‘AI-driven strategies key to addressing emerging crisis’
By Lucas Ajanaku There is an urgent need for Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven strategies and more coordinated systems to address today’s rapidly evolving crisis landscape, experts at a forum convened to
By Lucas Ajanaku
There is an urgent need for Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven strategies and more coordinated systems to address today’s rapidly evolving crisis landscape, experts at a forum convened to mark Crisis Management Advocacy Month in Lagos, have said.
The forum which brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and the communications ecosystem had as its theme: “Crisis Management in the AI Milieu: Fresh Threats, Smarter Responses.”
Organised by CMC Connect LLP (Perception Consulting), the forum stressed the need for readiness in an ever-changing world getting defined increasingly by technological changes.
In his keynote, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, highlighted the growing importance of data, technology, and coordinated systems in managing modern crises.
He stressed the need for a forward-looking approach, stating that while crises are inevitable, responses can be shaped through preparedness.
“With the right data and systems, organisations can move from reacting to crises to anticipating risks and managing them in real time,” Tijani said.
Discussions at the event reinforced the need to shift from reactive crisis management to a more proactive, intelligence-led approach to preparedness.
In his welcome address at the Metropolitan Club, Lagos, Lead Partner at CMC Connect LLP, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, called for a fundamental repositioning of crisis management within organisational leadership.
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He noted that crisis management must move from the background to the centre of leadership, stressing the importance of anticipation, preparation, and decisive leadership in navigating crises. He described the conference as part of a broader movement aimed at redefining preparedness in an increasingly volatile environment.
Badejo-Okusanya also announced the launch of Crisis-X, an AI-driven crisis management platform developed by CMC Connect LLP, describing it as “built for speed, intelligence, and the demands of the current moment. In the age of AI, a stitch in time doesn’t just save nine, it preserves reputation, leadership, and the trust that underpins both”.
A key highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the CMC Connect Crisis-X Intelligence Engine, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance how organisations detect, analyse, and respond to crises. The solution integrates real-time monitoring, sentiment analysis, strategic response planning, and recovery mechanisms. It also incorporates emotional intelligence capabilities to help organisations better interpret and respond to public sentiment during critical situations.
In addition, a Public Verification Portal was introduced to help combat misinformation by enabling organisations to validate and disseminate accurate information in real time, thereby safeguarding credibility and strengthening public trust.
Discussions at the conference reflected a shared concern about the speed and complexity of modern crises, particularly in an era shaped by digital platforms and artificial intelligence.
Speakers noted that misinformation now spreads faster than institutional responses, placing credibility and trust at the centre of effective crisis management.
As one of the key observations from the sessions highlighted, “today, crises are faster than facts,
louder than truth, and increasingly engineered,” reinforcing the urgency for organisations to adopt faster, more coordinated, and intelligence-driven responses.
As the conference drew to a close, participants collectively underscored the importance of embedding preparedness as a strategic priority. There was a shared commitment to leveraging innovation, collaboration, and responsible use of technology to navigate an increasingly complex risk environment.
In his goodwill message, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Olalekan Fadolapo, who represented the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, commended the Board and Management of CMC Connect LLP for its forward-thinking approach to crisis management.
He raised concerns about the growing misuse of AI by unregulated content creators to spread misinformation and amplify negative narratives, urging stakeholders to deploy AI more responsibly in support of national development.
Dignitaries at the event also included Immediate Past President of Igbobi College Old Boys Association and Partner at Banwo & Amp; Ighodalo, Femi Olubanwo, Immediate Past Chairman of KPMG Africa and current Chairman of CMC Connect LLP, Kunle Elebute; and the first female President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing, Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, among other distinguished guests.
The Crisis Management Advocacy Month Flagship Conference ultimately reinforced a central message, while crises are inevitable, organisations that invest in anticipation, intelligence, and coordinated response will be better positioned to protect trust and emerge stronger.
