Adebayo Adenrele
President Bola Tinubu has called on Journalists in the country to be cautious against AI and deep fakes, saying they pose a threat to credible journalism.
He also urged them to recommit to ethical journalism and nation-building, emphasizing on the pivotal role of the Nigerian media in fostering national unity, strengthening democracy and shaping the country’s future.
Tinubu made the call at the 70th Anniversary Gala, Award Night and Book Presentation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) themed “Celebrating Seven Decades of Journalistic Excellence” and held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Tinubu, represented by the minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris hailed the enduring relationship between President Tinubu and the media, describing him as a staunch ally of press freedom.
He urged media professionals to spotlight Nigeria’s democratic gains and progress stories to help consolidate the nation’s 26-year democratic journey and foster civic confidence in public institutions.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not just a friend of the media, but one whose democratic credentials were shaped in solidarity with Nigeria’s most courageous journalists. From the trenches of the June 12 struggle to the presidency, his affinity with the press remains unmatched.
“The media must take the lead in telling the story of Nigeria’s democratic achievements, in governance reforms, infrastructure growth, civic engagement, and socio-economic development,” Idris said.
While reaffirming Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to press freedom, Idris highlighted the growing threats of fake news, disinformation and the disruptive influence of artificial intelligence on journalism practice.
“The rise of generative AI and deepfakes poses a direct challenge to credible journalism. In this era, ethical journalism is not just important, it is essential,” he warned.
He disclosed that the Federal Government, in partnership with UNESCO, is establishing a world-first Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja, a landmark initiative aimed at promoting media responsibility and literacy in the digital age.
“When operational, this Institute will serve as a transformative hub for building ethical journalism and informed citizenship in Nigeria,” he announced.
Idris also pledged the government’s willingness to partner with the NUJ on matters of journalists’ welfare, digitisation, gender inclusion and institutional support.
Also speaking, NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahaya hailed the Union’s 70-year journey as a testament to professionalism, patriotism and the power of journalism to shape national development.
He recalled how the Union, founded on March 15, 1955, began as a platform to advocate for journalists’ welfare but evolved into a powerful institution at the forefront of national discourse and democracy.
Abdullahi described the NUJ’s Platinum Jubilee as a historic moment of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to defending the role of journalism in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“Our 70th anniversary is more than just a commemoration of our past,” he said. “It is a rallying cry for the future we envision a future rooted in ethical journalism, responsible innovation, and unrelenting advocacy for press freedom”.
Speaking on insecurity in parts of the country, Yahaya charged journalists to maintain ethical standards, particularly in conflict reporting. “Our stories should aim to heal and unite, not divide. We must report with empathy, accuracy, and responsibility,” he said, while reaffirming the Union’s commitment to press freedom and constitutional democracy.
