From Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to press freedom, urging media professionals to consistently champion the truth.
The Governor made this call in a statement commemorating the 2025 World Press Freedom Day, observed annually 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,” Ododo acknowledged the rapidly changing media landscape and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in journalism. He emphasized that these changes demand greater diligence, responsibility, and ethical standards from media practitioners.
“In this brave new world, we must ask hard questions,” he said. “Who controls the narrative? How do we ensure accuracy in an age of machine-generated content? Most importantly, how do we preserve the essence of journalism—its human judgment, ethics, and accountability?”
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s support for a free and responsible press, stating that press freedom is both a democratic imperative and a governance priority.
“Our administration will continue to encourage the media to stand for the truth. We welcome responsible scrutiny because good governance thrives on transparency. A silenced press is the enemy of progress, but freedom without responsibility is equally dangerous.”
He encouraged journalists to embrace technological innovation without compromising the foundational values of their profession—truth, balance, integrity, and accountability.
“Use technology to expand your reach, not to diminish your values. Let artificial intelligence enhance journalism, not erase its essence as a pillar of democracy,” he added.
The Governor concluded by calling on stakeholders nationwide to support efforts to safeguard journalists and uphold editorial independence in an era shaped by rapid technological advancements.
