Catholic Bishop warns against adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria

The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, has warned against adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria.

Ajakaiye spoke in a sermon during a mass to mark the 58th World Social Communications Day, held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Represented by his Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Felix Odesanmi, he called on media professionals and politicians to raise their voice against the dangers associated with Artificial Intelligence.

Ajakaye noted that all efforts must be on deck to ensure that “while we approved of the good things that technology have brought to us, we should be conscious of the dangers, both economic wise, leading to unemployment and the moral issues that go along with it”.

He added, “We still have high rate of unemployment in Africa, by the time we allow this Artificial Intelligence, ‘AI’, to take control of us and it is everywhere, the rate of unemployment would be higher.

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“The Artificial Intelligence, as we know, the rate at which the technology is going, a lot of jobs ordinarily done by human beings are simply being taken over by machines and if this continues, there is going to be a serious rate of unemployment in Africa and other nations.

“Technology is very good but at the same time, we have to be weary that God made us to know Him, Love Him and to Serve Him, so that through this means, we have the salvation of our souls.

“Artificial Intelligence has no thinking, no conscience, where those two things are lacking, there is danger. Otherwise, the future of the world is very bleak.

“Our world is in bondage today. Look at the level of unemployment in Nigeria, all the technological giants are reducing the work force with AI, human beings are only looking for financial gain. It is a direct afront m to God.

“Let us raise our voice against Artificial Intelligence, there should be restriction to areas where to use it. It would cause a lot of confusion in our world.”