By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions (NASR) has held a successful 45th Annual International Conference.
The two-day conference with the theme, “Religion, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence”, which was held from Tuesday, 5th to Thursday, 7th November 2024 at the UNIZIK Faculty of Arts Auditorium was the coming together of clergymen, scholars and various stakeholders in Religion.
In his opening remarks, NASR President, Prof. Lateef Kayode Adeyemo revealed that NASR as an association is committed to the academic study of religions in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with her programmes, projects and activities tailored towards cooperate existence of the project Nigeria. The scholar also disclosed that the association is poised towards providing a platform for meaningful interreligious dialogue, robust and critical engagement with a view to facilitating sustainable growth and development of the nation.
The NASR President affirmed that the theme of the conference is based on result of modern trends and situation in vogue with Artificial Intelligence a form of complex technology by which computer controlled robots are imbued with the ability to think and act like humans which can perform better and faster.
Declaring the event open, the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara described the theme of the conference as apt and one which captures a very important aspect of human existence especially at a time were there are various dogmas and principles brought about by Religion. Prof. Nwamara averred that AI should play a pivotal role in promoting core religious values and creating a symbiotic relationships among people of various cultures and traditions.
The Keynote Speaker, Rev. Fr. Prof. B.A.C Obiefuna stated that religion is the foundation of humanity and informs culture which is the heart of every community. The cleric pointed out that religion helps people of diverse cultures to create their norms and guiding principles as Religion is a product of human being and used by humans.
Prof. Obiefuna stated that the advent of AI is a welcome development which can be used to project religion in such a way that it can never die but to hold humanity together.
In his remarks, one of the Guest Speakers and former Governor of Anambra State, H.E. Peter Obi stated that the nature of the conference is apposite especially with the era of AI. Obi who was represented by Mr. Valentine Obienyem said that God gave man after creation the authority to dominate the earth and make it better through creative activities which is what man has being doing by trying to improve the world and bringing civilization which led to the advent of AI. He informed that AI should not be used negatively but should serve as a veritable tool to humanize the society.
Others who aired their views during the conference were the Lead Paper Presenters, Prof. Jude Emeka Madu of the Department of Religion and Human Relations, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam and Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu, Vice-Chancellor, Summit University Offa, Kwara State as well as the Head, Department of Religion and Human Relations, UNIZIK, Rev. Fr. Prof. Dominic Obielosi.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman Planning Committee, Dr. Stanley Mgbemena eulogized all and sundry who graced the occasion. The scholar disclosed that the institution has already keyed into the use of AI for meaningful engagement, religious teachings and dialogue.
The conference featured book launching of the NASR Journal and technical sessions for various paper presentations relating to religion, humanity and AI.
Dignitaries that attended the colourful event includes the Traditional Ruler of Awka Kingdom, Igwe Gibson Nwosu ably represented by his Traditional Prime Minister; the Chairman, Aguata Local Government Area, Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike; the President-General of Amansea ably represented by Mrs. Obiageli Nweke; Chief. Okwudili Ofodile; His Eminence Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia represented by Rev. Fr. Prof. A. B. C. Chiegboka.
Others are His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor represented by Rev. Fr. Ignatius Onwuatuegwu; His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese represented by Ven. C. Nnadi; His Lordship Rt. Rev. Onyekachi Moses Nwakanma, the Methodist Bishop of Awka; Mallam Algoni Umar, Chief Imam, Muslim Community, Awka; ESV. Dr. Chief Nwachukwu Obinna Pius, FIPAC and Noble Chinyere Adibe.
