Kano Hosts 5th Social Influencers Summit, With Focus on AI in Governance
The 5th Kano Social Influencers Summit (KANSIS24), was last held from September 18-19, at the Grand Central Hotel.
The summit brought together over 1,000 participants from across Nigeria and beyond to explore the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Election and Governance: Between the Potentials for Enhancement of Processes and the Perils of Digital Surveillance and Misrepresentation.”
The event, organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including government officials, academia, and representatives from international organizations, fostering an inclusive dialogue on the role of AI in shaping Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Representing Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf was Alhaji Usman Bala, who opened the summit, highlighting the significance of AI in promoting good governance.
The event attracted participants from Germany, Uganda, Niger Republic, and Kenya, emphasizing the global interest in AI’s impact on governance.
While speaking, CITAD Executive Director Engineer Yunusa Zakari Ya’u emphasized the need for public awareness regarding AI’s capabilities and challenges.
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He noted the technology’s potential to enhance electoral processes and governance while cautioning against its misuse, particularly regarding bias in data algorithms.
Delivering opening lecture at the event was Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission. He addressed the complexities of AI deployment in environments lacking sufficient data.
The summit featured over 30 presentations across four plenary sessions and 16 parallel panels, covering a range of topics from the ethical deployment of AI to its implications for various demographics, including persons with disabilities.
Discussions highlighted the dual-edged nature of AI, acknowledging its potential to improve transparency and efficiency in elections while warning against risks such as the proliferation of deepfakes and the erosion of privacy.
Observers noted that while AI can enhance communication for individuals with hearing impairments, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and accuracy.
Participants urged the Nigerian government to develop comprehensive national policies that address the ethical, legislative, and infrastructural aspects of AI deployment.
The summit concluded with recommendations for increased investment in ICT infrastructure, measures to bridge gender and disability gaps, and the establishment of a National AI Deployment Framework for public discourse.
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