The 11th edition of the Innovention Series, hosted by the Verdant Zeal Group and featuring Dr. Tunji Olugbodi as the Executive Vice Chairman, opened its doors to a diverse and esteemed gathering of professionals, visionaries, and creative minds.
The event, held on October 27, 2023, proved to be an inspiring platform for exploring the future of Africa’s creative industries in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
A Vibrant Gathering of Diverse Minds and Influential Voices
The event’s vibrant audience encompassed a broad spectrum of professionals, reflecting the eclectic and dynamic nature of the creative and marketing community.
Notable attendees included the Keynote Speaker, Dr. David Abodunrin, an expert from the United Kingdom, a panel of influential figures including Chisom Nwokwu, Ferdy Adimefe, ID Enang, and Malik Afegbua, as well as the moderator, Deyemi Okanlawon, and fireside chat guests like Aunty Joke Jacobs and Kunle Afolayan.
The event witnessed a convergence of professionals from the creative and marketing community, emphasizing the importance of collective insight.
Funmibi Olufayo Adeleye, a distinguished brand consultant and corporate strategist, took the reins as the anchor. She began the proceedings with a nod to the motherland, leading the assembly in reciting the Nigerian national anthem.
Her opening set the stage for the arrival of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of Verdant Zeal Group, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, who warmly welcomed the attendees with an insightful and engaging opening speech.
Dr. Olugbodi’s welcoming address set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion, highlighting key points that shed light on the potential and challenges of AI in Africa’s creative landscape.
Exploring the Future of Africa’s Creative Industries
The central theme of Innovention Series 11.0 was “The Future of Africa’s Creative Industries in The Era of Artificial Intelligence.” This theme aimed to examine the impact of AI on Africa’s creative sector, a continent teeming with diversity, culture, and untapped creative potential.
Dr. Olugbodi emphasized the critical role that Africa’s creative industries can play in shaping the continent’s future and contributing to the global creative ecosystem.
AI’s Creative Revolution
Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as a pivotal topic. AI is hailed as a profound technological advancement with the potential to revolutionize Africa’s creative sectors, unlocking new avenues for artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, and storytellers. It enhances creativity, boosts efficiency, and opens doors to innovative possibilities.
Democratizing Creativity with AI
AI democratizes creativity by making creative tools and resources accessible to artists from all backgrounds, irrespective of formal training or access to expensive equipment. AI-generated content serves as an inspiring starting point for human creativity and fosters collaboration.
AI’s Role in Storytelling
AI’s influence extends to storytelling, where it helps craft narratives that resonate with audiences. It facilitates language translation and personalizes creative content to reach a broader, more engaged audience.
Preserving Africa’s Cultural Heritage
AI’s role in preserving and showcasing Africa’s cultural heritage was underscored. It can restore ancient art, translate endangered languages, and digitize cultural artifacts, ensuring the preservation of invaluable heritage.
Challenges and Collaborative Solutions
While the potential of AI is immense, challenges like ethical implications, copyright, cultural sensitivity, and privacy need collective addressing. The importance of education, training, and expanding access to technology was emphasized to equip African creators with the necessary skills. It’s crucial to preserve the authenticity of African art and culture while AI becomes an integral part of the creative process.
AI as an Empowerment Tool
Dr. Olugbodi firmly expressed that the future of Africa’s creative industries with AI is not about replacing humans but empowering them to reach new heights of creativity, resonate globally, and preserve their cultural heritage.
Shining as Global Beacons
Africa’s creative industries have the potential to shine as global beacons of innovation and inspiration, enriching the global cultural tapestry.
Harnessing AI for a Bright Future
In conclusion, Dr. Olugbodi extended his gratitude to the attendees and expressed hope for the incredible creativity that will emerge from the fusion of Africa and AI at Innovention Series 11.0.
Innovention Series Continues
The 11th Innovention Series sets the stage for ongoing discussions, further elaborating on the potential and challenges of AI in Africa’s creative industries, ensuring that Africa’s creative spirit continues to illuminate the world.
Acknowledging Sponsors and Partners
A significant highlight of the event was the recognition and appreciation of the event’s sponsors and partners. Among them, Honey Comb Bread stood out as a notable brand, with a unique twist – the brand is founded by none other than Dr. Tunji Olugbodi’s wife. The acknowledgment of these supporters underscored their pivotal role in bringing the event to life.
Dr. David Abodunrin’s AI Insights
Dr. David Abodunrin, the keynote speaker, took center stage to captivate the audience with his profound expertise in electronics, computer engineering, IT, telecommunications, and cybersecurity. He shared his unique perspective on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa. His PowerPoint presentation resonated with the idea that Africa is currently in the “Era of AI.”
Dr. Abodunrin emphasized that embracing this era is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. AI, he posited, should be seen as a sophisticated collaborator rather than a competitor. His insights echoed the immense potential in Africa’s vast resources.
Panel Discussion: Embracing AI in the Creative Industry
The panelists delved into critical issues surrounding the integration of AI in the creative sector, potential job displacement due to AI, and Africa’s pivotal role in the AI era. These discussions provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that AI presents to the continent’s creative industries.
Fireside Chat with Aunty Joke Silver and Kunle Afolayan
Aunty Joke Silver and Kunle Afolayan, industry stalwarts, took part in a fireside chat, offering their perspectives on the event’s theme. Aunty Joke highlighted a potential downside of AI, citing the 2023 general election in Nigeria as an example. She pointed out that AI could be used to manipulate data in favor of minority interests, potentially overshadowing the majority.
When asked about the fear of AI replacing human jobs, she expressed her belief that AI wouldn’t eliminate work entirely, but rather create new opportunities.
Kunle Afolayan shared his personal stance on AI, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in the creative space. He stressed the need to maintain a balance between AI and the human touch, advocating for human control over machines rather than the other way around.
Certificates of Attendance
In a gracious gesture, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi presented certificates of attendance to the guest speakers and panelists, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the event.
The 11th Innovention Lecture Series left attendees with a richer understanding of the role AI plays in Africa’s creative industries. It was a gathering that celebrated diversity, innovation, and the continued pursuit of creative excellence.
As the event concluded, the call for a harmonious coexistence of AI and human creativity reverberated, underscoring the importance of balancing technology and human ingenuity in shaping Africa’s creative future.
