Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his government’s dedication to safeguarding press freedom, emphasizing the need to empower the media to consistently uphold the truth.
The governor made this known in his message commemorating the 2025 World Press Freedom Day, celebrated globally on May 3.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” Governor Ododo acknowledged the growing complexities confronting journalism in today’s digital landscape. He pointed to the increasing role of artificial intelligence in newsrooms, underscoring the need for greater vigilance and accountability among media professionals.
A statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, quoted Ododo as saying: “In this brave new world, we must ask hard questions, who controls the narrative? How do we ensure accuracy in an age of machine-generated content? And above all, how do we protect the essence of journalism, its human judgment, ethics, and accountability?”
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s resolve to foster a conducive environment for journalists in the state, describing press freedom as essential to both democracy and effective governance.
“Let it be known that our administration will encourage the media to stand for the truth and we welcome scrutiny done in the most responsible manner because we understand that good governance requires transparency. A silenced press is the enemy of progress but freedom without responsibility is more dangerous in any society,” he stated.
The governor also urged media practitioners to adopt technological advancements without compromising core journalistic values such as professionalism, fairness, integrity, and accountability.
“Use technology to elevate your reach, not to compromise your ethics. Let us ensure that AI enhances journalism but should not erase its essence as a pillar of democracy,” he advised.
Governor Ododo further appealed to stakeholders nationwide to support initiatives aimed at protecting journalists and safeguarding editorial independence in the face of rapid technological change driven by artificial intelligence.
