The 2023 Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) held in Abuja recently witnessed a significant discourse on the integration of artificial intelligence in national security.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, took center stage during the event to address concerns surrounding artificial intelligence in communication and national security.
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Embracing AI for National Security
In his keynote address at the SAEMA and Spokespersons’ Communication Awards (SCA), Inuwa allayed fears about the implications of artificial intelligence in communication and its impact on national security. The event’s theme, “Artificial Intelligence: Effective Communication for National Security,” set the stage for Inuwa’s assertion that Nigeria could harness the potential of cutting-edge artificial intelligence to address the country’s insecurity crisis.
Highlighting the importance of in-depth knowledge, Inuwa emphasized that understanding the opportunities and threats posed by emerging technologies is crucial. He stressed that this knowledge would guide professionals in implementing effective solutions, ensuring proper functioning based on reliable protocols and ethical principles.
Government’s Commitment to Image Remodeling
Representing the Minister of Information, Muhammad Idris Malagi, Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to remodeling the country’s image. He urged media organizations, including PRNigeria, to offer their support in achieving this goal.
Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), seized the opportunity to inaugurate the organizing committee and the jury for the National Spokesperson Awards, scheduled for March 2024. The committee, chaired by Segun Mcmedal, former NIPR Chairman of Lagos Chapter, will play a crucial role in recognizing outstanding communication efforts.
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Recognizing Contributions to Safety and Security
Yushau Shuaib, Managing Director of Image Merchants Promotion Limited and publisher of PRNigeria, Emergency Digest, and Economic Confidential, shed light on the significance of SAEMA in recognizing gallantry contributions to Nigeria’s safety, security, and emergency management. He explained that SAEMA acknowledges outstanding contributions, while the Spokespersons’ Communication Award (SCA) focuses on recognizing exceptional public relations campaigns and communication strategies.
Shuaib revealed that 13 awards would be presented in the SCA category, with an impressive 139 entries received. Moreover, SAEMA has become a reputable name among security agencies, stakeholders, and experts, receiving 171 entries this year. The diligent efforts of the organizers resulted in the identification of two finalists for each of the 16 categories.
The 2023 SAEMA Awards not only celebrated achievements in the realm of security and emergency management but also provided a platform for insightful discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing national security. With the commitment of government officials and industry leaders, Nigeria appears poised to leverage cutting-edge technologies for socio-economic growth and human capital development. The upcoming National Spokesperson Awards in March 2024 will further recognize and honor outstanding communication efforts, contributing to the overall development and enhancement of Nigeria’s image on the global stage.