AI in the Newsroom: FG urges Information Officers to Safeguard Truth in Digital Age

Idris

By KEMI KAYODE

In a timely commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Federal Information Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration with the UNESCO Office in Nigeria, hosted a two-day workshop focused on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) for public information and relations officers.

Held at the Bolingo Hotel Art Gallery, Abuja, the event, themed “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” drew attention to the ethical and operational challenges AI poses to modern journalism.

Delivering the keynote on behalf of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, was Dr Suleiman Haruna, Director of Public Relations and Protocol at the ministry. He urged government communicators to remain unwavering in their commitment to truth, transparency, and professionalism in an evolving media ecosystem.

“We are navigating an era where Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how information is gathered, validated, and consumed,” Haruna stated. “While technology can enhance efficiency, it is vital that public communicators ensure its use reinforces, rather than erodes, trust and accountability in governance.”

In his welcome address, Mr Albert Mendy, Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO in Abuja, highlighted the organisation’s long-standing commitment to press freedom and the ethical use of emerging technologies. He also conveyed a powerful goodwill message from the UNESCO Director-General, reflecting on the 2023 study, which found that over half the population relies primarily on digital platforms for news. The message called for vigilance as AI rapidly transforms global information systems.