The Akwa Ibom state government has dismissed renewed claims circulating online about the existence of a locally developed AI phone allegedly created by a young lady in the state, describing the viral video as misleading and fictional.
In a statement signed by the commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, the government urged citizens to verify information from credible sources before sharing, warning that the spread of unverified content fuels misinformation and misrepresents the state’s innovation ecosystem.
The viral clip, which has resurfaced on social media platforms, first made headlines during the 2023 Akwa Ibom Tech Week. It purportedly showed a young innovator in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area demonstrating a smartphone with artificial intelligence capabilities, including holographic projections and robotic voice interactions.
However, the government clarified that a 2023 investigation, ordered by Governor Pastor Umo Eno, found the product to be non-existent.
According to Ekpenyong, the device was never functional and was merely an illustrated concept enhanced with digital special effects.
“The so-called ‘AI phone’ was never a functional device. The young lady was presenting an idea, while visual effects were added to simulate futuristic features. Unfortunately, no disclaimer was included, which led to public misunderstanding,” the commissioner explained.
With the video gaining fresh traction, authorities have reiterated that there is no operational AI-powered phone linked to the demonstration. The statement stressed that while the concept itself was imaginative, the visuals were created purely for illustrative purposes.
The government used the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to genuine technological innovation. Under the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom has invested in several youth-focused projects aimed at supporting creativity, entrepreneurship, and digital economy growth.
“We have a strong history of backing both indigenous and non-indigenous youths who demonstrate exceptional talent. Our support for innovation is unwavering, but we must guard against misinformation that misleads the public,” Ekpenyong said.
The state further appealed to the public to be vigilant about viral content, especially in the digital age where fabricated media can easily be mistaken for reality.
