Polaris Bank Trains 6,200 Journalists Through Annual Media Seminar
L-R: Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head, Brand Management & Corporate Communications, Polaris Bank Limited; Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of Mass Communication Dept, University of Lagos; Olufemi Awoyemi, mni, Chairman, Pros-hare; and Sheriff Adekoya, Lead Strategist, Edgeforth Business Solutions, at the 12th Polaris Bank Annual Media Capacity Seminar in Lagos over the weekend.
Polaris Bank Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical journalism and media professionalism with the 12th edition of its Annual Media Capacity Seminar.
Held virtually via Microsoft Teams, the seminar was themed “Rebuilding Trust and Reinventing Storytelling in the Age of AI.” It drew more than 650 journalists, editors, publishers, media executives, and communication professionals from across Nigeria.
With this year’s edition, the Annual Media Capacity Seminar has empowered over 6,200 journalists across twelve consecutive years, underscoring the Bank’s sustained investment in Nigeria’s media ecosystem through knowledge-sharing and professional development.
Expert Sessions
Two resource persons led the sessions. Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, presented “The Trust Economy: Strengthening Credibility Across Media and Financial Institutions.” Olufemi Awoyemi, mni, Chairman of Proshare, spoke on “AI in Newsrooms: Opportunities for Smarter Storytelling and Faster Reporting.” Both sessions provided practical insights on the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism and the need to preserve trust in a digital age.
Polaris Bank’s Position
Kayode Lawal, Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, said the Bank remains committed to supporting journalism as a pillar of national development.
“At Polaris Bank, trust is the currency that underpins every meaningful relationship between banks and customers, institutions and citizens, and between the media and the public. As AI reshapes how information is created and consumed, preserving credibility and ethical journalism becomes even more critical,” Lawal said.
He was represented by Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head, Brand Management & Corporate Communication.
“For over a decade, this platform has reflected our belief that a strong, professional, and well-equipped media is indispensable to national development, economic growth, democratic accountability, and public trust. Journalists are not merely reporters of events; they are custodians of facts, shapers of public discourse, and critical partners in nation-building,” Lawal added.
He noted that the rapid evolution of AI presents opportunities and responsibilities for media practitioners. “The imperative to preserve credibility, strengthen public trust, and uphold ethical journalism has never been greater. We believe that empowering journalists with contemporary knowledge and digital competencies strengthens the entire information ecosystem.”
Seminar Outcomes
Participants explored strategies for maintaining editorial integrity, combating misinformation, leveraging AI responsibly, and strengthening public confidence in journalism amid rapid technological change. Discussions reinforced trust as a strategic asset for media organisations, businesses, public institutions, and society.
For twelve consecutive years, Polaris Bank’s Annual Media Capacity Seminar has provided journalists with access to experts, contemporary knowledge, and practical skills to navigate an evolving communications environment. The initiative is one of Nigeria’s leading private-sector programmes advancing ethical journalism and fostering collaboration between financial services and the media.
“As technology redefines storytelling and information dissemination, Polaris Bank remains committed to initiatives that promote trust, professionalism, innovation, and responsible journalism,” the Bank said.
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