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.
Abayomi Susan
Polaris Bank Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical journalism, professional excellence, and innovation in Nigeria’s media industry 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, which was held via Microsoft Teams, attracted more than 650 journalists, editors, publishers, media executives, and communication professionals from across Nigeria. The event focused on the evolving role of journalism in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
With the latest edition, Polaris Bank’s Annual Media Capacity Seminar has reached a major milestone, empowering more than 6,200 journalists over twelve consecutive years. The initiative highlights the Bank’s sustained commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media ecosystem through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and meaningful engagement with media stakeholders.
The seminar featured insightful presentations from two distinguished industry experts. Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, delivered a presentation titled “The Trust Economy: Strengthening Credibility Across Media and Financial Institutions,” while Olufemi Awoyemi, mni, Chairman of Proshare, examined the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism in his session titled “AI in Newsrooms: Opportunities for Smarter Storytelling and Faster Reporting.”
The sessions provided participants with valuable perspectives on how technology is transforming news production, while emphasising the need for journalists and media organisations to maintain credibility, accuracy, and ethical standards.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting journalism as a vital instrument for national development.
He said: “At Polaris Bank, trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship — between banks and customers, institutions and citizens, and indeed between the media and the public. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how information is created and consumed, maintaining credibility and ethical journalism has become more important than ever.”
Lawal, who was represented by Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communication, noted that the Bank’s continuous investment in media development reflects its broader commitment to advancing knowledge, innovation, institutional excellence, and sustainable national growth through strategic partnerships.
He added that for more than a decade, the seminar has demonstrated Polaris Bank’s belief in the critical role of a strong and well-equipped media sector in driving economic progress, democratic accountability, and public confidence.
According to him, journalists are not only reporters of events but also “custodians of facts, shapers of public discourse, and critical partners in nation-building.”
Addressing the theme of this year’s seminar, Lawal highlighted the opportunities and responsibilities created by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence within the media industry.
He explained that while AI presents new possibilities for faster reporting, improved storytelling, and greater efficiency, media practitioners must continue to prioritise transparency, editorial independence, and public trust.
The Polaris Bank CEO further reiterated the institution’s commitment to equipping journalists with relevant knowledge, emerging digital skills, and practical tools needed to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven media environment.
He appreciated the participation of over 650 media professionals and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained from the seminar in promoting accurate, responsible, and impactful journalism.
During the event, participants examined strategies for protecting editorial integrity, addressing misinformation, responsibly adopting artificial intelligence tools, and rebuilding public confidence in journalism.
The discussions also highlighted trust as a key asset for media organisations, businesses, public institutions, and society, particularly at a time when digital technologies continue to reshape information creation and consumption.
For twelve years, Polaris Bank’s Annual Media Capacity Seminar has remained a significant private-sector initiative dedicated to improving journalism standards in Nigeria. Through partnerships with leading experts and media professionals, the programme continues to provide journalists with access to contemporary knowledge, industry insights, and practical skills required to navigate the changing communications landscape.
As technology continues to redefine storytelling, Polaris Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote professionalism, innovation, trust, and responsible journalism while empowering media practitioners to contribute to a more informed and resilient society.
