Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka
By Agenzia Fides
May 7 2024
ABUJA, Nigeria – “Artificial Intelligence systems are very good in themselves. They can help us do a lot, but if we do not care for them, they will take over humanity”, says Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka, in his message for the 58th World Communications Day next Sunday, May 12th.
On this occasion, the Diocese of Awka organized a week of reflection from May 5-12 on the Message of Pope Francis: “Artificial intelligence and wisdom of the heart: for truly human communication”. “Artificial Intelligence should be made to service humanity and not control or replace humanity or make human beings redundant because if they take over, we are finished,” warns Bishop Ezeokafor.
The Bishop of Awka stressed that people should use modern and advanced technologies in such a way that they do not become objects of what they created. “It is sad that many of our youths use technology to perpetrate evil in society; they get involved in ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ or internet fraud (term for computer fraud in Nigeria, editor’s note) or internet fraud”, lamented Bishop Ezeokafor.
Internet fraud gangs in Nigeria were until recently concentrated in the Lagos region. However, the phenomenon now appears to have spread to all major cities and universities in southern Nigeria. And it is not uncommon to see young men and women living luxurious lives thanks to internet fraud, so they can obviously make a good living from it.
“Therefore, parents must give priority to the education and spiritual development of their children so that they can connect with God and control their impulses”, concluded the Bishop. (L.M.) – Agenzia Fides
