CCN and JNI Lead Call for Ethical AI at “God in the Engine” Conference in Ibadan

In a bold move to address the moral and ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) jointly organized a high-level press conference titled “God in the Engine – Religion and Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria.” The event, held on March 27, 2025, at the Institute of Church and Society in Samonda, Ibadan, also marked the formal convening of the Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence.

Supported by the Future of Life Institute (FLI), the gathering brought together religious leaders, legal experts, policymakers, AI specialists, and civil society actors for a critical dialogue on the intersection of faith, ethics, and emerging technologies.

Delivering the keynote address, Rt. Rev. S. Oluwole Onaleke, Bishop of the Diocese of Agodi, Methodist Church Nigeria, posed a provocative question: “What happens when the creation begins to rival the creator?” He emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI development does not compromise moral and spiritual values, asserting that “AI must serve humanity, not the other way around.”

The first session focused on the ethical implications of AI, including algorithmic bias, autonomous decision-making, and job displacement due to automation. Speakers stressed the urgent need for frameworks that prioritize fairness, transparency, and human dignity.

Legal experts in the second session warned of the dangers posed by deepfakes, disinformation, and mass surveillance, advocating for stringent AI regulations and global cooperation to safeguard civil liberties. Participants emphasized that the unchecked spread of AI technologies could undermine democracy, justice, and social cohesion.

A major highlight of the day was the call for faith-based organizations to take an active role in shaping AI governance, using their platforms to educate communities, advocate inclusive policies, and partner with AI developers to ensure that technology aligns with humanitarian and spiritual values.

“Religious institutions must step into the AI conversation—not out of fear, but out of a responsibility to protect human dignity,” said one of the panelists.

The conference concluded with strong recommendations: promoting ethical AI legislation, integrating AI ethics education in religious and academic settings, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships across sectors.