Kano Conference Explores AI's Role in Governance

The seventh Kano social influencers conference took place in Kano, Nigeria, where Jibrin Ibrahim attended. This annual event, which began in 2019, explores the intersections of technology, media, and social change.

The conference highlighted the transformative impact of social media on communication and social norms, particularly among youth. The theme for this year was preparing citizens and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation for accountable governance.

Key discussions included the nature and risks of the AI revolution, strategies for Nigeria to engage with AI, and the development of digital rights. Shina Badru from Technology Times noted the significant changes in Nigeria's communication landscape since 2001, when NITEL monopolized fixed telephone lines.

The current reality features 197 million GSM lines and widespread internet access. The conference underscored the need for Nigeria to navigate the challenges posed by leading global technology firms that dominate the AI industry and control vast amounts of data.