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).

An Energetic Confluence of Diverse Minds and Influential Voices
The event’s audience exuded vitality, representing a wide spectrum of professionals, thereby mirroring the eclectic and dynamic nature of the creative and marketing community. Notable participants encompassed luminaries such as:

Dr. David Abodunrin:
Meet David Adeoye Abodunrin, the distinguished Keynote Speaker from the United Kingdom. With over 25 years of expertise in human behavioral psychology, sales, and workplace psychology, Abodunrin is a seasoned life coach and personal development expert. His diverse background as an electronics and computer engineer equips him with extensive knowledge in Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Cybersecurity. Additionally, Abodunrin holds prestigious certifications as a Scrum Master and Product Owner from the Scrum Alliance.

Chisom Nwokwu:
She is a rising star in the tech industry and a Lagos-based software engineer at Microsoft. Nwokwu is acclaimed for her book, “A Techie’s Guide into Big Tech Companies,” and for being the creator of the popular language learning app, “Igbo Amaka,” available on Google Playstore, boasting over 10,000 downloads.

Ferdy Adimefe:
The CEO of Magic Carpet Studio, Ferdy Adimefe is celebrated for pioneering African narratives in animation, gaming, and blockchain. His academic journey includes a B.Sc. in Human Anatomy from the University of Port Harcourt and an M.Sc. in Media and Communication from Lagos Business School. In 2021, he was honoured as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD).

Idorenyen Enang:

Idorenyen Enang is a seasoned business leader with a visionary approach, boasting an impressive 28-year career, with influential executive roles held across Africa. His notable services include the position of Region Vice President for Africa on the World Federation of Advertisers’ executive committee.

Malik Afegbua: Malik Afegbua is a versatile artist, filmmaker, VR developer, and the creative force behind Silkcity Media, renowned for his innovative use of AI in art. He is also recognized for his efforts to challenge ageism and has earned accolades from the WHO for his contributions to the global Decade of Healthy Ageing campaign.

Deyemi Okanlawon: He was the event’s moderator. Okanlawon is a versatile talent armed with a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Lagos, coupled with honed acting skills acquired from the New York Film Academy. He has earned recognition, including a Best Actor award at the In-Short Film Festival in 2013 and a 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards nomination for his exceptional performance in ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga.’
The fireside chat featured distinguished guests:

‘Aunty’ Joke Silva MFR: A veteran Nigerian actress and director, she holds a degree from the University of Lagos and has received training from the Webber Douglas Academy. Notably, she clinched the “Best Actress in a Leading Role” at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2006.

Kunle Afolayan: A multi-talented powerhouse and the driving force behind Golden Effects Pictures. He is a transformative figure in Nollywood, renowned for his award-winning films, collaboration with Netflix, and representation of the industry at the 2011 Subversive Film Festival.

This event served as a dynamic convergence of professionals from the creative and marketing sectors, emphasising the collective wisdom and insights shared amongst these distinguished individuals.
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 emphasised 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 revolutionise 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.

Democratising Creativity with AI
AI democratises 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 Story-Telling
AI’s influence extends to storytelling, where it helps craft narratives that resonate with audiences. It facilitates language translation and personalises 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 digitise 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 emphasised 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 Incnovention 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, commanded the stage, captivating the audience with his extensive knowledge spanning electronics, computer engineering, IT, telecommunications, and cybersecurity. He shared a unique perspective on the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the African context. His PowerPoint presentation resounded with the notion that the global landscape is currently immersed in the “Era of AI,” and it is imperative for Africa as a continent to actively embrace this transition to avoid isolation. Dr. Abodunrin emphatically underscored that adopting this era is not merely a choice; it is an absolute necessity. He asserted that AI should be viewed as a sophisticated collaborator, not a competitor, and his insights resonated with the boundless potential inherent in Africa’s abundant 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 Silva and Kunle Afolayan
‘Aunty’ Joke Silva 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 favour 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, but rather create new opportunities.
Kunle Afolayan shared his 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.