Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called on Nigerian journalists to harness the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their profession, while remaining firmly rooted in the ethical principles and creative spirit that define responsible journalism.
The governor made this call on Friday during the opening ceremony of a two-day capacity-building retreat organized for members of the State House Press Corps (SHPC). The event took place at the Landmark/Nike Lake Hotel in Enugu.
Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Professor Sam Chijioke Ugwu, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the pivotal role of AI in modern journalism. He described the technology as a present-day force that is already influencing the media landscape, not just a futuristic concept.
“AI is not a future concept; it is with us now,” Mbah stated. “From Google Maps to online searches, we engage with AI every day. The challenge before us is not to resist AI but to strategically leverage it. However, in doing so, journalists must ensure that AI does not suppress their creativity. Losing that human touch would be a great disservice to the profession.”
Welcoming participants to Enugu, which he described as the “historic cradle of media excellence,” the governor said the city was a fitting venue for such a retreat, given its legacy as a stronghold of press freedom, particularly during the pre-independence era.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Professor Ugwu also shared his personal reflections on journalism, recounting his early fascination with the profession despite studying political science.
“I was buying newspapers as a secondary school student,” he said. “Although I pursued a different academic path, I have remained an admirer of the media and its indispensable role in the fight against corruption.”
He reminded journalists of their enduring responsibility to act as the moral compass of society, especially in an era increasingly plagued by misinformation and disinformation.
“Journalists must never lose sight of their sacred responsibility to hold leaders accountable and to strengthen public institutions. In today’s world, where truth is under constant assault, your role is more critical than ever,” Ugwu emphasized.
Despite the numerous challenges facing the media industry, the governor encouraged journalists to see AI not as a threat, but as a tool for progress, innovation, and enhanced storytelling.
Governor Mbah also highlighted some of his administration’s efforts in advancing technology within the state. These include the recent launch of a Command and Control Center providing round-the-clock security surveillance and the implementation of the Smart School initiative, aimed at fostering digital literacy and critical thinking among students across all 360 wards in Enugu State.
