RENO OMOKRI: AI MAY REPLACE DOCTORS BEFORE IT CAN REPLACE PELLER’S HUMAN CONNECTION

Read Time:4 Minute, 11 Second

By: Muftau Fatimo

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, Reno Omokri, has argued that artificial intelligence (AI) could replace professionals in highly skilled fields before it can replicate the spontaneity and human connection displayed by Nigerian content creator, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller.

Omokri also described Peller as a “money spinner,” attributing his commercial appeal to his ability to connect with people, build relationships and entertain audiences in ways he believes AI cannot easily replicate.

He made the remarks on Saturday in a lengthy commentary titled, “Peller and the Olodo Uprising: An Unpopular Opinion,” where he examined the growing popularity of the young content creator and the changing meaning of success in an increasingly technology-driven world.

While acknowledging that Peller has faced criticism over what some perceive as his “goofy” or “silly” personality, Omokri argued that these same characteristics could be responsible for his appeal among audiences and celebrities.

“Let me shock you with a statement of fact: Artificial intelligence will replace doctors before it can replace someone like Peller,” he wrote.

According to Omokri, qualities such as spontaneity, humour, playfulness and the ability to interact naturally with people are deeply rooted in human behaviour and would be difficult for AI to reproduce.

He said, “Because it takes a human to be goofy and act slapstick. I do not see AI ever doing stand-up comedy, like any of our comedians, or improv kookiness, like Peller. That spontaneity and wacky playfulness are things all of us had in childhood, but most of us lost as we became adults.”

The former presidential aide said Peller’s rise should also encourage parents to reconsider how they evaluate their children’s abilities and future prospects.

He urged parents to continue encouraging their children to take education seriously while avoiding unnecessary comparisons based solely on academic performance.

“This so called Olodo Uprising is a challenge and as a parent, encourage your child to study and improve their minds,” Omokri wrote.

He cautioned parents against putting excessive pressure on children who do not achieve the highest grades, arguing that academic performance should not be the only measure of a child’s potential.

“So don’t pressure your children or mock your wards because they aren’t getting the best grades. Don’t ‘see your mate’ them! The world has changed,” he added.

Omokri maintained that conventional education and professional careers remained relevant but said rapid technological advancement was creating new pathways to success and changing the nature of several professions.

He further argued that AI was already outperforming professionals in some areas, including accountancy, engineering and legal practice, although he did not provide evidence to support the claims.

He also cited the growing use of automation at airports as an example of how technology was reducing direct interaction between people and human personnel.

“In Nigeria today, the Governor of Kaduna and I landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport from London and didn’t have to deal with a human being until we left the airport. AI has automated everything. E-gates scan your passport, and off you go!” he wrote.

The ambassador-designate also referred to the development of driverless vehicles in California, predicting that autonomous technology could eventually significantly disrupt traditional taxi and ride-hailing driving jobs.

Despite these developments, Omokri argued that technological advancement would not eliminate the value of human warmth, humour and spontaneity.

“We do not yet know how far AI will go. But we do know it can never replace human fun and spontaneity. And that is what we have to ensure that our children retain,” he said.

He attributed Peller’s growing commercial appeal to his ability to entertain audiences, connect with people and remain comfortable with not taking himself too seriously, despite criticism surrounding his academic abilities.

“Let them have fun and be fun to be around. That will make them AI-proof,” Omokri stated.

Describing Peller as a “money spinner,” he said the content creator had succeeded in connecting with people and building relationships globally because of qualities he believes AI would struggle to reproduce.

“That Olodo boy called Peller is a money spinner, connecting with people and building bridges globally, because he has what AI cannot replicate in a thousand years. He has warmth, innocence, purity and the ability not to take himself seriously,” he wrote.

Omokri compared Peller’s perceived innocence and purity to qualities he believes contributed to the appeal of the late American pop star, Michael Jackson.

He also cited a quotation attributed to former Beatles member John Lennon about happiness, using it to reinforce his argument that academic qualifications should not be regarded as the sole measure of success or fulfilment.

Omokri concluded by urging parents to prioritise their children’s happiness and wellbeing while helping them develop other skills and qualities that could remain valuable in the future.

“As long as you have a healthy, happy child, you and they can add everything else to their life later,” he said.