Kano Hosts 5th Social Influencers Summit, AI's Electoral Role in Focus | Newskeeper

Kano Hosts 5th Social Influencers Summit, AI's Electoral Role in Focus

By Salisu K Ismail, Kano 

Hundred's of Social Influencers from varied social groups gathered in Kano for the 5th Kano Social Influencers Summit that is currently taking place in the ancient Kano State, Northern Nigeria.

The 2-day event organised by the Center for Information Technology and Development CITAD has brings together social influencers from diverse backgrounds to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, elections, and governance.

The summit with the themed; Artificial intelligence in election and governance: Between the potentials for enhancement of processes and the perils of digital surveillance and misrepresentations holding at the Grand Central Hotel, Kano featured thought-provoking discussions, panel sessions, and presentations focused on leveraging social media for societal impact.

Speaking, Wednesday, while declaring the Summit opened, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusif commended CITAD for consistently providing a platform for social influencers to engage and promote positive change.

Represented by his Special adviser on State Affairs, Alhaji Usman Bala, the Governor explained that, the event provided a unique opportunity for social influencers to network, share experiences, and explore collaborative strategies for driving positive social change.

The representative of the governor also assured CITAD and all other development partners of Kano State readiness to collaborate with any organisations and individuals on anything that will lead to the development of the State.

In his address, CITAD Executive Director Yunusa Zakari Ya'u stated that, Artificial intelligence in election and governance is a double-edged sword, offering immense potential for enhancement.

Y.Z Ya'u, noted that, Artificial intelligence can enhance the efficiency and transparency of electoral processes.

He cited that, AI can streamline electoral processes, ensure accuracy and speed in tasks such as voter registration, ballot counting, and results transmission adding that AI-powered systems can also analyze large datasets to identify patterns and trends, enabling more informed decision-making.

In their separate remarks, dignitaries at the event that includes representatives from government agencies, non governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders, also sent messages of goodwill, acknowledging the significance of social influencers in promoting social justice, accountability, and community development.

Newskeeper reports that, the yearly event have in attendance Journalists, social influencers from various organizations, such as bloggers, social media enthusiasts, content creators, religious and advocacy groups among others.