NewsDesk
Women Radio 91.7FM launched “Nimi,” Nigeria’s first AI-powered radio host, at the AI Radio Summit held in Lagos, heralding a new era of innovation in broadcasting.
Speaking at the unveiling, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, CEO of Women Radio, expressed pride in the milestone achievement, describing Nimi as a “radio confidante and companion designed to offer a safe space for support and knowledge.” She emphasized that AI represents not just the future but the present of radio broadcasting.
Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Lagos State Governor, praised the initiative, stating, “Women Radio has set a precedent with Nimi AI, serving as a model of what can be achieved when technology meets creativity.” Akosile also highlighted the alignment of the AI Radio Summit with Lagos State’s commitment to technological advancement.
Nimi, designed to respond with human-like emotions in a Nigerian accent, was demonstrated live. Tayo Kalejaiye, AI consulting engineer at Vault Hill and lead developer of Nimi, lauded the efforts behind the innovation despite challenges. “Perfecting Nimi’s pronunciation of local words was a testament to our commitment to pushing technological boundaries,” Kalejaiye said.
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, founder of Rise Network, urged the development of local AI solutions, stressing the need for ethical innovation and regulation. “AI can democratize media and build trust, but it must be governed responsibly,” she added.
Highlighting the ethical and professional implications of AI in broadcasting, Motunrayo Alaka of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism emphasized the need for accountability and fairness, stating, “Credibility remains journalism’s unique value, and AI must uphold this standard.”
Kayode Okikiolu of Channels TV and Nabilah Usman of RadioNow raised concerns about AI’s regulatory landscape in Nigeria. They called for stricter oversight to prevent misuse, with Usman suggesting that violations of ethical AI use be treated as criminal acts.
In a practical demonstration, Women Radio staff showcased how AI tools enhance programming, improve audience engagement, and streamline operations. Monsur Hussain of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) also presented Dubawa’s AI-driven platform that detects and flags misinformation in radio broadcasts, ensuring journalistic accountability.
Adedeji Adekunle, Programs Director at Nigeria Media Innovation Program, congratulated Women Radio on its strides in innovation but stressed the importance of human oversight in AI integration to maintain trust.
The AI Radio Summit 2024, attended by top innovators, broadcasters, and media experts, also featured discussions on AI’s role in journalism, ethics, and creativity. Sam Onigbanjo of AI Academy for Beginners highlighted the transformative power of combining creativity with AI, encouraging investments in advanced AI systems.
Participating radio stations included City FM, Radio Now, Rhythm FM, RayPower, Voice of Nigeria, and more. The summit was organized by Women Radio 91.7FM in collaboration with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), with support from the Voice Women Empowerment Foundation.