Stakeholders have called for the development of legislation, ethical guidelines, educational curricula, and national strategies to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) benefits individuals, families, and society.

The call was made by Engr. Akohamen Emmanuel Agenmonmen (Ako), Founder and CEO of Surfspot Communications Ltd, during the company’s fourth edition of the Tech Grid Series held virtually in Benin City on Friday. The event was themed: “The Rise of AI: A Threat or Catalyst to Human Intelligence.”

The Tech Grid Series is a forward-thinking platform that explores the evolving relationship between technology and society.

Speaking as Chief Host, Agenmonmen described AI as a tool that sharpens knowledge. He emphasized that AI is not only a technical but also an emotional force, shaping human thinking.

He explained that the series aims not to provide all answers but to stimulate critical thinking.

“We are still in the stone age of the Internet,” Agenmonmen said. “We must think ahead to develop AI so that future generations will regard us as pioneers.”

He stressed that the pressing questions about AI are no longer purely technical but fundamentally human. Whether AI becomes a threat or a catalyst depends on the choices society makes in learning, building, governing, and relating to one another.

Agenmonmen urged families, business leaders, educators, policymakers, and governments at all levels to actively shape AI’s trajectory. He called for the creation of legislation, ethical frameworks, educational programs, and national strategies to ensure AI serves the common good.

“Like any powerful tool — from weapons to writing — AI can empower or endanger, depending on how it is approached,” he added. “AI has the potential to redefine what it means to be human—to be more creative, collaborative, and conscious.”

Tejiri Agenmonmen, a developer of expert systems for early stroke diagnosis and management and the event’s fourth speaker, highlighted AI’s role as a catalyst. “AI augments creativity through tools like generative AI and frees up cognitive bandwidth for higher-level thinking,” she said.

Panelist Chizara Uhaa noted AI’s positive impact on human intelligence, productivity, and growth.

Dr. Teejay Chunu, founder of Glad Company, remarked that living in a technology-driven world demands staying abreast of current developments.

The event attracted key stakeholders and Surfspot staff, all actively participating in the discussions.