Catholic Communicators, Clergy, Academics, and Media Practitioners gathered in Jos, Plateau State, for the 60th anniversary celebration of the World Communication Day Diamond Jubilee.
The event, held at the Major Seminary,Katako,Jos, focused on the theme: “Human Voice and Face: Safeguarding our Identity and Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
The event is also geared toward addressing the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on human identity, communication, and moral values, with the aim of promoting ethical communication and the responsible use of emerging technologies in the service of humanity and the Church.
The Rector of the Seminary, Rev.Fr.Gabriel Gowalk, urged Media Practitioners, Students and Church Communicators to use digital platforms responsibly and avoid spreading falsehoods, manipulation and generated content.
He described communication as a sacred responsibility that must continue to uphold truth, humanity and moral values despite the rapid advancement of technology.
“Artificial Intelligence has brought innovation and speed to modern communication, society must guard against allowing technology to erode human compassion, originality and dignity.
“Technology should assist humanity and not replace the human person.The human voice comes with emotions, truth, and conscience that machines cannot fully replicate”, Rector said.
Professor Godfrey Danan, the first guest speaker, delivered a lecture noting that while AI has become a powerful tool in journalism, education, and governance, human beings must remain at the center of decision-making.
He emphasized the need for the deployment of Artificial Intelligence, warned that the misuse of AI could threaten privacy, identity and social trust.
“Artificial Intelligence must never be allowed to suppress human intelligence, morality and accountability.Human dignity must remain supreme in every technology advancement”,Danan said.
He further challenged journalists and communication experts to verify information before publication, stressing that fake images,cloned voices and manipulated videos generated by AI now pose serious damages and dangers to society.
The second guest speaker, Professor Chris Gonsum,
According to him, the rise of AI should not create fear but should inspire responsible innovation guided by ethical values and respect for human life.
He called on religious institutions and educational centres to intensify digital literacy campaigns to help young people navigate the challenges of digital age.
“The future of communication must preserve the face and voice of humanity.Mechines may process information,but only human beings process conscience, empathy, and spiritual understanding, he said.
Professor Gonsum further urged governments, media organizations and technology developers to work together in protecting citizens from digital exploitation and identity theft.
The anniversary celebration attracted priests, seminarians, communication scholars, journalist, students and other stakeholders from different parts of Plateau State and beyond.
Veteran journalist and recipient of A.B.C Yola, Reporter of the Year Award (1997), Hassan Umar Shallpella, works with WAP as a Regional Correspondence. He was trained at Institute of Mass Communication and Technology Jos and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Training School Lagos.He was a News desk Editor and a Correspondent at the Punch newspaper and till 2019, was the Deputy Editor ofThe Scope newspaper.
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