Opinion
By Val Obienyem
TOWARDS the end of the event honouring Prof. Okunna, I had to excuse myself to attend another international conference organised by the Faculty of Religion.
Initially, His Excellency had asked Prof. Patrick Obi to represent him at one event while I attended the other. However, due to scheduling conflicts within their institution, Prof. Obi could not attend, leaving me to represent His Excellency at both conferences.
Interestingly, both conferences were centred on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Mr. Peter Obi’s message remained consistent at both events, focusing on AI’s responsible use. Unfortunately, I arrived after the keynote address by the distinguished Rev. Fr. Prof. Boniface Obiefuna had concluded. Nonetheless, Mr. Obi’s goodwill message, which I delivered, resonated with the sentiments of the lead paper presenter, Prof. Jude Emeka Mmadu. Prof. Mmadu highlighted an intriguing intersection between religion and AI, noting that when God completed creation, He, in a manner of speaking, entrusted humanity with the role of co-creators by the role of domination over creation.
In his message, Mr. Obi affirmed this notion, stating that AI is part of humanity’s effort to improve the world. However, he cautioned that humanity would fail in this mission if AI were used to promote harm rather than good. He emphasised that while AI is undoubtedly here to stay, it is essential to direct its use towards positive, life-enhancing applications – particularly in areas like communicstion, health, education and human development.
Mr. Obi’s call was clear: the focus should be on “humanising” AI to serve humanity ethically and constructively. He encouraged leaders, developers, and policymakers to guide AI’s development in ways that uphold human dignity, privacy, and societal values. According to Mr. Obi, AI should enhance human potential, not diminish or exploit it.
He also advocated for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure AI’s responsible use, particularly regarding data privacy, employment, and social equity. By approaching AI with a “humanising” lens, Mr. Obi argued, society can harness its capabilities to address real-world challenges such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection.
In closing, Mr. Obi’s message to the conference attendees was unambiguous: AI must be a force for positive change and meaningful progress. He cautioned that unchecked AI development could lead to detrimental effects, and therefore, a balanced approach – where innovation aligns with responsibility – is crucial.
A.I
Nov. 6, 2024
Tags: Prof. Patrick Obi Val Obienyem
