Polaris Bank Limited has reaffirmed its support for ethical journalism and professional media development with the successful hosting of the 12th edition of its Annual Media Capacity Seminar.
The virtual seminar, themed “Rebuilding Trust and Reinventing Storytelling in the Age of AI,” was held via Microsoft Teams and attracted more than 650 journalists, editors, publishers, media executives and communication professionals from across Nigeria.
The annual initiative is part of the bank’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s media ecosystem through knowledge sharing, capacity building and strategic engagement. According to the bank, more than 6,200 journalists have benefited from the programme since its inception 12 years ago.
The seminar featured presentations by Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of the University of Lagos and Chairman of Proshare, Olufemi Awoyemi.
Professor Ogwezzy-Ndisika delivered a presentation titled “The Trust Economy: Strengthening Credibility Across Media and Financial Institutions,” while Awoyemi spoke on “AI in Newsrooms: Opportunities for Smarter Storytelling and Faster Reporting.”
The sessions examined the growing influence of artificial intelligence on journalism and highlighted the need for media professionals to maintain credibility, accuracy and ethical standards in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, described trust as a critical asset in the relationship between institutions and the public.
Represented by the Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa, Lawal said the increasing use of artificial intelligence in information creation and distribution makes the preservation of ethical journalism more important than ever.
He noted that the bank remains committed to equipping journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an evolving media landscape while maintaining public confidence in responsible journalism.
According to him, Polaris Bank’s sustained investment in media development reflects its broader commitment to knowledge, innovation, institutional excellence and national development.
Lawal also emphasised the vital role journalists play in shaping public discourse, promoting accountability and supporting nation-building through factual and balanced reporting.
He added that while artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities for the media industry, it also places greater responsibility on journalists to safeguard accuracy, credibility and public trust.
Participants at the seminar explored strategies for maintaining editorial integrity, combating misinformation, responsibly deploying artificial intelligence tools and strengthening confidence in journalism.
The discussions underscored the importance of trust as a strategic asset for media organisations, businesses, governments and society.
Polaris Bank said it will continue to support initiatives that promote professionalism, innovation and responsible journalism, while empowering media practitioners to contribute to a more informed and resilient society.