Gov Mbah Tasks Journalists On Truth, Editorial Courage In AI Age

Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerian journalists to uphold editorial courage and remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth amid the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in newsrooms.

Delivering his welcome address at the opening of a two-day workshop organised by the State House Press Corps (SHPC) in Enugu on Friday, Governor Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Professor Sam Ugwu Chijioke, warned against the temptation to let AI replace journalistic rigour and originality.

Speaking on the theme, “Artificial Intelligence Utilisation for Effective Journalism,” the governor said while AI presents powerful tools that can enhance productivity, it must not erode the ethical foundation and human creativity at the heart of responsible journalism.

“Artificial Intelligence is proof that there is always room to do things better,” Mbah said. “But as journalists, you must never be so reliant on Artificial Intelligence to the extent that it dulls your creativity. That would be a total disservice to your profession.”

He described the media as the conscience of the nation, adding that the journalist’s role as a watchdog of society is even more critical at a time when truth is “brazenly assailed by deliberate falsehood.”

“In this era of AI and instant virality, the pursuit of the big story and the lure of the sensational should never supplant the painstaking search for the truth,” the governor warned.

He commended the SHPC for selecting such a timely theme, noting that the workshop aligns with the changing realities of digital journalism. “Artificial Intelligence is not the next frontier; it is already with us,” he said. “Even without realizing, we are using AI in everyday life — from Google Maps to search engines. We must, therefore, use it wisely.”

Governor Mbah used the opportunity to showcase some of the innovations being driven by technology in Enugu State.

He cited the establishment of a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre providing 24/7 surveillance across the state, which he said has significantly boosted security and emergency response in the State.

He also highlighted the administration’s flagship Smart Schools project, established in all 260 wards of the state, as a direct response to the learning gaps in the education system.

“Our Smart Schools are designed to turn students from passive learners into creators. From as early as age 3, our pupils are introduced to experiential learning and problem-solving using technology,” he explained.

According to him, the initiatives reflect the administration’s resolve to not just chase development headlines but to ensure real impact through policy and innovation.

“Our work is driven not by the quest for public acclaim but by the conviction that governance is a trust,” he said. “When governance is open, suspicion gives way to trust. And where there is trust, progress follows.”

Earlier, in his own address, vhairman of the State House Press Corps, Dr. Anule Emmanuel, expressed appreciation to Governor Mbah for hosting the event and commended his administration’s reforms across education, security, and infrastructure.

“We have heard and read about the bold initiatives in this state, and now we have the opportunity to see first-hand how Enugu is being transformed,” Emmanuel said.

He emphasised the importance of capacity building, especially for journalists covering the Presidency.