Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on media professionals to remain steadfast in upholding truth and journalistic integrity while embracing the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.
In a statement to mark the 2025 World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s commitment to press freedom, describing it as both a democratic necessity and a governance priority.
Reflecting on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” the governor said the rise of AI and digital innovation in journalism demands more diligence, responsibility, and ethical considerations from media practitioners.
“In this brave new world, we must ask hard questions — who controls the narrative? How do we ensure accuracy in an age of machine-generated content? And above all, how do we protect the essence of journalism, its human judgment, ethics, and accountability?” Ododo asked.
He noted that while technology has expanded the reach of journalism, it must not compromise the profession’s core values. “Use technology to elevate your reach, not to compromise your ethics,” he advised.
Governor Ododo assured that his administration will continue to create an enabling environment for journalists and encouraged them to conduct scrutiny in a responsible and constructive manner.
“Let it be known that our administration will encourage the media to stand for the truth. We welcome scrutiny done in the most responsible manner because we understand that good governance requires transparency. A silenced press is the enemy of progress, but freedom without responsibility is more dangerous in any society,” he stated.
He further called on stakeholders across the country to support the protection of journalists and uphold editorial independenceCertainly. Here’s the news report using the headline:
