…As AMDF calls for ethical AI integration in journalism
• Akudo Foundation tasks govt, security agencies to protect journalists
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye (Abuja), Tony Osauzo (Benin) and Sola Ojo, Abuja
Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday reiterated his firm belief that a vibrant and unfettered media is a cornerstone of a healthy and informed society.
He expressed joy that the global community recognized and celebrated the vital role of a free and independent press in fostering democracy, accountability, and societal progress.
Governor Okpebholo in a statement by his Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said: “Journalists, as the watchdogs of truth and the voice of the voiceless, play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable on critical issues, and empowering citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions.”
He acknowledged the courage and dedication of journalists in Edo State and across the globe, who often work under challenging circumstances to bring vital information to the public.
“Their commitment to the principles of accuracy, fairness, and ethical reporting is essential for maintaining public trust and strengthening the fabric of our communities,” the governor said.
He called on journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in their pursuit of truth, contributing to a more informed and discerning citizenry.
In the same vein, Akubo Foundation, a non-governmental organisation focused on media advocacy and training, called for the protection of journalists and increased transparency from public institutions.
In a statement issued by its Programme Manager, Victoria Ukpong, the organisation emphasised the critical role of a free press in a democratic society and condemned the ongoing harassment and detention of journalists.
According to the Akuko Foundation, journalists in Nigeria and across the globe are facing threats such as “unlawful arrests, intimidation, smear campaigns, and restrictions on access to public information.”
These actions, the foundation asserted, endanger lives and undermine democracy. Noting that “journalism is not a crime” but rather “a cornerstone of accountability,” it advocated for a free and independent press as essential for holding power accountable, exposing corruption, informing the public, and upholding human rights. “When journalists are attacked, society suffers,” the organization stated.
The foundation urged governments and law enforcement agencies to adhere to international law by protecting journalists, ensuring due process, and prosecuting those who target them. Additionally, it called on public institutions in government, business, and civil society to embrace openness and recognize journalistic inquiry as a vital component of healthy democratic governance.
Also, the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) urged African journalists to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) while upholding ethical standards and professionalism in their work.
In a statement to mark the 2025 World Press Freedom Day, the Manager, Press Freedom, AMDF, Zhiroh Jatau, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom”, which highlights both the opportunities and threats AI presents to journalism, press freedom, and media independence.
Jatau noted that while AI offers transformative tools for the media, it also poses risks such as the spread of misinformation and hate speech.
She called on media stakeholders including governments, civil society, and tech firms, to engage in urgent, inclusive dialogue to address these emerging challenges.
The Foundation further warned that failure to adapt to technological advancements could result in the decline of traditional and smaller media outlets, potentially impacting media sustainability and democratic engagement.
As part of the celebrations, AMDF also paid tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty and saluted the resilience of those continuing to work under difficult conditions.
Jatau said that the theme was timely as journalists were gradually coming to terms with the union of the tech world and the profession.
“AI has come to stay and with it comes a baggage of advantages and new challenges. Journalists and the Media at large must be challenged to develop practical approaches in maintaining ethical practice, high level professionalism and sustaining jobs.
“The influence of AI affects information flow, press freedom, media independence, thereby creating a thin line for professionals in the pluralistic media space.
“Most media houses are yet to fully go digital and this further shuts them out of being contributors to the digital information library.
“As professionals, we must bare in mind some risk involved with the use of AI, top amongst them is the easy and quick flow of false and misleading information as well as promotion of hate speech, and ensure we do not fall into it.
“The need to adapt to the technological advances cannot be overemphasized as even financial growth of media houses is also at risk while smaller outlets may have to close as they will be considered irrelevant and run out of subscribers.
“AMDF calls on journalists and all stakeholders in the media to create an environment where these issues among many others will be addressed urgently in healthy discussions among government, civil societies, tech industries and media practitioners.
“As Agenda setters, journalists should be the major information hub for any generative news and media content online. As such African journalists should take full responsibility in learning and adapting to the use of AI.”
She urged African media organisations to proffer progressive steps towards sustaining the role of professionals in AI information vault. She paid tribute to the courage and resilience of journalists who had remained steadfast in spite of threats and intimidation in the pursuit of truth and fairness.