The virtual gathering, hosted via Microsoft Teams, attracted more than 650 participants comprising journalists, editors, publishers, media executives, and communication specialists from across the country. The engagement centered on how artificial intelligence is reshaping news production, distribution, and audience engagement, while also raising urgent questions about credibility and ethical reporting.
Over the past twelve years, the initiative has trained and empowered more than 6,200 media practitioners, reinforcing the bank’s long-term investment in strengthening Nigeria’s information ecosystem through capacity building, professional development, and cross-sector collaboration.
Trust and Technology at the Center of Discourse
This year’s seminar featured two leading voices in media and communication scholarship and industry practice.
Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of the University of Lagos, an accomplished Mass Communication scholar, delivered a presentation titled “The Trust Economy: Strengthening Credibility Across Media and Financial Institutions.” Her session explored how declining public trust in information systems can be rebuilt through transparency, accountability, and stronger institutional ethics.
The second presentation came from Olufemi Awoyemi, mni, Chairman of Proshare, who spoke on “AI in Newsrooms: Opportunities for Smarter Storytelling and Faster Reporting.” He highlighted how artificial intelligence tools are transforming newsroom operations, enabling faster reporting cycles, data-driven storytelling, and improved audience targeting—while also warning about the risks of misinformation and over-automation.
Bank Emphasizes Trust as Core of Journalism and Finance
Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting journalism as a cornerstone of national development.
He stated:
“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 required to thrive in an evolving media landscape while sustaining public confidence in responsible journalism,”
Represented by Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head of Brand Management & Corporate Communication, Lawal noted that the bank’s sustained engagement with the media reflects a broader vision of institutional excellence and national development through knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships.
He further emphasized:
“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.”
L-R: Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head, Brand Management & Corporate Communications, Polaris Bank Limited; Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of Mass Communication Dept, University of Lagos; Olufemi Awoyemi, mni, Chairman, Pros-hare; and Sheriff Adekoya, Lead Strategist, Edgeforth Business Solutions, at the 12th Polaris Bank Annual Media Capacity Seminar in Lagos over the weekend.
AI Brings Opportunity—and Responsibility—for Newsrooms
Lawal also drew attention to the dual impact of artificial intelligence on journalism, describing it as both transformative and demanding in equal measure.
“As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how information is created, distributed, and consumed, the media industry faces both unprecedented opportunities and profound challenges. The imperative to preserve credibility, strengthen public trust, and uphold ethical journalism has never been greater,”
He added that continuous investment in media capacity remains essential:
“It is for this reason that Polaris Bank remains committed to investing in media capacity development. We believe that empowering journalists with contemporary knowledge, practical insights, and emerging digital competencies ultimately strengthens the entire information ecosystem and benefits society as a whole.”
Strengthening Ethics, Innovation, and Public Confidence
Across the sessions, participants examined practical approaches to tackling misinformation, improving editorial integrity, and responsibly integrating AI tools into newsroom workflows. Discussions repeatedly returned to one central idea: trust is becoming the most valuable currency in modern journalism.
The seminar also reinforced the importance of collaboration between financial institutions and the media, especially at a time when digital disruption is rapidly altering how news is produced and consumed.
A Decade of Sustained Media Investment
Now in its 12th edition, Polaris Bank’s Annual Media Capacity Seminar has become one of Nigeria’s most consistent private-sector-led initiatives focused on journalism development. With more than 6,200 beneficiaries to date, the programme continues to provide journalists with access to expert insights, evolving industry tools, and practical skills for navigating a rapidly changing media environment.
As the media landscape continues to evolve under the influence of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, the bank says it remains committed to initiatives that promote professionalism, ethical reporting, innovation, and stronger public trust in journalism.