BRYMO'S TAKE

Insights From the MIC ON Podcast Conversation With Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving faster than most societies can regulate or fully understand. It is transforming how people work, make decisions, communicate, and even how nations run their elections. In many ways, AI represents both the promise of incredible advancement and the threat of unprecedented disruption. This dual reality was at the heart of the recent MIC ON Podcast conversation featuring Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji—a conversation filled with clarity, honesty, and urgency.

In an age of deepfakes, misinformation storms, and algorithmic manipulation, Toyosi emphasized one truth we must never forget: AI itself is not the enemy—ignorance is. Deepfake videos of public figures, AI-generated political propaganda, and digitally manufactured narratives have become frighteningly common. These tools can distort governance, influence elections, and even destabilize societies. The threat is real, but it is not unstoppable.

Toyosi argued powerfully for a comprehensive national AI policy—not a patchwork of scattered initiatives, but a strategic framework guiding how AI should be developed, deployed, and governed within Nigeria. Big Tech accountability, strong data privacy laws, data sovereignty, and clearer data-use ethics must become national priorities. Nigeria must engage global tech giants without compromising its own national and citizen interests.

But beyond government action, Toyosi delivered a message directly to individuals—one that resonates deeply in this AI-driven era:

“It is not AI that will take your job. It is the person who knows AI that will.”

This statement cuts through the fear and confusion surrounding AI. Machines cannot replace human emotional intelligence, critical thinking, creativity, or empathy—the timeless qualities that make us human. Even the most powerful AI systems rely on human capability to function effectively. Rather than worrying about AI replacing us, the true focus should be on building capacity—learning the tools, understanding the systems, and reinventing ourselves to stay relevant.

Toyosi stressed that journalists, writers, and content creators must never outsource their critical thinking to machines. Much of the content online today feels cold, mechanical, and emotionless because it is generated without human depth. Good writing—real storytelling—requires the human angle. AI can assist, but it must never replace thought.

Human capability will evolve alongside AI capability. New fields like AI ethics, model validation, data labeling, and algorithm governance will continue to rely heavily on human expertise. AI doesn’t eliminate the need for people; it creates new opportunities for those willing to learn.

The conversation also touched on Nigeria’s political landscape, especially the fragility of the electoral process. AI can strengthen elections through fact-checking, transparency, and real-time verification. But as Toyosi noted, technology will only work if it is shielded from political manipulation—and sometimes that may require building systems outside the reach of compromised institutions.

To build a future where AI empowers rather than destroys, Nigeria needs statesmen, not politicians—leaders who understand the balance of power, prioritize the people’s aspirations, and protect the integrity of democratic processes.

The Real Lesson

AI is not a threat—but it is a test.
A test of our adaptability, our willingness to learn, and our determination to stay relevant.

AI will not take your job.
But someone who understands AI better than you do might.

Now is the time to invest in digital literacy, embrace new tools, strengthen our critical thinking, and position ourselves for the future that is already here.

NOTES

Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji is a leading AI Safety and Governance expert, Founder/CEO of Rise Networks, and producer of Makemation, Africa’s first AI-focused feature film. A Harvard Kennedy School Mason Fellow, she is recognized globally for her work in AI policy, youth development, and public sector innovation.
MIC ON is a politics and public affairs podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, featuring deep, solution-driven conversations on governance, policy, and national issues.
Seun Okinbaloye is an award-winning Nigerian journalist and Political Editor at Channels TV. Known for his sharp, fearless interviews and authoritative political reporting, he is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most trusted voices in political journalism.