Polaris Bank Empowers 6,200 Journalists with AI, Ethical Journalism Training

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms journalism, one Nigerian bank is taking an unexpected lead in preparing the media for the future. Polaris Bank has now trained more than 6,200 journalists, equipping them with AI knowledge, ethical reporting skills, and practical tools to rebuild public trust in an increasingly digital world.

Artificial intelligence is changing journalism at record speed, but Polaris Bank is ensuring Nigerian journalists are ready. Here’s how more than 6,200 media professionals have benefited from one of the country’s biggest journalism capacity-building initiatives.

Polaris Bank has empowered over 6,200 Nigerian journalists through its Annual Media Capacity Seminar. The 12th edition, themed “Rebuilding Trust and Reinventing Storytelling in the Age of AI,” focused on ethical journalism, artificial intelligence, combating misinformation, and strengthening public trust in the media.

LAGOS, Nigeria — Polaris Bank Limited has reinforced its commitment to ethical journalism and media development after successfully hosting the 12th edition of its Annual Media Capacity Seminar, equipping more than 650 journalists, editors, publishers, media executives and communication professionals with practical knowledge on artificial intelligence and responsible reporting.

The virtual seminar, held via Microsoft Teams, was themed “Rebuilding Trust and Reinventing Storytelling in the Age of AI.” It focused on helping media professionals navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape while preserving credibility, editorial integrity and public confidence.

Significantly, the latest edition brings the total number of journalists empowered through the initiative to over 6,200 in the last twelve consecutive years, reaffirming Polaris Bank’s long-term investment in strengthening Nigeria’s media ecosystem through professional development, knowledge sharing and strategic engagement.

The seminar featured two respected 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,” highlighting the growing importance of trust in journalism and corporate communications.
Similarly, Olufemi Awoyemi, mni, Chairman of Proshare, presented “AI in Newsrooms:

Opportunities for Smarter Storytelling and Faster Reporting,” where he explored how artificial intelligence can improve newsroom efficiency while maintaining journalistic ethics.

Speaking during the seminar, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting journalism as a vital pillar of democracy and 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 the bank’s Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Rasheed Bolarinwa, said Polaris Bank’s sustained investment in media capacity building reflects its broader commitment to innovation, knowledge sharing, institutional excellence and national development.

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.”

He further stressed that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence presents both enormous opportunities and significant responsibilities for journalists.

“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.”

Furthermore, Lawal reaffirmed Polaris Bank’s commitment to continuously supporting journalists through relevant training programmes.

“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.”

He also commended the more than 650 journalists and media professionals who participated in the seminar and encouraged them to apply the knowledge acquired to promote accurate, ethical and impactful journalism.

Throughout the training, participants examined practical approaches to maintaining editorial independence, combating misinformation, adopting artificial intelligence responsibly and strengthening public trust amid rapid technological changes.

For twelve consecutive years, Polaris Bank has remained one of Nigeria’s leading private-sector organisations investing in journalism development by providing media professionals with access to renowned experts, emerging digital skills and contemporary industry knowledge.

As technology continues to reshape storytelling and information dissemination, the bank says it remains committed to promoting trust, professionalism, innovation and responsible journalism while empowering media practitioners to build a more informed, resilient and accountable society.