Kwara Govt, Experts Advocate Responsible AI Adoption In Journalism

The Kwara State government has urged journalists to harness their skills in reshaping the global information and communication landscape through the ethical and professional adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).

The commissioner for communications, Mrs Bola Olukoju, made the call while addressing participants at a capacity-building programme organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Radio Kwara chapel themed; “Media in the Era of Generative AI: Fears, Opportunities, and Impacts.”

She emphasised the need for media practitioners to remain sharp, ethical and timely in their reportage.

“As a government, we remain committed to promoting a credible media environment and supporting responsible journalism,” Olukoju said.

The state chairman of NUJ, Abdullateef Ahmed, represented by vice chairman,  Hajia Binta Abubakar-Mora, applauded the initiative by Radio Kwara NUJ chapel, describing the training as timely and essential for upskilling practitioners in the digital era.

The general manager of Radio Kwara, Alhaji Kayode Aremu, reaffirmed the station’s dedication to leveraging AI tools in content production.

He urged journalists to stay current with modern trends, especially in AI-driven reporting techniques.

Chairman of the NUJ,  Radio Kwara chapel, Abdulrosheed Okiki, reassured members of continued efforts to organise regular training programmes to stay relevant in the digital era.

He emphasised that AI should not be feared as a job threat but embraced as a tool for professional growth.

Delivering the keynote lecture, the chief executive officer of Plat Technologies Ltd, Engr. Taofik Abdulkareem, highlighted the importance of creativity in deploying AI to strengthen democratic values.

Abdulkareem who is the state chairman of Nigeria Computer Society, urged journalists to adopt critical thinking skills, uphold ethical standards and ensure proper source accreditation in their digital engagements.

A senior lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, Dr  Abdulkadri Laaro, called for more investment in the training of journalists in order to enhance service delivery.

Laaro said the effectiveness of journalists depends on the quality and magnitude of training they are exposed to.