Adebayo Adenrele
The Spokesman of the House of Representatives and the Lawmaker representing Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency, Akin Rotimi jnr, has urged journalists to embrace the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and use it to their advantage without allowing the system to manipulate their ethical practice.
Akin Rotimi gave the charge in Ado-Ekiti, during the maiden annual public lecture organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, held in honour of veteran journalist and the first Chief Press Secretary of the State, Chief Biodun Akin Fasae.
Delivering his lecture at the event themed: ‘Journalism and AI”, he stressed that AI offers powerful tools to enhance journalism, adding that must remain subordinate to human judgement.
Rotimi warned against over-reliance on automation, highlighting the growing influence of AI in modern journalism such as fact-checking, data analysis and detection of manipulated content such as deepfakes.
He also urged the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to strengthen internal accountability mechanisms and avoid external regulatory pressures.
His words, “The newsroom of the future will not be defined by automation replacing journalists, but by journalists empowered by intelligent tools.
“Societies are better informed than ever before, yet increasingly uncertain about what to believe.
“AI is a tool in your hands, not the other way around. The future of journalism depends on our commitment to truth and integrity”.
In his goodwill message, the President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, represented by the Vice President of B-Zone, Ronke Samo hailed the council for bringing such initiative, saying it came at a time when the world has finally moved from analogue to digital.
In his remarks, Chief Biodun Akin Fasae, expressed deep appreciation and joy at the recognition, describing the event as both humbling and inspiring.
Reflecting on his decades-long career in journalism, he recalled the challenges and triumphs that shaped the profession, noting how the core values of truth, courage and public service have remained constant despite changing times.
He urged younger journalists to remain steadfast in upholding these ideals while adapting to new technologies.
The veteran journalist also commended the NUJ for the initiative, adding that he was encouraged to see the gathering of seasoned media professionals, scholars and industry experts who contributed rich insights to the discourse.
Earlier in his remarks, Ekiti State NUJ Chairman, Com. Kayode Babatuyi, described the lecture as a landmark initiative that would become an annual event to honour Chief Akin Fasae’s contributions to journalism.
Babatuyi praised Rotimi for sponsoring the maiden edition and called on stakeholders to support the union, citing challenges such as a befitting Press Centre.
Other highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to notable individuals for their outstanding humanitarian services and support for journalism.
The awardees are: Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jnr., Member, House of Representatives; Chief Taiwo Olatubosun, Commissioner for Information, Ekiti State; Chief Dr. Oluwayemisi Joluwe, MD/CEO, YSJ Agro Allied Limited; and Hon. Adesola Gold Adedayo, Commissioner for Youth Development, Ekiti State.
