By Paul Chimodo
A former President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Legborsi Pyagbara, has called for the inclusion of indigenous communities in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In a statement marking World Indigenous Peoples Day, Pyagbara urged the removal of barriers that prevent indigenous people from accessing and benefiting from emerging technologies. He noted that this year’s theme, “Indigenous People and Artificial Intelligence,” highlights the importance of ensuring AI systems are developed in ways that are inclusive, ethical, and just.
Pyagbara, who now serves as the Executive Director of the Africa Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, acknowledged AI’s potential to help preserve endangered languages and history. He stressed, however, that this potential can only be fully realised if indigenous communities are actively involved in the development of emerging technologies.
