Polaris Bank Limited has reinforced its position as one of Nigeria’s leading private-sector supporters of media development, announcing that more than 6,200 journalists have benefited from its Annual Media Capacity Seminar since the programme was launched 12 years ago.
The latest edition of the initiative, held virtually via Microsoft Teams, attracted over 650 journalists, editors, publishers, media executives, and communication professionals from across Nigeria. The seminar focused on one of the most pressing issues facing modern journalism: how to maintain credibility and public trust while adapting to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Themed “Rebuilding Trust and Reinventing Storytelling in the Age of AI,” the event brought together leading voices from academia, media, and the financial sector to examine the evolving relationship between technology, journalism, and public confidence.
Delivering one of the keynote presentations, Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of the University of Lagos explored the concept of the “trust economy,” emphasizing the growing importance of credibility for both media organizations and financial institutions. She argued that trust has become a critical asset in an era characterized by misinformation, digital disruption, and increasing public scrutiny.
Another keynote speaker, Olufemi Awoyemi, Chairman of Proshare, highlighted the opportunities AI presents for modern newsrooms. His presentation examined how emerging technologies can enhance reporting efficiency, improve data analysis, and support more engaging storytelling while maintaining editorial integrity and professional standards.
Speaking on behalf of Polaris Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Lawal, the bank’s Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa, reiterated the institution’s long-standing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media ecosystem.
“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,” Lawal said in a statement delivered during the event.
The seminar comes at a time when news organizations worldwide are grappling with the implications of AI-powered content creation, changing audience consumption patterns, and growing concerns over misinformation. Industry experts increasingly view continuous professional training as essential to ensuring journalists remain equipped to navigate these challenges.
Over 12 consecutive editions, Polaris Bank’s media seminar has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most prominent corporate-sponsored capacity-building programmes for journalists. Beyond enhancing professional skills, the initiative reflects a broader recognition of the media’s role in promoting transparency, informed public discourse, and sustainable economic development.
As AI reshapes the future of journalism, programmes such as Polaris Bank’s annual seminar are expected to play an increasingly important role in helping media professionals adapt while preserving the principles of accuracy, accountability, and public trust that underpin credible journalism.
