of our editorial operations,” Ali said.

 

He commended the organisers of the summit for choosing the theme, saying the outcome would define the operations of the global media in the years to come.

 

NAN reports that at the fifth edition of the World Media Summit in Guangzhou, China, in December 2023, Ali had spoken on “Bolstering Confidence: Media’s Role in Promoting Human Development and Security. ”

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

You cannot copy content of this page

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email