Three key areas for AI deployment

In this context, there are three areas where AI can help organizations bridge cultural gaps and transcend operational constraints by focusing on amplifying human qualities. The following three brief cases illustrate how AI can:

• Scale empathy in customer interactions
• Dissolve knowledge silos within organizations
• Support service delivery across linguistic and cultural boundaries

The pattern that emerges from these examples is clear: AI is at its most powerful not when it replaces humans but when it amplifies human connection.

1] Scaling empathy by bridging interpersonal divides

Many organizations build their service models to optimize cost efficiency and maximize throughput. Hitting these targets often means using strategies that consumers have come to dread: offshoring contact centers or replacing humans entirely with automated systems. Over time, this kind of approach reshapes both organizational culture and customer expectations, making empathy feel like a luxury rather than a standard. The consequences of these attitude shifts are very real: according to TCN’s 2024 survey, nearly two-thirds (63%) of Americans say they’re likely to abandon a brand after a single poor service experience – a nearly 50% increase over the past four years. At the same time, consumer expectations for empathy and responsiveness are rising. In most narratives about “the rise of the machines,” AI is the villain in these kinds of situations, responsible for accelerating the move away from empathy and connection. Yet the truth is that, when AI is implemented thoughtfully, it can help bridge this gap by supporting warmer and more personalized customer experiences.

Here are two live examples of how AI can boost rather than dilute feelings of empathy and connection.

• AI-powered contact center platforms like Genesys provide agents with on-screen hints about customer tone, journey stage, and emotional context as a call unfolds, then suggest phrasing for responses. On the surface, this is a technical solution to improve efficiency and global staffing flexibility. But its deeper value lies in its ability to help humans tailor responses to provide personalized customer engagement, thus scaling the emotional intelligence embedded in their customer interactions.
• AI can be unexpectedly effective at scaling empathy even in high-stakes settings like healthcare. The shift towards a “digital front door” for healthcare encounters in the US presents physicians with an enormous challenge: tens of thousands of patient messages arriving via Electronic Health Record inboxes every day. Many require responses that not only contain medically accurate information but that are also emotionally nuanced. A recent study from NYU found that AI-generated responses to patient messages were rated as more empathetic than those written by physicians, scoring higher on warmth, tone, and relational language. While not always as clinically precise, the AI replies were more likely to convey positivity and build connections. This suggests a powerful new role for generative tools. Instead of impersonal templated responses or terse replies from overburdened healthcare providers, AI can deliver personalized responses, relieving cognitive load on doctors while reinforcing a culture of compassion.

In an era marked by rapid digital advancement and algorithmic governance, the merging of indigenous epistemologies with emerging technologies is not just an ideal; it is a critical necessity for our future. As the leading Professor in the core field of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management, I assert my position at the intersection of ancestral wisdom and computational intelligence. I advocate for a powerful synthesis that respects both sacred heritage and scientific innovation.

This discourse—Ifá Divinity, Omoluabi Ethos, and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Age—urges a revaluation of digital ethics and our interactions with technology. By exploring Yoruba metaphysics and moral philosophy, we gain valuable insights for today’s complexities. Ifá provides a profound perspective, while the Omoluabi ethos emphasizes integrity and communal responsibility, offering a moral framework for AI development that transcends Western utilitarianism. This fosters a deeper connection between humanity and technology, highlighting our shared responsibilities in creating a just digital future.

In this synthesis, we go beyond simply digitising tradition; we elevate it. We don’t just welcome AI into our world; we shape it to embody the principles of prophetic stewardship, communal resilience, and ethical foresight. This is a rallying cry for scholars, technologists, and spiritual guardians to create a transformative new paradigm. Imagine a world where cybersecurity transcends mere technical protection to become a means of cultural preservation. Picture information management evolving from simple data governance into a powerful vessel for transmitting wisdom. In this vision, artificial intelligence becomes not just a tool but a conduit for divine intelligence, guiding us toward a brighter future.

Contextual Foundation: Ifá and the Omoluabi Ethos

The Ifá divination system is an essential pillar within Yoruba cosmology, embodying a rich and intricate framework that weaves together profound wisdom, ethical principles, and metaphysical insights. Central to this venerable tradition is the Omoluabi ideal, a guiding principle emphasising the importance of integrity, humility, and a strong sense of community responsibility. This ideal serves as a moral compass for individuals and a framework for harmonious living within society.

In addition to its spiritual and cultural significance, the Ifá system functions as a crucial repository of indigenous logic and ethical reasoning. Through its intricate rituals and interpretations, Ifá offers deep insights that resonate with contemporary discourses, particularly in our increasingly digital world. By engaging with the teachings of Ifá, individuals today can find valuable perspectives that enrich their understanding of ethics and foster a more meaningful connection to their cultural heritage.

Professor Olu Longe’s Legacy: Ifá as Computational Logic

Professor Olu Longe, the first Nigerian Professor of Computer Science, was a pioneering figure in African computer science and a respected academic renowned for his innovative thinking. He notably contributed to the integration of traditional African practices with modern technological concepts. His groundbreaking work focused on exploring the similarities between Ifá divination and algorithmic reasoning, highlighting a unique intersection of culture and technology. Professor Longe’s legacy continues to inspire many in the field.

Professor Longe conducted extensive research on the intricate mechanics of Ifá, a system deeply embedded in Yoruba culture that is traditionally used for guidance and decision-making. His work emphasised the systematic and data-driven nature of Ifá, framing it not just as a religious or spiritual practice, but as a sophisticated methodology for analysing information and deriving insights.

By establishing these connections, he decisively opened new avenues for understanding how ancient wisdom directly informs contemporary artificial intelligence principles. His contributions significantly advanced the discourse on the coexistence of traditional knowledge systems with modern computational theories, firmly positioning Ifá as a relevant model in the study of algorithms and decision support systems. Professor Longe’s legacy undeniably inspires new generations of scholars and practitioners eager to explore the powerful intersections of culture, technology, and intelligence.

Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola: A Visionary Pioneer of the Digital Age

Dive into the world of Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, a standout thought leader who’s shaping the future in the fast-paced realm of digital innovation. With his cutting-edge insights and transformative ideas, he’s not just keeping pace with the digital revolution—he’s leading the charge!

Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, the first Nigerian Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management, offers a contemporary and globally relevant viewpoint on the subject. While he does not adhere to Ifá divinity, his contributions have significant implications for the field. He is actively involved in developing cyber-ethical frameworks that align with the Omoluabi values of integrity and responsibility.

His work transcends mere digital transformation; it actively integrates strategies that honour cultural heritage while fully embracing cutting-edge technological advancements. Through his thought leadership, he masterfully bridges African intellectual traditions with global digital trends, igniting a transformative dialogue that resonates powerfully across cultures.

He asserts with conviction that we can fully embrace the profound cultural significance of Ifá within the Omoluabi framework, while confidently moving beyond its spiritual boundaries. This bold approach paves the way for vibrant, inclusive dialogues that flourish in our dynamic digital age. It’s a remarkable opportunity to celebrate diversity and forge unprecedented connections!

AI, Ethics, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems

The intersection of artificial intelligence and indigenous systems, particularly Ifá, raises important questions about incorporating human-centred values from African traditions. A key consideration is whether the Omoluabi ethos can serve as a moral foundation for governing AI.

The engagement of individuals beyond conventional systems, like Professor Ademola, is essential for defining the ethical framework of AI. Addressing these challenges requires the creation of collaborative knowledge ecosystems where scholars, technologists, and cultural custodians unite to develop frameworks that are both technically robust and deeply informed by ethical considerations and cultural sensitivities.

Solutions and Forward Pathways

The initiative confidently emphasises the integration of Afrocentric principles into AI development and ethics, highlighting the virtues of Omoluabi as essential ethical guidelines for AI models. It advocates for employing Ifá’s symbolic logic as a powerful cognitive framework that significantly enhances the context-awareness of AI systems.

This initiative goes beyond mere preservation; it’s a vibrant effort to digitise Ifá texts and the rich oral traditions of the Yoruba people. Crucially, this process is conducted with the full consent of the community and under the watchful eye of dedicated scholars. A key aspect of the project is to boost AI literacy among traditional custodians, creating a strong partnership and mutual understanding that bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern technology.

Get ready for a groundbreaking initiative that dares to blend Afrocentric ethics into the realms of cybersecurity and AI education! This dynamic movement not only champions innovative interdisciplinary research but also embraces an inspiring dialogue that celebrates both spiritual and secular viewpoints. It’s a thrilling opportunity to enrich the tech landscape with diverse voices and contributions, igniting a vibrant cultural exchange that transforms the way we think about technology. Excitement is in the air as we open the door to a more inclusive future!

Conclusion: Harmony Without Homogenization

In our fast-evolving digital landscape, Ifá maintains its vital role within the Omoluabi framework. Visionary thinkers like Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola show us how we can meaningfully engage with indigenous knowledge, respecting its essence while advancing ethical technology, even if we don’t practice its spiritual aspects. Rather than viewing this as a clash between tradition and modernity, we can embrace it as a beautiful fusion of ancestral wisdom and technological progress. This collaboration has the potential to enrich both domains, fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all.