By Solomon Okpo
UYO, The Akwa Ibom State Government has disowned a viral video purporting to showcase a locally developed “AI phone” by a young woman in the state, describing it as misleading and non-existent.
The video, which first gained national and international attention during the 2023 Akwa Ibom Tech Week, re-emerged online recently, sparking renewed public excitement. However, a government investigation led by the then Senior Special Assistant on ICT and Digital Services now Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy Dr. Frank Ekpeyong, revealed that the supposed device was merely a conceptual demonstration, not a functional product.
“The so-called ‘AI phone’ featured in the video was never operational,” Dr. Ekpeyong said. “It was simply an idea enhanced with visual effects, including holographic projections and robotic voice simulations, to depict a futuristic concept. Unfortunately, the lack of a disclaimer caused widespread misunderstanding.”
Following the video’s resurgence, the government reaffirmed that the showcased visuals were illustrative and that no actual AI phone exists. Dr. Ekpeyong urged the public to rely on credible sources before sharing such content to curb the spread of misinformation, which, he warned, could undermine genuine innovation efforts.
Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D., has consistently supported youth innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives under the ARISE Agenda. The state government pledged to continue fostering an environment for authentic technological breakthroughs while promoting responsible digital communication.
“Although fictitious, the video has ignited meaningful conversations about the potential for real technological innovation in Akwa Ibom,” Dr. Ekpeyong added. “We are committed to ensuring that creativity is nurtured in ways that are both genuine and sustainable.”
