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The Onslaught of Artificial Intelligence (AI) part 1

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By Evans Woherem, Ph.D

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, it is expected to have a significant impact on how we live and work. The integration of AI is a complex issue that requires a thorough understanding of the potential benefits and risks of this technology.

In this piece, DR. EVANS WOHEREM throws open an honest conversation about the implications of this technology and the need for collaboration to ensure that its development and use align with human values and promote the well-being of all individuals.

  1. Introduction

I have always believed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a promethean technology that can be used for good or evil. I therefore feel that while we welcome its positive uses, the negative impacts could be too deleterious for humanity to control or endure, and as such, we should have international treaties and controls put in place to regulate the technology.

With the arrival of ChatGPT and the promise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and possibly Artificial Super Intelligent (ASI) systems, I am even more convinced that some internationally agreed sets of controls and laws guiding the behaviour of such systems, and hardwired into the AI systems, should be implemented as soon as possible.

  1. My Early Years in AI

I started studying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 1983 when I enrolled in the Master’s degree program in Cognition, Computing, and Psychology at the University of Warwick in England.

The course was all about AI – how to build AI systems by studying humans to determine what makes them intelligent and then applying that knowledge to develop intelligence-based systems. Since then, I have been keeping track of the development of artificial intelligence and its uses in various industries.

The knowledge and understanding of what makes humans intelligent have been applied to the development of AI systems capable of performing tasks previously thought to be unique to human intelligence. It is crucial to consider any possible disadvantages of these intelligence-based systems as we continue to push the limits of AI. That is why it is significant to develop internationally agreed-upon sets of controls and laws to govern the development and use of AI or intelligence-based systems.

Intelligence-based systems, also known as cognitive systems, imitate human intelligence and execute activities that typically require human intelligence, such as interpreting a spoken language, identifying objects or photographs, making judgments, and learning from prior experiences. When such systems are built, those who believe in the strong AI hypothesis refer to them as having human intelligence or intentionality.

On the other hand, those who believe in the weak AI hypotheses view intelligence-based systems as a tool or technology used to automate or enhance specific jobs rather than as an end in itself.

They see AI as a tool for better decision-making, increased productivity, and the provision of new insights and information. However, to those that believe in the strong hypothesis, if a system can display all the cognitive traits of people, it should be considered human.

During my above study course, I came to believe that humans are very creative and capable of building the above types of systems over time. However, I did not believe in the strong hypothesis; rather, I believed and still believe in the weak hypothesis of AI, as did people like Professor John Searle. He is widely known for his “Chinese Room” thought experiment.

In his thought experiment, Prof. Searle proposes that a person in an enclosed room who does not speak Chinese be given a set of rules and symbols that allow him or her to communicate in Chinese with a Chinese speaker outside the room.

The person in the room can receive Chinese words, convert them into English, understand the communication, respond in English, and then convert the response back into Chinese. It appears that the person in the room speaks Chinese fluently to the Chinese speaker outside the room.

However, the person in the room does not understand Chinese; he or she is simply manipulating symbols according to a set of rules. Searle argues that this thought experiment illustrates that a machine or algorithm can simulate an understanding of a natural language without actually understanding it. He further argues that this is true of AI systems in general: they can display traits associated with human intelligence, but this does not mean they possess genuine human intelligence or consciousness.

He suggests that the true objective of AI should be to produce machines that can perform specialized tasks efficiently rather than trying to build machines that can fully comprehend and have consciousness like humans.

John Searle’s opinions on the weak AI hypothesis have been widely studied and considered significant in AI. Hubert Dreyfus, a philosopher, and Daniel Dennett, a cognitive scientist, are two well-known individuals who have endorsed Searle’s opinions. It’s important to note that this thought experiment raises many questions and criticisms.

Some argue that this thought experiment is not a fair representation of AI, that it doesn’t take cognizance of the complexity of the human mind and consciousness, and that the Chinese Room thought experiment is not a fair representation of how AI systems work.

I believe that Prof. John Searle is right, AI systems are mere powerful symbol manipulators. However, that they are merely manipulating symbols does not detract from the fact that humans can judge their capabilities as human like, and so, can easily declare them to be human or even super-human.

  1. Motivations of the AI Intelligentsia

The motivations of the AI intelligentsia, consisting of researchers, engineers, and scientists who work in the field of AI, include scientific curiosity, technical challenges, commercial opportunities, social impact, national security, and ethical considerations.

They are thus playing a significant role in shaping the future of humanity by advancing AI technology and developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) systems that have the potential to revolutionize many aspects of daily life for people.

The AI intelligentsia is taking humanity to a new epoch – to an age of intelligent-based systems who will co-exist with humans at home, at work places and at social environments, or who can eventually rule over humans.

It is a new dawn, a brave new world that is about to be revealed, as we redefine the origins and nature of sapiens, taking us to a new stage of human evolution, in which humans will evolve into cybernetically and genetically engineered “Homo-Deus”, as proposed or mentioned by thinkers such as Yuval Noah Harari, Dan Brown, Michio Kaku and Ray Kurzweil.

Ray Kurzweil believes that AGI will surpass human intelligence in a wide range of tasks and could be used to solve problems like curing diseases, terraforming other planets, and overcoming death. Kurzweil’s expected new book, “Singularity is Nearer”, will expand on his previous ideas and predictions of AI.

He has previously stated that he believes computers will be able to pass the Turing test, which measures a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour comparable to or indistinguishable from that of a human, by 2029.

He also predicts that by 2045, AGI will be achieved and will be able to improve itself at an exponential rate, leading to a rapid acceleration of technological progress, and perhaps to the AGI turning into an ASI (Artificial Super Intelligent) system.

Also, Yuval Noah Harari suggests in his book “Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow” that advanced brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) could be a step towards the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI). He claims that by directly connecting human brains to computers and other machines, we can improve our cognitive abilities and eventually create AGI systems that match or even exceed human intelligence.

It is critical to remember that AGI is a speculative topic, and the notion that BCIs would be a step toward its development is purely theoretical. There are many different approaches to creating AGI, and the relationship between BCI and AGI is not yet well understood. However, the idea that BCIs could significantly improve human cognitive abilities is intriguing and warrants further investigation.

On the contrary, Martin Ford argues in his book “The Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future” that the development of AGI could have an impact on the job market because machines could potentially take over many tasks currently performed by humans.

In particular, he asserts that low-skilled and repetitive jobs will suffer significantly from widespread automation and the rise of AGI. He also suggests that AGI could lead to greater inequality as the people who own and control these technologies will become increasingly wealthy and powerful while a growing number of people may become unemployed and left behind.

He believes society should start preparing for these changes now by investing in education and training programs and enacting new policies to help people adjust to a rapidly changing job market. It is worth noting that this is a speculative topic and that there are many different opinions about the potential impacts of AGI on the job market and the economy as a whole.

Some experts believe that AGI has the potential to create new job opportunities and boost economic growth, while others believe it will lead to job displacement and widen the gap between the rich and the poor.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) refers to systems that have achieved singularity with humans and as such can comprehend or learn any complex tasks that humans can. AGI systems would be able to carry out a variety of tasks like problem-solving, making decisions, and learning even without being explicitly programmed. Most AI systems in use today fall into the category of weak or limited AI due to their focus on narrow task domains.


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CAC to Prosecute Business Owners Operating Without Registration

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Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing business registration laws in Nigeria, warning that individuals and organizations operating unregistered businesses will face prosecution.

In a statement, the CAC emphasized that conducting business without proper registration violates the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, undermining transparency and accountability in the corporate sector.

The commission stressed that registration is not only a legal requirement but also a gateway to formal business opportunities, including access to bank loans, government grants, and partnerships.

The enforcement drive will be nationwide, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), online vendors, and informal traders who have failed to comply despite previous awareness campaigns and registration amnesty windows.

The CAC disclosed that enforcement teams, in collaboration with security agencies, will be deployed to identify and prosecute defaulters.

The commission urged business owners to take advantage of its simplified registration platform to regularize their status, noting that compliance will boost investor confidence and improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business. It warned that ignorance of the law will not be accepted as an excuse.

Business owners are advised to act promptly to avoid legal consequences, as the CAC moves to ensure a more structured and regulated business environment in Nigeria.


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NCC Vows to Tackle Online Infringement, Block Illegal Music Websites

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Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has pledged to enforce its legal obligations to combat online intellectual property infringement and urged commercial music users to obtain proper licences from rights holders or their representatives.

NCC Vows to Tackle Online Infringement, Block Illegal Music Websites

The Commission stated that this ensures creators are fairly compensated, supporting the music industry’s sustainable growth.

In a statement commemorating the 2025 World Intellectual Property Day, themed “IP and Music: Feel the Best of IP,” the NCC announced plans to enforce the Copyright Act 2022, which allows for the takedown of infringing materials and blocking of websites hosting illegal content.

Signed by Mrs Ijeoma Egbunike, director of Public Affairs, the statement outlined an aggressive anti-piracy campaign in collaboration with the private sector, targeting the online environment.

Egbunike affirmed the NCC’s commitment to establishing enforceable standards for transparency, digital audits, and real-time royalty reporting to protect creators’ rights. She stated, “The NCC will continue to champion policies that support the growth of the music industry, improve the livelihoods of Nigerian musicians, and foster a culture of creativity and respect for intellectual property.”

Despite the global success of Afrobeats and other Nigerian genres, the NCC noted that many musicians face low royalty returns due to rampant digital piracy.

To address this, the Commission revised its Collective Management Regulations to enhance transparency and accountability among Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).

The NCC emphasised that proper licensing is a legal obligation and vital for Nigeria’s creative economy, stating, “Music must feel the beat of intellectual property for the full potential of creativity to be realised.”

The Commission highlighted that creators’ livelihoods depend on fair royalty compensation.

Recent enforcement measures include the NCC’s designation by the Attorney-General of the Federation as an authority under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022.

This, combined with the Copyright Act 2022, empowers the NCC to order takedowns and block illegal music distribution websites.


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FG Warns Nigerians Against Growing Threat of Cyber Slavery in West Africa

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The Federal Government, has warned Nigerians against the growing threat of cyber slavery within the West African sub-region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued in Abuja by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson, noted with grave concern the alarming rise of cyber slavery across parts of West Africa, targeting Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable youths.

The government said many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, were lured out of the country under the false promise of lucrative employment opportunities abroad, particularly in crypto-related operations.

According to the government, “In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and enslaved to work in criminal “call centres” — often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.” There, they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide.”

The government also noted with dismay, a recent incident where the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, Ghana, rescued and detained a group of Nigerians forced to engage in cybercrime activities under inhumane conditions.

“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations. It also underscores the need for enhanced efforts to combat such multibillion-dollar criminal networks and mitigate the susceptibility of victims.

“The Ministry strongly warns all Nigerians, especially the youths and parents, to exercise the utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.

“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators.

“The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that, as a precautionary measure to address this unfortunate situation, the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.

“The Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” the statement read.


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