Yemisi Izuora
Polaris Bank Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing ethical journalism and strengthening media professionalism 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, held via Microsoft Teams, brought together more than 650 journalists, editors, publishers, media executives, and communication professionals from across Nigeria for engaging discussions on the future of journalism in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
With this year’s edition, Polaris Bank’s Annual Media Capacity Seminar has empowered over 6,200 journalists across twelve consecutive editions, underscoring the Bank’s sustained investment in strengthening Nigeria’s media ecosystem through knowledge-sharing, professional development, and strategic engagement.
The seminar featured two distinguished resource persons. Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, an accomplished Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled “The Trust Economy: Strengthening Credibility Across Media and Financial Institutions,” while Olufemi Awoyemi, mni, Chairman of Proshare, spoke on “AI in Newsrooms: Opportunities for Smarter Storytelling and Faster Reporting.” Both sessions provided participants with practical insights into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on journalism and the imperative of preserving trust in an increasingly digital world.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Lawal, reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting journalism as a critical pillar of national development.
“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,” he said.
Lawal, who was represented by Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head, Brand Management & Corporate Communication, noted that the Bank’s continuous investment in media capacity development reflects its broader commitment to promoting knowledge, innovation, institutional excellence, and sustainable national development through strategic partnerships.
According to him, “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.”
Speaking on the relevance of the theme, Lawal observed that the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence presents both immense opportunities and significant responsibilities for media practitioners.
“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.
He further reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the continuous development of media professionals.
“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.”
The CEO expressed appreciation to the more than 650 journalists and media professionals who participated in the seminar, acknowledging their dedication to advancing responsible journalism and encouraging them to leverage the insights gained to promote accurate, ethical, and impactful storytelling.
Throughout the seminar, participants explored practical strategies for maintaining editorial integrity, combating misinformation, leveraging artificial intelligence responsibly, and strengthening public confidence in journalism amid rapid technological change. The discussions reinforced the growing importance of trust as a strategic asset for media organisations, businesses, public institutions, and society at large.
For twelve consecutive years, Polaris Bank has invested in strengthening Nigeria’s media landscape by providing journalists with access to renowned experts, contemporary knowledge, and practical skills required to navigate an evolving communications environment. The Annual Media Capacity Seminar has become one of Nigeria’s leading private-sector initiatives dedicated to advancing ethical journalism, encouraging innovation, and fostering stronger collaboration between the financial services industry and the media.
As technology continues to redefine storytelling and information dissemination, Polaris Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to championing initiatives that promote trust, professionalism, innovation, and responsible journalism while empowering media practitioners to help build a more informed and resilient society.