The Guild of Photojournalists has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Technology Times to strengthen, protect, and develop the photojournalism profession in Nigeria, with particular focus on intellectual property rights in the age of artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, the partnership was formalized at the Guild’s annual conference held at MAN House, Ikeja, Lagos, themed “Where Lies Authentic Photography in the Age of AI?”

So, the  event brought together leading voices in media, technology, and visual storytelling to address the challenges and opportunities facing Nigerian photographers in an era of rapid technological change.

Moreover, the well-attended conference featured Dr. Victor Ikem, Managing Director of Conversation Media Limited, as guest speaker, and Mr. Tunji Olugbodi, Executive Vice Chairman of Verdant Zeal Communication Ltd, as keynote speaker.

In same vein, other distinguished guests included Yomi Badejo Okusanya, Managing Director of CMC Connect; Mr. John Ajayi, CEO/Publisher of Marketing Edge Publications; Shina Badaru, MD/Publisher of Technology Times; Laide Akano, CEO of Intermediary & Associates; Ambassador Oluwayemi, President of Societal Concern Organisation; and Eddy Lawani, a showbiz entrepreneur, among others.

Challenging Perceptions in the AI Era

Delivering the opening remarks, Biodun Ajala, President of the Guild of Photojournalists, explained that the conference aimed to challenge perceptions and expand understanding of creativity and artificial intelligence usage in the photography industry.

Speaking on behalf of Mr. Olugbodi, Cornelius Onuoha of Red Gecko PR emphasized the enduring importance of authentic photography. “The theme of the event is very germane to today’s story and today’s reality. For people in marketing communications, the place of preserving photography cannot be overemphasized or overshadowed.”

“There is content that only photography can give. There are pictures that tell stories, and only authentic photography can really represent the truth and reality of the occasion in telling that story.

But the challenge that AI has posed to photographers is one that I would say to photographers: AI can be adopted to enhance photography.”

AI as Tool, Not Replacement

Dr. Victor Ikem, the guest speaker, urged photographers and media practitioners to adopt artificial intelligence as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for human creativity. He stressed that the rise of synthetic images and algorithm-driven visuals must not erode the essence of authentic photography.

Dr. Ikem noted that while AI now influences every stage of image creation and media consumption, its value lies in enhancing craft, improving workflow, and expanding creative possibilities.

He warned that treating AI as a replacement for photographers would undermine the emotional depth, intuition, and human perspective that define true visual storytelling.

Protecting Intellectual Property Rights

Speaking on the partnership between the Guild and Technology Times, Shina Badaru, MD/Publisher of Technology Times, emphasized the critical importance of protecting photographers’ intellectual property.

“The place of photography is very important, and photographers preserving and protecting their intellectual property is key as it is the way forward to getting royalty for their hard work,” he said.

Badaru explained that the partnership will enable photojournalists to preserve their work and stake claims when their images are used by others or recreated using AI.

“It is important for our photojournalists to preserve and protect their work. It’s important to register their photographs with the Nigerian Copyright Commission so that they can be protected. In cases where their photographs are used by other people, they can claim it or request for royalty.”

He referenced the art photography market, noting that one of the most expensive photographs was auctioned in 2022 and sold for $12 million, adding that there is nothing stopping Nigerian photojournalists from achieving similar success if their work is properly protected and monetized.

A Strategic Partnership for the Future

The MoU between the Guild of Photojournalists and Technology Times represents a significant step toward professionalizing and protecting the work of Nigerian photographers.

By combining the Guild’s advocacy for photojournalists with Technology Times’ platform and expertise, the partnership aims to create systems for proper documentation, copyright registration, and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

As AI continues to reshape the visual media landscape, the collaboration seeks to ensure that Nigerian photojournalists are not left behind but instead are empowered to leverage technology while maintaining the authenticity and value of their creative work.

The partnership also signals growing awareness in Nigeria’s creative sector about the importance of intellectual property protection as a pathway to sustainable income and professional recognition.