In a landmark discourse blending technological foresight with professional ethics, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, held its maiden annual lecture, placing artificial intelligence (AI) at the centre of discussions on the future of journalism.
The programme, held in honour of veteran pressman Chief Biodun Akin‑Fasae, drew lawmakers, media leaders, and communication professionals intent on charting a responsible path for AI adoption in the newsroom.
The lecture, themed “Journalism and AI,” explored how AI tools can enhance reporting while presenting ethical challenges if misused. Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr., Spokesman of the House of Representatives, urged journalists to embrace AI with caution. “AI is a tool in your hands, not the other way around. The future of journalism depends on our commitment to truth and integrity,” Rotimi said, noting that AI can assist in fact-checking, data analysis, and detecting manipulated content, but over-reliance could threaten ethical standards.
Representing NUJ national president Alhassan Yahaya, Vice President of B-Zone, Ronke Samo, described the lecture as timely, stressing that the media landscape is shifting from analogue to digital faster than many newsrooms can adapt. Chief Biodun Akin‑Fasae, the honouree, advised younger journalists to uphold core professional values despite technological change: “Truth, courage, and public service remain the core of journalism, no matter the tools at our disposal.”
NUJ leaders highlighted the importance of ethical guardrails in adopting AI. Rotimi emphasised that internal accountability within media organisations is crucial to prevent external interference, stressing that self-governance is key to maintaining press freedom and credibility.
The lecture also recognised individuals contributing to media development and public service, including the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatubosun. The event comes amid growing national discussions about AI’s role across sectors.
Policymakers and technology leaders have stressed that Nigeria not only needs to adopt AI but also to lead innovation in Africa. While AI offers efficiency and new capabilities, it also raises challenges, including job displacement, ethical dilemmas, and the need for structured oversight.
The lecture underscored that AI can expand newsrooms’ capacities only when paired with rigorous ethical standards, accountability, and human judgment. For journalists in Ekiti and across Nigeria, the path forward is clear: leverage AI responsibly to enhance credible reporting, while safeguarding public trust against unchecked automation.
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